Wheeler Peak
Wheeler Peak
5
About
An extremely challenging, eight to ten mile hike (one way).
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 5 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
62 reviews
Excellent
49
Very good
12
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Chris L
Albuquerque, NM1,565 contributions
Jun 2021
We accessed Wheeler from the east side through Lost Lake Trail. I would highly recommend this approach. I've done Bull of the Woods Trail and the trail from Williams Lake. Lost Lake trail is not as long as Bull of the Woods and not as continually steep as Williams Lake trail. We did stop and set up camp at Lost Lake, breaking up the hike into 2 days. We had some awesome views along with lots of Bighorn sheep in the meadow just below Wheeler. The trail is well marked and maintained.
Written 19 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda J
91 contributions
Jul 2020
Beautiful views
It was a great time we had. Breathtaking not just from the altitude
Well worth a visit
It was a great time we had. Breathtaking not just from the altitude
Well worth a visit
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz H
Austin, TX24 contributions
Jun 2020
We (family of 4 with 2 kids aged 7 and 12) hiked up Wheeler Peak on 30th June 2020. We arrived at the car park at 8 am and at that time there was plenty of room still to park (but this was during covid-19). The first part of the trail up to Williams Lake was simply lovely. The trail is wide and well marked, and is a gradual uphill through the forest. If attempting Wheeler Peak do take the first trail marker towards the peak rather than going on to the lake. The first mile of the peak trail was also very doable, a lovely forest hike but eventually you come out of the trees onto a relatively flat area. Here we saw chipmunks and marmots and the kids loved playing in the patchy snow. Until this point we'd all been hiking in long pants and just a sweatshirt. As we started the next section, the wind started to pick up and it suddenly became much cooler and we all needed our winter coats, woolly hats & gloves. The trail from this point is much steeper, and was generally very loose & gravely and lots of switchbacks. There is also multiple boulder fields to cross which was hard going. The major obstacle though was the wind - which was blowing hard and making it very cold. The final 0.75 mile is a slog and although the views were breathtaking the wind did not make it very pleasant. We made it to the top but it was not a place to hang about as the wind was so unpleasant. We took a quick photo and then retreated off the peak as soon as we could. The hike down was obviously much shorter and easier going than the hike up but we were all glad to have hiking poles as the loose gravel is slippy in places. Overall we were glad to have bagged the highest peak in New Mexico but we won't forget the ferocious wind! Definitely go prepared with winter coats, hats and gloves.
Written 12 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank T
Seabrook, TX3 contributions
Sept 2019 • Solo
Hiked to wheeler via Williams lake trail. Trail is well marked with blue painted circles in trees. Make sure you take a left at Williams lake And wheeler junction and don’t go down to lake. Also make sure you drive up twining road to get to parking lot. I didn’t summit wheeler as the wind was blowing too hard and my hands were numb. Summited walker instead. I was not prepared for wind at summit.
Written 29 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
El Paso, TX125 contributions
Sept 2019 • Solo
This peak was my second conquest on my peak bagging project. I wasn't disappointed. Parking was a little tricky as the local community kept diverting traffic to the dirt road, but once I got on the trail life was good. I got an early start (0630) so there was ample parking. There were a few tricky spots, but the trail was relatively easy to follow. A beany and gloves would have been nice (cold). There were plenty of other hikers and many brought their dogs. Come on out and bag a peak.
Written 9 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hmclellan
Seabrook, TX8 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We hiked the William's Lake trail during 4th of July week. It is a steep trail at times, especially for a couple of out-of-shape hikers that live at sea level or below for most of the year. However, with lots of breaks, we made it to William's Lake which is at approximately 11,000 feet. It's a beautiful spot, and we enjoyed resting and taking in the views for about an hour before heading back down. We were with family that attempted to continue up to reach the peak. However, due to there still being quite a bit of snow at higher elevations, they were unable to keep to a trail. There were other folks forging ahead, but it was a bit perilous without being on a well-marked trail and with the presence of snow. My sister had a pretty good slide on the mountain on some rocks. Left her pretty bruised and scraped up. They eventually decided not to try and summit the peak. The stretch to the summit from the lake is strenuous, they said, even when the trail is clearly visible and conditions are better for climbing. However, don't be put off by Wheeler Peak and the Taos Ski Valley. It's gorgeous. With lots of breaks, novices can make it to the lake just fine.
Written 20 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K+1
Marathon, FL244 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
New Mexico's highest peak at 13167 (13161?13159? anyway it's the tallest). Shortest trail is up the Williams Lake side - about 1/4 mile before the lake hang a left. Well marked. I measured about 9.5 miles round trip from trail head at Williams Lake parking area, including a short detour to Mt. Walter which shares saddle to Wheeler and as second highest (13141) should easily be honored with a visit. Great views of Williams Lake area, and Red River area on the other side.
