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View Trail Map in AppNo fees or permits are required for parking or hiking, though wilderness regulations apply in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. From the parking lot, the trail passes through private land for about 0.8 miles - be sure to stay on the trail.
Path Type
There and Back
<p>The route begins at the Williams Lake Trailhead near Taos Ski Valley and turns around at the summit of Wheeler Peak.<p>
<p>Follow the Williams Lake Trail south from the trailhead through dense spruce-fir forest. At 2.0 miles, reach the junction for the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail. Turn left at this junction to begin the climb, or continue straight for 0.2 miles to visit Williams Lake before returning to this point.<p>
<p>From the junction, the route immediately climbs via tight, steep switchbacks through a boulder field and open talus slopes. Ascend 1,900 vertical feet over 2.0 miles to reach the high alpine ridge saddle between Mount Walter and Wheeler Peak. At the ridge, turn right and follow the path south along the exposed ridge for 0.4 miles to reach the Wheeler Peak summit. Retrace your steps back to the trailhead.<p>
Some Issues
All Clear
All Clear
Some Issues
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