Carson National Forest
Wheeler Peak Summit - Trail #90

In the summer months, this trail is used for hiking and horseback riding. In winter, this trail is used for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Access:

Travel approximately four miles north on U.S. Hwy. 64 from Taos to the junction of State Highway 150, then east on 150 to Taos Ski Valley. Continue through the ski area parking lot to the Twining Campground. Parking is available next to the campground. There is no parking permitted beyond here. At this trailhead, there is a sign showing the wilderness and its’ trails.

Attractions and Considerations:

The trail starts in a northeastward direction and follows the forest boundary until you reach Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture, a distance of about 2.25 miles. Near the pasture, the trail intersects with Gold Hill Trail. Stay on the road that ascends southeast toward Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain. You are on private land here so please be respectful! From Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain on, you will be hiking at or above timberline. The trail is very well marked. When you come to the La Cal Basin, there are some camping areas and a chance to rest and catch your breath before you start the final ascent to the top of Wheeler Peak. No technical climbing gear is needed. On the summit, you are "at the top of the world" with spectacular 360° views. Coming down from the summit you have some choices: back the way you came or choose an alternate route such as Trail 91 to Horseshoe Lake or follow the ridge line to Simpson Peak, Taos Cone and into Sawmill Park, then take Trail 55 to exit on the East Fork of the Red River. You can also venture down the steep slope to Williams Lake but this is not a maintained trail and the slope is very rocky.

• Location: Questa Ranger District - Wheeler Peak Wilderness
• Length: 8 miles
• Use: Heavy
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
• Beginning Elevation: 9,200 feet
• Ending Elevation: 13,161 feet
• Elevation Gain: 3,961 feet
• USGS QUADS:Wheeler Peak