WHEELER PEAK

6-mile Combination Backpack/Hike

Description Backpack to Williams Lake and set up base camp. The next morning, rise early and day hike up scree slopes to Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. Enjoy the views and return to base camp to pack out or to spend the day hiking and relaxing around the lake.

Difficulty Moderate

Comments Several routes exist to Wheeler Peak. This particular route affords the opportunity for younger Scouts to hike to Wheeler Peak. There are several campsites available in the vacinity of Williams Lake as noted in the Latir Lakes/Wheeler Peak Wilderness map. There are restrictions on the party size in the wilderness campsites. From a base camp at Williams Lake experience hiking up/down scree slopes to reach Wheeler Peak. It is suggested that a route to the northeast of Williams Lake be used to reach Trail 90 at the saddle between Mount Walter and Wheeler Peak. Care must always be exercised for loose rock when hiking through scree fields although loose rock is not a major problem via this route.

Because of the dangers of lightening when hiking over barren areas and exposed ridges, your group should leave base camp early in the morning so that you can be back to camp by noon or earlier. This is particularly true during the summer months.

To Earn
Feather Backpack to a base camp and hike to Wheeler Peak the next day. Follow all instructions published on the Latir Peak and Wheeler Peak Wilderness / Carson National Forest map published by the Forest Service. Pay particular attention to safety requirements, wilderness restrictions and respect for adjacent lands of the Taos Pueblo

Maps Latir Peak & Wheeler Peak Wilderness; Carson National Forest. USGS: Wheeler Peak

Trail Start at Forest Service Trailhead 62. Trail 62 (2.3 mi.) -> Williams Lake (0.9 mi.) -> Trail 90 (0.2 mi.) -> Wheeler Peak (0.2 mi.) -> Leave Trail 90 (0.9 mi.) -> Williams Lake/Trail 62 (2.3 mi.) -> Trailhead 62. (See map)

Elevation
Profile

Transportation
Requirements Drive to Twining (Taos Ski Valley) via State road 150. Park near the trailhead for Trail 62.

VEREDAS DE LAS MONTANAS SERIES
(Trails of the Mountains)

LODGE 66 TRAILS PROGRAM

EXIT TRAILS

Last updated: November 11, 1998

Description	Backpack to Williams Lake and set up base camp. The next morning, rise early and day hike up scree slopes to Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. Enjoy the views and return to base camp to pack out or to spend the day hiking and relaxing around the lake.
Difficulty	Moderate
Comments	Several routes exist to Wheeler Peak. This particular route affords the opportunity for younger Scouts to hike to Wheeler Peak. There are several campsites available in the vacinity of Williams Lake as noted in the Latir Lakes/Wheeler Peak Wilderness map. There are restrictions on the party size in the wilderness campsites. From a base camp at Williams Lake experience hiking up/down scree slopes to reach Wheeler Peak. It is suggested that a route to the northeast of Williams Lake be used to reach Trail 90 at the saddle between Mount Walter and Wheeler Peak. Care must always be exercised for loose rock when hiking through scree fields although loose rock is not a major problem via this route. Because of the dangers of lightening when hiking over barren areas and exposed ridges, your group should leave base camp early in the morning so that you can be back to camp by noon or earlier. This is particularly true during the summer months.
To Earn Feather	Backpack to a base camp and hike to Wheeler Peak the next day. Follow all instructions published on the Latir Peak and Wheeler Peak Wilderness / Carson National Forest map published by the Forest Service. Pay particular attention to safety requirements, wilderness restrictions and respect for adjacent lands of the Taos Pueblo
Maps	Latir Peak & Wheeler Peak Wilderness; Carson National Forest. USGS: Wheeler Peak
Trail	Start at Forest Service Trailhead 62. Trail 62 (2.3 mi.) -> Williams Lake (0.9 mi.) -> Trail 90 (0.2 mi.) -> Wheeler Peak (0.2 mi.) -> Leave Trail 90 (0.9 mi.) -> Williams Lake/Trail 62 (2.3 mi.) -> Trailhead 62. (See map)
Elevation Profile
Transportation Requirements	Drive to Twining (Taos Ski Valley) via State road 150. Park near the trailhead for Trail 62.