Wheeler Peak

At 13,161 feet, Wheeler Peak is the highest point in New Mexico! The summit rises above treeline in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with panoramic views across northern New Mexico and the surrounding high country. On a clear day, you can see ridgelines and valleys stretching far beyond Taos.

What to Do

The standard route begins near Taos Ski Valley by following the Williams Lake Trail for about 2 miles, then continuing another 2 miles up the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail. The climb gains roughly 2,000 feet from the Williams Lake area to the summit, with increasingly rocky and exposed terrain as you get higher. The final stretch is above treeline, where powerful wind, cold temperatures, and lingering snow are common even when conditions lower down feel mild. The trail is well maintained and generally easy to follow, but the elevation makes this a serious hike. If you’re coming from lower elevations, expect the thin air to slow you down considerably. The summit itself is broad and open, with a marker at the high point and views in every direction. Bighorn sheep are sometimes seen in the surrounding alpine terrain, especially around the upper slopes and nearby ridges.

Weather is the biggest thing to take seriously here. Summer thunderstorms can build quickly in the mountains, and once you’re above treeline there is no shelter. An early start gives you the best chance of reaching the summit and getting back down before an afternoon storm develops.

How Much Time to Spend

Plan on around 6 to 8 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how well you handle the elevation. Strong hikers may finish faster, but there is no reason to rush the summit. Leave time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the views before heading back down. Start early, especially in summer, so you have plenty of margin for weather and unexpected difficulties.

Getting There

The trailhead is the same one used for Williams Lake near Taos Ski Valley, reached entirely on paved roads. Parking can fill on busy summer weekends, so arriving early helps. Snow can linger high on the route into early summer, and conditions near the summit can be very different from those at the trailhead. This is roughly 8 miles round trip with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain, all at elevations where the air is noticeably thin.

If you want to stand on the highest point in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak is the hike for you, but go in expecting a full mountain day rather than just a longer version of the Williams Lake hike.