New Mexico

New Mexico: Wheeler Peak

Elevation: 13161 ft

Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range, Wheeler peak sits between two popular ski towns in New Mexico; Taos, and Red River. It is in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness area of Carson National forest. From Red River take mountain road 578 south until it basically dead ends. It leads into a neighborhood of mountain cabins. Continue on Forest Road which then becomes Wheeler Peak Road. This road leads to a small parking lot and trail head. The trail from here is called the Lost Lake Trail. You will pass by two peaceful mountain lakes on this trail. Hike time up and back was around 6-7 hours.

From Taos you can also access two different trails the Bull of the Woods Trail and the Williams Lake Trail

The way entering the Lost Lake Trail is dark and mysterious looking. There was quite a bit of fog on this particular day and it made for a unique and lush setting

The fog cleared for a while to be able to see how lush and green the mountain is. This is Horshoe Lake looking south west toward the summit which is hidden beyond the ridge.

A panoramic looking back at the way I came and the beatiful Carson National Forest

Even on the top of the peak the grass was still green and growing. You can continue down a little further along the summit ridge and easily make it to the top of Mount Walter.