Wheeler Cirque
Wheeler Cirque, New Mexico. This ridge scramble consists of Wheeler Peak (13,159'), Simpson Peak (12,976') then continues past a few more 12,000'+ peaks to Lake Fork Peak before ending at Kachina Peak, all in the Taos Ski Area.
This hike is a loop that is mostly in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, Questa Ranger District.
The cirque is reached via the Williams Lake Trail #62, which starts near Taos: 36.575947, -105.439151. Nearby, in-town parking is available here: 36.57955994314744, -105.439809220859.
The same trail leads to the Wheeler Peak summit. There is a variation which includes Mt Walter before Wheeler Peak which adds about 2-3 miles.
Location of TH - 36°34'28.1"N 105°26'19.2"W - Google Maps
For more information, see the Carson Natural Wilderness site and Virtual Sherpa. Contact the Questa Ranger District at (575) 586-0520.
- Suitable Activities: Hiking, Scrambling
- Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Avalanche Terrain Rating Complex View avalanche forecast.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 10.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 4,500 ft
- 13,171 ft
- Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
- Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 15
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 15
Map
51 Deer Ln, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
Activities
Trip Reports
Resources
There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.