{"id":52612,"date":"2024-04-06T08:10:50","date_gmt":"2024-04-06T14:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=52612"},"modified":"2024-05-12T23:43:51","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T05:43:51","slug":"wheeler-peak-sangre-de-cristo-range-the-new-mexico-state-high-point-6-27-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=52612","title":{"rendered":"Wheeler Peak, Sangre de Cristo Range, the New Mexico State High Point (6-27-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 20 – 22 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-26-23, 12:43 PM, Taos Ski Village<\/em> – On the deck overlooking a rushing stream, SPHP sipped on a cherry sour.<\/p>\n

Mushroom Swiss burger, Loop!\u00a0 Sure you don’t want a bite?\u00a0 Very tasty!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe sat in the shade, content to merely watch SPHP eat while enjoying the sound of the water.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog could have gone into Door 38 Pizza – Taos Ale House; it was a dog friendly establishment, but SPHP was so filthy that avoiding the rest of the clientele as much as possible seemed prudent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Out on the Door 38 Pizza – Taos Ale House deck<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not interested, aye?\u00a0 Your loss, Loopster!\u00a0 Guess I’ll polish off the whole burger then.<\/em><\/p>\n

After a steep, dusty drive up a wide gravel road, Lupe spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out at the Williams Lake trailhead.\u00a0 40+ vehicles were there when SPHP pulled the RAV4 into the last available parking spot, but the popular trailhead began emptying out as the day wore on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rich Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,535 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center) from the Williams Lake trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By evening, the American Dingo had a change of heart.\u00a0 Back at Door 38 Pizza – Taos Ale House again, this time when SPHP ordered a second Swiss Mushroom burger plus french fries, Lupe was not only a willing participant, but eager to make up for her earlier abstinence.<\/p>\n

6-27-23, 7:27 AM<\/em> – The big paved parking lot at the entrance to the Taos Ski Village that had been jam packed yesterday was practically empty when Lupe leapt out of the RAV4.<\/p>\n

We’re leaving from here, SPHP?\u00a0 What happened to the Williams Lake trailhead?<\/em><\/p>\n

A nice guy named John at the little barn-like visitor center gave me a nifty trail system map yesterday, Loop.\u00a0 We can start from here, and make a huge loop coming back down that way.\u00a0 Longer and more elevation gain the way we’re going<\/em>, but you can tag a few more peaks along the way, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

As long as we still make it to Wheeler Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,161 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, that’s fine, SPHP.\u00a0 Loops are awesome; I’m practically named after them!\u00a0 Don’t want to miss out on only my 6th state high point ever, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh, never any guarantees in the mountains, Loopster.\u00a0 You know that.\u00a0 The forecast is kind of iffy no matter which way we go.\u00a0 If the weather holds up, we’ll make it.\u00a0 Trail all the way!<\/em><\/p>\n

So where do we go, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

The Bull-of-the-Woods trailhead is right here, Looper, a couple hundred feet from the visitor center.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Bound for the top of New Mexico, the Carolina Dog set out on Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The paved parking lot at the entrance to the Taos Ski Village<\/strong>. The barn-shaped shed<\/strong> on the L is the visitor information center<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bull-of-the-Woods trailhead<\/strong>. The gravel road on the R goes to the Williams Lake trailhead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Free trail system map<\/strong> available at the visitor center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Entering the forest, the single track trail became broad and rather rocky.\u00a0 Climbing NE at a good clip, it paralleled an unseen stream hidden among the trees off to the R.\u00a0 After a 15 minute trek, Lupe came to a spot with a view of the stream, which was now quite close to the trail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the rushing stream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pressing on, Trail No. 90 became less rocky, and sometimes leveled out.\u00a0 Another 20 minutes, during which glimpses of the stream continued to appear, got the American Dingo to a tributary coming down from Long Canyon.\u00a0 SPHP was happy to see a makeshift bridge of branches.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90<\/strong>. More roots and fewer rocks now. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the ford.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Don’t even have to get our paws wet, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s summer!\u00a0 Nothing wrong with cooling your paws off, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fording the stream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the ford, Lupe reached a junction with Long Canyon Trail No. 63.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction of Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90<\/strong> and Long Canyon Trail No. 63<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Junction signage. Long Canyon Trail No. 63<\/strong> (L).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sticking with Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90, the broad single track trail soon merged with an old roadbed.\u00a0 Despite the absence of any other obstacles, due to the steepness of the incline, SPHP had to keep pausing to gasp for air.\u00a0 With no views other than the forest, the road trek quickly became monotonous.<\/p>\n

