- Region
- NM, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm permit requirements, camping rules…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Carson National Forest
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Wheeler Peak Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Wheeler Peak Wilderness
How to get there
From Taos, travel approximately four miles north on U.S. Highway 64 to State Highway 150, then follow Highway 150 east to Taos Ski Valley. Continue through the ski area parking lot to Twining Campground. Parking is available adjacent to the campground; parking beyond that point is prohibited. A sign at the trailhead shows the wilderness and its trails.
- Twining Campground trailhead
The documented starting point for Wheeler Peak Trail near Taos Ski Valley. Park adjacent to the campground and use the wilderness trail sign to orient before heading toward Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture.
- East Fork of the Red River
An alternate wilderness exit reached by following the ridge from Wheeler Peak through Simpson Peak and Taos Cone into Sawmill Park, then taking Trail 55. Plan onward transportation before choosing this exit rather than returning to Twining Campground.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
NM, USA · United States
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
High country in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Wheeler Peak Wilderness occupies the high country of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with Wheeler Peak rising to 13,161 feet, the highest point in the state. Alpine tundra, uncommon in the American Southwest, covers the peak and neighboring mountains. The terrain includes lakes, long talus slopes, and ridges that carry hikers well above the forest. Taos Ski Valley borders the wilderness on the north, making this an accessible and heavily used mountain destination rather than a reliably quiet retreat. The main summit approach follows a well-defined trail and requires no technical climbing gear, but that does not make it a casual walk. Elevation, sustained effort, and time above timberline should shape the plan. Choose an outing that leaves enough energy for the descent, and treat the summit as an option rather than an obligation.
The summit approach and onward routes
Wheeler Peak Trail, numbered 90, begins near Twining Campground and heads northeast toward Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture. The pasture is 2.25 miles from the start, near the junction with Gold Hill Trail. Here the summit approach stays on the road climbing southeast toward Bull-of-the-Wood Mountain and crosses private land, where considerate travel matters. Beyond the mountain, the route runs at or above timberline. La Cal Basin offers camping areas and a place to pause before the final ascent. Returning the same way keeps the route straightforward, while onward options lead toward Horseshoe Lake or along the ridge through Simpson Peak and Taos Cone to Sawmill Park. Those alternatives need their own navigation and exit plans. The direct descent toward Williams Lake is different: it crosses a steep, very rocky slope without a maintained trail and should not be mistaken for an easy shortcut.
Weather, wildlife, and current access
The high country has a short summer, described as roughly four months, when elk, mule deer, songbirds, marmots, and pikas are active. Golden eagles occur here, and bighorn sheep use the wind-swept tundra year-round. Black bears and mountain lions have also been seen. Give animals space and secure food when camping. Annual precipitation is about 40 inches, split roughly between summer and winter, so neither a summer hike nor a winter outing should be planned around dry conditions alone. Carry layers and weather protection for travel above timberline. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are established uses, but winter travel brings avalanche danger. Before departure, check Carson National Forest’s current conditions and its annual summer closure notice for Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and the surrounding area. Confirm applicable permit requirements with the forest before finalizing the trip.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Wheeler Peak Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 36.5856, -105.4787
- Latitude (DMS)
- 36° 35′ 8.2″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 105° 28′ 43.2″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Wheeler Peak Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
About 135 million years ago a tremendous geologic uplift created the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wheeler Peak Wilderness now marks the top of this rugged range, with Wheeler Peak, at 13,161 feet, standing...
Key takeaways
- Region: NM, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 36.586, -105.479
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Wheeler Peak Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Wheeler Peak Wilderness
High country in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Wheeler Peak Wilderness occupies the high country of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with Wheeler Peak rising to 13,161 feet, the highest point in the state. Alpine tundra, uncommon in the American Southwest, covers the peak and neighboring mountains. The terrain includes lakes, long talus slopes, and ridges that carry hikers well above the forest. Taos Ski Valley borders the wilderness on the north, making this an accessible and heavily used mountain destination rather than a reliably quiet retreat. The main summit approach follows a well-defined trail and requires no technical climbing gear, but that does not make it a casual walk. Elevation, sustained effort, and time above timberline should shape the plan. Choose an outing that leaves enough energy for the descent, and treat the summit as an option rather than an obligation.
