Wheeler Peak (NM)

[steelfrog]

Better place to access Chimiyosos is over by Mora, Serpent Lake th

[madbuck]

Anybody have updates on conditions, from Williams Lake? I see ~4 inches at the top of Taos Ski Valley earlier this week. (Anybody know how to get static/past webcam images from the ski area)?
Not sure if there was/is more snow piled on up top, or if it is likely to have consolidated/melted after several sunny days. Thanks!

[glenmiz]

Anybody have updates on conditions, from Williams Lake? I see ~4 inches at the top of Taos Ski Valley earlier this week. (Anybody know how to get static/past webcam images from the ski area)?
Not sure if there was/is more snow piled on up top, or if it is likely to have consolidated/melted after several sunny days. Thanks!

https://live1.brownrice.com/embed/tsvridge" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jdorje]

https://live1.brownrice.com/embed/tsvridge

That full moon though.

[madbuck]

Thanks -- great camera shot! (During the day)

Went up the trail Friday but had to turn around a bit above treeline due to time. Anyway, some packed snow and ice but not deep. Traction was helpful. Reports from others were some drifted snow at the top for the last ~500 feet or so. Calm winds, pretty great for November.

[montanahiker]

Has anyone been on Wheeler lately? I'm planning on Saturday or Sunday weather permitting. Which route do you recommend? I've got all day and would prefer Bull of the Woods but there's a 40% chance of showers/thunderstorms so I may do Williams Lake instead if skies are clear.

[climbnowworklater]

Just did Wheeler yesterday. Took Bull trail up and Williams down. If you're pressed for time, do Williams. If you have longer and want a leisurely hike, take Bull. PM me to discuss.

[Ptglhs]

Anyone done this one this week? I've looked at the webcams but wanted an opinion from a human. We're trying to climb it tomorrow. The high wind which was originally forecast for earlier in the week is going to be hitting us in full force. yay...

[desertdog]

I climbed some mountains near Wheeler this week and there was about 5 inches snow max. If you go the Williams Lake route you should be fine. The Bull of the Woods is longer, but more scenic. Snow is more of an issue in places on BOA because it gets trapped in gullies along the way. Once you get to the ridge is the point that the wind will be an issue. At least it will be sunny!

[rob runkle]

Bump. Heading up Nov 26.

[Ptglhs]

I did it last Saturday. Went up Bull of the Woods and down WIlliams Lake.

BoW was very scenic and an easy ascent. It's 4k of gain in 7.5 miles. A few of the streams were still flowing and there was patches of snow and ice the whole way, consistently after 11k. If you want to avoid the elevation regain I'd suggest not descending into the La Cal basin and just hug the contour line at the saddle and regain the trail on the East side of the basin.

Suggested route to avoid elevation regain.

Capture.PNG (482.96 KiB) Viewed 3425 times

There was a very small cornice going up the unranked sub peak north of Walker. I'd advise going over, not around it. The slopes there were steep and the snow was a wind polished slab. There wasn't enough snow yet to pose avy danger. Williams Lake descent reminded me of a CO 14er: 20-25% slopes and a lot of rock on a built trail. It was very icy below Williams lake as a result of so many boots packing down the snow.

Have fun.

[rob runkle]

Based on the conditions, BoW up and Williams Lake down is starting to sound like a nice option for me in a week. Thanks.

Sounds like:
no snow shoes
no ice axe
traction might be nice, but seems like microspikes will be fine
dress for 40 degrees (with layers available to below freezing)
probably no major issues with frozen water bottles