Hike to Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak

Chip Martin

Hike to Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak

05/29/17

Easy hike with a great payoff. Still snow the majority of the way up to the lake. Microspikes would have greatly helped us navigate a few slippery spots. High ankle boots are highly recommended as we came across a lady that had broken her ankle due to low ankle boots. She was assisted back to the trailhead by forest service.

5.0

Explorer

Alex E

Explorer

Hike to Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak

02/11/17

This hike is fairly easy for its elevation. We only saw 6 other people when we hiked on a week day in June. We did run into a little bit of weather and got some late season snow flurries and heavy winds. We also got a rare glimpse at some Bighorn Sheep which was the highlight of the trip. I highly recommend this to anyone planning a trip to New Mexico. Very beautiful hike.

5.0

Spencer Harsh

Hike to Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak

07/17/16

A couple friends and I hiked Mt. Wheeler back in June. We all had light day gear and were going up the slopes as a day hike that started at 9am. Once we started hiking up the trail that led to the peak, snow was found in the tree line. It was a neat factor in the hike as it blocked some sections of trail and created a decent amount of mud. At some spots, the snow made us take some careful steps around a few switchbacks as a slip would've resulted in a good fall and slide. A few of use brought some Outdoor Research gaiters since we anticipated snow and we're happy to have done so. They helped keep out boots and feet dry. After the tree line was cleared, there was a decent breeze that helped us stay cool. Upon clearing the tree line, the trail started to produce really wide switchbacks. In order to save time, we fanned out in order to minimize impact on grass and plants and schwacked up steep sides of the mountain that were mostly grass. I do not encourage doing this if you are not a strong hiker as the steep climb can wear you out, especially if you aren't acclimated to the altitude. After a few more schwacks, we finally followed one last chunk of trail up to the saddle of the peak. As we hit the saddle, a lot of us were happy to have brought jackets as the wind at the top added a pretty decent chill on a summer day. As we reached the peak, we took a photo op and found a mountain sheep to hangout with. Wheeler Peak is defiantly a great picture and nap spot. On the way down, we decided to live dangerously. Several large snowbanks were still above the tree line and made for great slides down the mountain in order for a quick descent. Again, the gaiters helped us keep our feet dry. The hike down was certainly quicker and it was neat to hike back through an almost different terrain. As it got later in the day, more snow had melted and more watery trails were produced as a result. At the end of the trek, each of us had consumed several snacks, two liters of water each, and thankfully used no first aid gear. Wheeler Peak is a great day hike and I would certainly encourage it and do it again!

5.0

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Hike to Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak

06/09/16

We hiked this on a Thursday evening and only saw a few other people. About a mile of the trail in the forest before the lake is still very snowy but doable in trail running shoes. The lake was still mostly frozen, not much green around it, but still pretty. This would definitely be an amazing place to catch an intense sunrise/sunset.

5.0

Keith Fine

Hike to Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak

03/06/16

Such a good hike! If your looking for an interesting twist to this beautiful hike, give it a go in mid winter(make sure there is plenty of snow). You can attempt without snowshoes but just make sure to not step off the hard pack or you will find yourself knee deep in snow. The views of the snow covered lake are absolutely beautiful!

5.0