The rate of climb finally diminished as Lupe approached Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the old roadbed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Located in the saddle region between Gold Hill<\/span><\/a> (12,711 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> 2.5 miles NW, and Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,640 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> less than 0.75 mile S, Bull-of-the Woods Pasture was not at all what SPHP expected.<\/p>\n

You thought there would be more grass, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, guess it was the word “pasture” that threw me, Loop.\u00a0 Kind of thought we might be able to see something from up here, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, it does have the “woods” part down, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll grant you that, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Actually there was a clearing at Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture, it just wasn’t as extensive as SPHP had envisioned.\u00a0 Furthermore, although Gold Hill wasn’t in sight, the forested N side of Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain was.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain<\/strong> (R) from Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gold Hill Trail No. 64 branched off to the L here.\u00a0 Taking Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 instead, it immediately curled SE, crossing a creek issuing from a small pond.\u00a0 The dirt road ahead looked new, and the sound of machinery came from this direction.\u00a0 Following this road, a single track trail soon branched off to the R as a light rain began to fall.<\/p>\n

A sign said “Redi’s Run”.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Bull-of-the-Woods Pasture pond and stream.<\/strong> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the new, or at least recently graded, dirt road. Redi’s Run trail<\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Redi’s Run?\u00a0 Hang on, Loop, let’s get off the road.\u00a0 Not sure which way we need to go here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Putting on the red rain jacket as it began raining harder, SPHP then checked the maps.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 No Redi’s Run mentioned on any of these maps, not even the one from the visitor center.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe Redi is the name of the Bull-of-the-Woods, SPHP?\u00a0 He might come running through here at any moment!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hope not.\u00a0 Didn’t bring any red capes to dodge him with.<\/em><\/p>\n

Use your rain jacket, SPHP.\u00a0 It’s red!<\/em><\/p>\n

Wasn’t necessary.\u00a0 An approaching roar proved to be a loaded logging truck coming down the road.\u00a0 A few minutes later, an empty truck backed up it.<\/p>\n

Since Redi’s Run seemed destined to go downhill rather than up, once the empty logging truck disappeared from sight, Lupe followed it.\u00a0 She soon came to the place where it was being loaded.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the logging operation. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rather than charge through all the activity, SPHP encouraged Lupe to go around it.\u00a0 Upon regaining the road on Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain’s N ridge, the Carolina Dog enjoyed her first distant view of the day, a look at Baldy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,441 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond the Red River valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Red River valley<\/strong> (Center), Baldy Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite cloudy skies, the sun reappeared.\u00a0 However, as Lupe continued along the freshly graded logging road around the upper W slopes of Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain, the sky darkened again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Circling around Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reaching the N end of Pass 11514<\/span><\/strong>, Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 turned S as a single track, parting from the road, which veered N.\u00a0 Lupe took shelter beneath a spruce tree as it began to rain again.<\/p>\n

Nothing too serious yet, but this might not be our day, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t give up so easily, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I’m not, Loopster!\u00a0 The top of Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain is real close, though, only 100 feet higher up the road.\u00a0 Won’t take us long.\u00a0 Want to tag the summit so you can claim at least one peakbagging success today no matter what else happens?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m all in, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

As soon as the rain abated, the American Dingo followed the road N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Bull-of-the-Woods summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The free trail system map from the visitor center didn’t mention it, but the topo maps showed mines on Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain.\u00a0 As Lupe approached the summit region, forest gave way to a ridge of loose rock that had clearly been disturbed.\u00a0 Going around the W end of this ridge, the Carolina Dog found a wide, almost level gash that had been carved across the mountain.\u00a0 Beyond the gap, a higher ridge looked natural.<\/p>\n

6-27-23, 10:15 AM, 50\u00baF, Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,640 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> –\u00a0 A short scramble to the top of this second ridge, and Lupe reached a pile of rocks evidently serving as a loosely assembled cairn.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog might have enjoyed the excellent view of Fraser Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,163 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, her next objective due S, but conditions were none too pleasant.<\/p>\n