The summit approach and onward routes
Wheeler Peak Trail, numbered 90, begins near Twining Campground and heads northeast toward Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture. The pasture is 2.25 miles from the start, near the junction with Gold Hill Trail. Here the summit approach stays on the road climbing southeast toward Bull-of-the-Wood Mountain and crosses private land, where considerate travel matters. Beyond the mountain, the route runs at or above timberline. La Cal Basin offers camping areas and a place to pause before the final ascent. Returning the same way keeps the route straightforward, while onward options lead toward Horseshoe Lake or along the ridge through Simpson Peak and Taos Cone to Sawmill Park. Those alternatives need their own navigation and exit plans. The direct descent toward Williams Lake is different: it crosses a steep, very rocky slope without a maintained trail and should not be mistaken for an easy shortcut.
Weather, wildlife, and current access
The high country has a short summer, described as roughly four months, when elk, mule deer, songbirds, marmots, and pikas are active. Golden eagles occur here, and bighorn sheep use the wind-swept tundra year-round. Black bears and mountain lions have also been seen. Give animals space and secure food when camping. Annual precipitation is about 40 inches, split roughly between summer and winter, so neither a summer hike nor a winter outing should be planned around dry conditions alone. Carry layers and weather protection for travel above timberline. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are established uses, but winter travel brings avalanche danger. Before departure, check Carson National Forest’s current conditions and its annual summer closure notice for Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and the surrounding area. Confirm applicable permit requirements with the forest before finalizing the trip.
Route options
- Wheeler Peak Trail 907.3 miles for Wheeler Peak Trail; not a round-trip distance.Nontechnical, but demanding high-elevation travel.
Follow the summit approach from Twining Campground through Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture, toward Bull-of-the-Wood Mountain, and across La Cal Basin to Wheeler Peak. The trail is well defined, with travel at or above timberline beyond Bull-of-the-Wood Mountain. Return by the same route for an out-and-back.
- Horseshoe Lake via Trail 91
From Wheeler Peak, take Trail 91 toward Horseshoe Lake as an alternative to retracing the summit approach. Establish the full return or exit plan before committing to this continuation.
- Simpson Peak–Taos Cone–Sawmill Park traverse
Follow the ridge from Wheeler Peak to Simpson Peak and Taos Cone, continue into Sawmill Park, and use Trail 55 to exit on the East Fork of the Red River. This changes the endpoint from the Twining Campground approach.
- Direct descent to Williams LakeSteep, very rocky, and unmaintained.
A descent from Wheeler Peak toward Williams Lake crosses a very rocky slope with no maintained trail. Do not treat this as an equivalent substitute for a maintained trail, and check the applicable closure notice before considering it.
Sample itineraries
- Wheeler Peak via Trail 90 · 1 day
Start at Twining Campground and follow Trail 90 through Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture, past Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain and La Cal Basin to Wheeler Peak. Return the same way. The listed trail length is 7.3 miles, not a round-trip distance. Plan for sustained high-elevation travel and check the annual summer closure before departure.
- La Cal Basin Overnight and Summit · 2 days
Follow Trail 90 from Twining Campground to the camping areas in La Cal Basin. Attempt Wheeler Peak the next day, then retrace the approach. This splits the ascent but still requires carrying overnight gear above timberline. Confirm current camping rules and whether the annual summer closure affects the trip.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Winter-to-summer transition
Treat spring as a transition rather than a guaranteed snow-free hiking season. Winter snowfall can affect footing and route visibility at high elevations. Check snow conditions and avalanche danger before committing to exposed terrain.
Summer
Short alpine summer
Wildlife activity increases during the short summer. About half the annual precipitation falls in summer, so pack rain protection and reassess exposed travel as weather changes. An annual summer closure covers Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake and surrounding terrain; confirm its current scope and timing.
Fall
Transition out of the short alpine summer
Plan conservatively as the short alpine summer ends. Above-timberline travel offers little shelter from wind or deteriorating weather. Carry warm layers and check current snow and trail conditions rather than assuming summer footing persists.
