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13,161 ft · Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico

Wheeler Peak

Wheeler Peak is a 13,161 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico. The standard route is the Williams Lake Trail: 8 mi, 3,000 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Wheeler Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico

Wheeler Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,161 ft4,011 m
  • RouteWilliams Lake TrailClass 1
  • Distance8 mi3,000 ft gain
  • Time6 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSangre de Cristo MountainsNew Mexico

Climbing the Williams Lake Trail

From Taos, New Mexico, take the Taos Ski Valley Road to the trailhead at the ski area. The Williams Lake Trail is the most popular approach. High elevation trail reaching over 13,000 feet with thin air affecting many hikers. Afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan an early start to be off the summit by noon. The Bull-of-the-Woods Trail offers a longer alternative approach with nice alpine scenery. Beautiful alpine tundra ecosystem above treeline. Carry extra layers as conditions can change quickly. New Mexico's highest peak. No permits required.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking Boots
  • Midlayer
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Sun Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • High altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Storms
  • Snow near summit
  • Ice near summit
  • High winds
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Altitude sickness
  • Steep exposure
  • Low visibility
  • Remote location

Wheeler Peak on Yak

Climbers have shared 19 climbs of Wheeler Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

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Quests with Wheeler Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Wheeler Peak?

Wheeler Peak is 13,161 feet (4,011 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico.

Is Wheeler Peak the highest point in New Mexico?

Yes. At 13,161 feet, Wheeler Peak is the highest point in New Mexico.

How hard is it to hike Wheeler Peak?

The Williams Lake Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Wheeler Peak?

Most people take 6 – 9 hours round trip on the Williams Lake Trail, covering 8 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Wheeler Peak?

The Williams Lake Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Wheeler Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Wheeler Peak reaches 13,161 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Wheeler Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Wheeler Peak?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Wheeler Peak?

The Williams Lake Trail starts at about 10,210 feet, roughly 2,951 feet below the summit.

Climb Wheeler Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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