New Mexico Highpoint
Wheeler Peak
13,167 ft · Wheeler Peak Wilderness · Carson National Forest
Strenuous hikeLoading map…
The summit pin marks Wheeler Peak. The primary access pin marks the Williams Lake Trailhead above Taos Ski Valley, while Bull of the Woods provides the longer northern approach.
USGS-derived Wheeler Peak summit locationStandard route
Williams Lake Trail – Wheeler Peak Summit Trail
From the Williams Lake Trailhead above Taos Ski Valley, follow Williams Lake Trail through forest toward Williams Lake. Before reaching the lake, take Wheeler Peak Summit Trail and climb steeply through the upper basin, above treeline, and onto the ridge leading to Wheeler Peak.
Distance
8.5 mi
Elevation gain
2,961 ft
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Strenuous
Trailhead
Williams Lake Trailhead
Typical hazards: High altitude, rapid weather changes, summer thunderstorms and lightning, strong wind, lingering snow or ice, and prolonged exposure above treeline.
Taos Ski Valley lists the Wheeler Peak route from Williams Lake Trailhead at about 8.5 miles round trip with 2,961 feet of gain. Acclimatization is important because the route begins above 10,000 feet and finishes above 13,000 feet.
Taos Ski Valley: Wheeler Peak Summit Trail #67Alternative routes
Bull of the Woods – Wheeler Peak Trail #90
A much longer approach from Taos Ski Valley that climbs past Bull of the Woods Pasture, crosses Frazer Mountain, enters Wheeler Peak Wilderness, descends into La Cal Basin, and then climbs to Wheeler Peak.
Typical hazards: Long mileage, high altitude, exposed ridges, strong wind, rapidly developing thunderstorms, and snow or ice outside normal summer conditions.
The published Trail #90 distance is 7.3 miles one way. A portion crosses private property near Bull of the Woods and Frazer Mountain; remain on the established trail and do not camp on that private section.
Taos Ski Valley: Wheeler Peak Trail #90Access
Taos Ski Valley
The standard route begins in the upper Taos Ski Valley area at the Williams Lake Trailhead. Access is reached from Taos by following NM 150 to Taos Ski Valley and continuing toward the upper Kachina Basin trailhead area.
Use designated Taos Ski Valley trailhead parking.
The Williams Lake trailhead parking area is above the main resort village in the Kachina Basin area. Parking arrangements and road conditions can change seasonally, so follow current signs and local access information.
Park amenities
- Trailhead parking
- Taos Ski Valley services nearby
- Camping options in Carson National Forest
Know before you go
Wheeler Peak Wilderness rules
Motorized equipment and mechanized transport are prohibited in designated wilderness.
Groups in Carson National Forest wilderness are limited to 15 people.
Camping is prohibited within 50 feet of a trail and within 100 feet of streams, rivers, or wetlands.
Camping and fires are prohibited within 300 feet of Williams Lake.
Stay on established trails and protect fragile alpine vegetation above treeline.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Check Carson National Forest alerts before every trip. Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and surrounding trails are subject to an annual temporary late-summer closure for local traditional and cultural purposes. Exact dates are announced each year rather than treated as a permanent calendar closure.