Wheeler Peak (New Mexico)

Sunset over the Wheeler Peak

The Wheeler Peak is at an altitude of 4011 meters the highest mountain in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is named after George Montague Wheeler, an American officer and explorer of the late 19th century. Previously, Wheeler Peak was named Taos Peak to Taos Pueblo and Taos the place.

Location

The mountain is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost mountain range of the Rocky Mountains, and rises 20 km northeast of the town of Taos and about 50 kilometers south of the border with neighboring Colorado. Nearby Mount Walter is only six feet lower and has a saddle height of only 25 meters, so the two summits are often confused with each other. To protect the wilderness the Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area was established.

Tourism

Wheeler Peak is known for its ski area.

There are several ways to reach the top. Besides the normal hiking trails also introduces a more direct route to their destination, but which leads over loose talus and increased climbing requires. On the summit of Wheeler peak is a summit log.