Wheeler PeakHighest Peak in New Mexico

Carson National Forest

Jerry & Jay September 7, 2010 6:30am – 5:30pm

16 mile Roundtrip Hike From Trailhead at Taos Ski Valley.Trailhead is at around 9,200 ft above sea level

and the peak is at 13,161 ft

Train StationLamy, NM

Sept 6, 2010Picking up Jay

Jay on our decktalking to Debbie.

Alpine Village SuitesTaos Ski Valley

Jay pointing to the mountainthat we hope to conquer the

next morning!

Sign by the trailhead showing the various

hiking trails

Trailhead 6:34am Time to Rock & Roll!

Holy Guacamole!...What has my Brogotten me into!

Wish all the trailwere this wide and gentle!

There were some very narrow, steep and rocky parts.A few small streams to cross, except one that was about 15’

wide and had logs piled upto allow crossing without

getting wet……that is if you didn’t loose yourbalance!….. which I almost did

on the way down.

Sign to advise we wereentering the Wilderness Area.Special rules apply inaccordance with theWilderness Act of 1964

Big Horn SheepOn the horizon

Big Horn Sheep..& Eagle

Taos Ski Runs

Taos Ski Valley from just above the tree line.

About half way to the Peak

Taos Ski RunsFrom the second false peak

More than half of the trail is above the tree line.

The tree line varies, but is at around 11,000 ft.

Rain clouds brewing but didn’t develop.

A few sprinkles about an hourafter we finished the hike

Williams Lake

About 20 minutes after leaving the Peak.

One of two false peaksbehind Jay

Plaque at the Peak

We made it to the top of New Mexico!

Tube at the peak where you can sign a log or

leave a message.Note the final assent trail

leading over the falsepeaks in the upper right.

Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel.We saw three at the Peak.

They will eat out of your hand if you stay very still.

Hey Jerry! Your Granola bar

looks mighty tasty….. especially the nuts.How about sharing?

(I did & Jay gave them somepieces of apple/pear)

Rocky Mountain high at the Peak!

Jay, where is the helicopter?What do you mean we haveto hike back down!.....that’s another 8 miles dude!