Another trail leaves from the Taos Ski Valley parking lot and is much longer via Bull-of-the Woods Trail. This is a nice hike too - we went part way to visit Fraser (Frazer) Mountain at 12163'. Nice hike too, bighorns around. If you go to Wheeler this way it is more like 13-14 miles round trip.
Another trail leaves from the Taos Ski Valley parking lot and is much longer via Bull-of-the Woods Trail. This is a nice hike too - we went part way to visit Fraser (Frazer) Mountain at 12163'. Nice hike too, bighorns around. If you go to Wheeler this way it is more like 13-14 miles round trip.
Written 20 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JCChemDry
Cleburne, TX51 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
We came up from the Taos side and stopped by Williams lake for a breather. It is a good steep hike, but manageable. The trails are well marked and you can make it up without any strenuous climbing. You will be rewarded with a tremendous view at the top, where you can sign the book and rest a bit before heading back down.
Written 12 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cariefanning
Los Alamos, NM28 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Two night back pack through Lost Lake and Horse Shoe Lake to Wheeler Peak. An amazing trip with endless views. Watch out for bicyclers on the narrow, sometimes steep trail, who are now, unfortunately,allowed on the trail.
Written 16 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DT-AC92
Gallup, NM47 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We took the hike via Williams Lake trail on the Taos side because it was "shorter." Shorter in distance maybe, but the terrain was very tough. We were told by a local to try the Red River side of the Hike via Middlefork Lake trailhead next time as it is less steep terrain even though a longer hike. Luckily we missed the afternoon showers, so I recommend doing the hike early. Even though it was a steep and rough hike, once at the top those views were all worth the effort!! It is truly indescribable to be at the top of the state. Our round trip was 5 hours.
Written 17 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarahj6389
Knoxville, TN1 contribution
My husband and I are planning on hiking Wheeler in a few weeks in August. We’d like to start at the Williams Lake trailhead, summit Wheeler, then continue down the Bull of the Woods trail to the ski valley. Is there any shuttle service in Taos that would be able to pick us up in the valley and take us back to the Williams Lake trailhead?
Chris L
Albuquerque, NM1,565 contributions
Not sure, you could check the ski valley. Cell reception is a bit spotty in the area so that might be an issue
Great_Beer_Now
Houston, TX5,437 contributions
We are going to be in New Mexico in late August, which is a good time to hike, according to others. I am thinking about hiking to the top of Wheeler Peak, but as an inexperienced hiker, I have a few questions. One, about how long does it take to hike to the top and back down? Two, about how much water is necessary to take along? Three, what type of hiking gear is recommended?
Terry428
Cimarron, NM335 contributions
For a single day hike, you will want to take the Williams Lake Trail, from the Taos Ski Valley. This is a 6.2 mile trail and is considered a difficult trail. If you are new to hiking, at least make sure you are in good shape. The standard is 2-quarts of water per person. You will need sturdy door wear (hiking boots or shoes) and should dress in layers including a light fleece and outer waterproof shell. (The weather can be cool and very windy.) You should also have a map and/or GPS. Finally, you can have afternoon thunderstorms, so an early start is important. Hope this is helpful.
230kacie
Kerrville, TX78 contributions
My friends and I are planning to hike Wheeler Peak this summer. I gather from reading around that there are two trails leading to the peak, one shorter and steeper and one longer. I am assuming we'll take the shorter route since we are not prepared to backpack in. Where would any of you suggest I get a map? I am having trouble locating one. Also we are planning to camp, but would like a place with showers and electricity. Do you recommend any places nearby to camp?
Terry428
Cimarron, NM335 contributions
The best place to get a map, if you have some time, is MyTopo. (Trip Advisor will not let me share the link.) On this site you can create a customized map of any area/scale, with what ever overlays you want and have it printed on your choice of paper/plastic. Definitely one of my favorite sites. As for campgrounds with electric and water, there are some State Parks in the Red River Valley. Personally, we camp in the primitive camps and then our last night get a room in Red River, to shower and go to dinner in town. Hope this helps, Good Luck and have Fun!
474mountaingirl
Cedar Park, TX
What is the best month to hike Wheeler Peak in regards to there not being too much snow and wind?
Laurie B
Ontario, NY32 contributions
My husband climbed it in the first week of September and the weather was good. He did get some fog at the peak.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingWHEELER PEAK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Wheeler Peak
- Hotels near Wheeler Peak:
- (5.14 km) The Blake at Taos Ski Valley
- (5.24 km) Alpine Village Suites
- (5.52 km) Rio Hondo Condominiums
- (5.19 km) Edelweiss Lodge & Spa
- (5.10 km) Hotel St Bernard
- Restaurants near Wheeler Peak:
- (3.01 km) The Bavarian Restaurant
- (14.35 km) Taos Cow
- (5.14 km) 192 at The Blake
- (5.21 km) The Blonde Bear Tavern
- (5.23 km) Black Diamond Espresso