Winter
Snow-covered season
About half the annual precipitation falls in winter as snow. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are established activities, but avalanche danger requires careful terrain selection, current condition checks and appropriate training.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Winter-to-summer transition | Treat spring as a transition rather than a guaranteed snow-free hiking season. Winter snowfall can affect footing and route visibility at high elevations. Check snow conditions and avalanche danger before committing to exposed terrain. |
| Summer | Short alpine summer | Wildlife activity increases during the short summer. About half the annual precipitation falls in summer, so pack rain protection and reassess exposed travel as weather changes. An annual summer closure covers Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake and surrounding terrain; confirm its current scope and timing. |
| Fall | Transition out of the short alpine summer | Plan conservatively as the short alpine summer ends. Above-timberline travel offers little shelter from wind or deteriorating weather. Carry warm layers and check current snow and trail conditions rather than assuming summer footing persists. |
| Winter | Snow-covered season | About half the annual precipitation falls in winter as snow. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are established activities, but avalanche danger requires careful terrain selection, current condition checks and appropriate training. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements, camping rules and current access restrictions with Carson National Forest before departure.
Official source: Carson National Forest | Wheeler Peak Trail · Verified November 5, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Wheeler Peak reaches 13,161 feet. Altitude can affect even fit hikers; pace the ascent conservatively and descend if symptoms develop.
- Trail 90 stays at or above timberline beyond Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain. Wind, cold and changing weather can make this exposed section demanding.
- Avalanches are a concern during snow travel. Skiing and snowshoeing require terrain assessment and appropriate avalanche knowledge.
- The descent toward Williams Lake described here is steep, very rocky and has no maintained trail. Do not treat it as an easy shortcut.
- Long talus slopes and rocky ground demand careful footing, especially when wet or snow-covered.
- Black bears and mountain lions occur in the wilderness. Secure food, keep wildlife at a distance and avoid approaching animals.
What to pack for Wheeler Peak Wilderness
- Insulating layers
- Windproof and waterproof outer layers
- Sun protection
- Sturdy footwear
- Water and a treatment method
- Trail map and compass
- Offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Weather-ready shelter
- Sleeping bag and insulated sleeping pad suited to expected conditions
- Food storage appropriate for bear country
- Stove and fuel
- Skis or snowshoes suited to conditions
- Warm gloves and spare dry layers
- Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe when entering avalanche terrain
- Training to use avalanche equipment
Wheeler Peak Wilderness FAQ
- Where does the Wheeler Peak Trail start?
- Access Trail 90 at Twining Campground. From Taos, take U.S. Highway 64 north to State Highway 150, then follow 150 to Taos Ski Valley. Continue through the ski-area parking lot to the campground. Parking is available adjacent to it; parking beyond that point is prohibited.
- How long is Trail 90, and does it require climbing equipment?
- Trail 90 is listed as 7.3 miles long. That is not a stated round-trip mileage. The summit is 13,161 feet, the highest point in New Mexico. Technical climbing gear is not needed for the described hiking route, but snow conditions can change equipment needs.
- What landmarks help with navigation?
- Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture is 2.25 miles from the start. Near the Gold Hill Trail intersection, stay on the road ascending southeast toward Bull-of-the-Wood Mountain. Respect private land here. Beyond the mountain, the route travels at or above timberline and passes La Cal Basin before the final ascent.
- Can the summit hike become an overnight trip?
- La Cal Basin offers camping areas along the approach. Confirm camping rules and current restrictions before choosing a site. Carry suitable overnight equipment and protect the alpine tundra from trampling.
- Are there alternative descents?
- Options include Trail 91 toward Horseshoe Lake, or the ridge through Simpson Peak and Taos Cone into Sawmill Park, then Trail 55 to the East Fork of the Red River. These require separate navigation and exit planning. The described Williams Lake descent is steep, rocky and unmaintained.
- What access restrictions should be checked?
- Check the annual summer closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake and surrounding terrain before setting out. Confirm its timing and boundaries with Carson National Forest. Trail 90 supports hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, subject to current restrictions.