A 20-25 mph W wind swept over the barren, exposed summit driving a cold light rain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fraser Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain<\/strong>. Peak 13054<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain offered other views, too, notably Gold Hill<\/span><\/a> (12,716 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> off to the NNW.\u00a0 However, a few minutes atop the wet, windy summit was enough.\u00a0 Lupe returned to the road and protection of the forest.\u00a0 By the time the American Dingo got back to where Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 left the road near Pass 11514<\/span><\/strong>, the rain had ended.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90<\/strong>. Pass 11514<\/span><\/strong> (Center) ahead. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, phooey!\u00a0 Sorry about that, Loop.\u00a0 Seems we tagged Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain at the worst possible moment.<\/em><\/p>\n

Still counts as a peakbagging success, SPHP.\u00a0 Maybe we’ll be luckier at Fraser Mountain?<\/em><\/p>\n

Continuing down to the saddle at Pass 11514<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe crossed it.\u00a0 Trail No. 90 switchbacked SW, then SE, climbing through thick forest.\u00a0 Reaching a clearing where the trail turned SW again, it provided a terrific view of Gold Hill and mining-scarred Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain back to the N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gold Hill<\/strong> (L) and Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From this viewpoint, Trail No. 90 headed straight for the closest of a long line of snowbanks on the E side of the enormous ridge leading to Frazer Mountain, promptly vanishing beneath the snow.\u00a0 Climbing up and over the first snowbank, Lupe found no sign of the trail beyond it.\u00a0 However, the general direction she needed to go was clear.\u00a0 Heading S across flat, open ground, the Carolina Dog made rapid progress.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the big snowbanks on the E side of the ridge leading to Frazer Mountain. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Up on the snow. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Searching for Trail No. 90 again on the way to Frazer Mountain. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the end of the flat part of the gently rounded ridge, Lupe picked up Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 again, which gradually climbed S along the windy W side of the ridge.\u00a0 At treeline now, the views were awesome!\u00a0 Kachina Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,481 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Lake Fork Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,881 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were both in sight on the opposite side of the Taos Ski Valley, still sporting some snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lake Fork Peak<\/strong> (Center), Kachina Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went by the upper end of a forested section, then remained out on open ground as it went clear to the top of Frazer Mountain’s N ridge.\u00a0 In addition to seeing all the gorgeous peaks towering over the upper end of the Taos Ski Valley, Lupe got to sniff some stunning wildflowers along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Snazzy!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the top of the ridge after passing the forested section. Lake Fork Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 reached the top of the ridge only 0.1 mile N of Frazer Mountain, but did not go up to the summit, instead swinging over to the E side of the ridge.\u00a0 The W wind was especially powerful on top of the ridge, but Lupe enjoyed a bit of relief over on the protected E side.<\/p>\n

However, the American Dingo wasn’t about to skip Frazer Mountain!\u00a0 After a brief respite from the wind, she left the trail, heading up the E slope in search of the true summit.<\/p>\n

6-27-23, 11:50 AM, 52\u00baF, Frazer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,163 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – A 70 foot climb got Lupe to the top of a broad, flat summit region sprinkled with rocks amid tundra and wildflowers.\u00a0 Four mountain sheep who didn’t care to make the acquaintance of a Carolina Dog added excitement, racing away to the S as they abandoned these heights where the wind was 30 mph out of the WNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
One of four Fraser Mountain mountain sheep.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From a cairn near the S end, Lupe had a terrific view of the territory ahead.\u00a0 Two big humps were now visible along the ridge leading S to Peak<\/span> 13045<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 For the first time, Wheeler Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,161 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was also in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 13045<\/span><\/strong> (L), Wheeler Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), Peak 12819<\/span><\/strong> (R), and Lake Fork Peak<\/strong> (far R) from Fraser Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The highest ground on Fraser Mountain was a bit back to the N, so Lupe headed over there to tag what appeared to be the true summit, an area scarcely any higher than the rest of the summit plateau.\u00a0 Upon getting there, SPHP made a discovery.<\/p>\n

Well, shucks, Loop.\u00a0 Our GPS track messed up and quit recording before we even got to Bull-of-the-Woods Mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Good spot to start a new one, SPHP.\u00a0 Then let’s get down out of this wind!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading back to the S end of Fraser Mountain’s summit plateau, Lupe began a rather steep descent on the open slope leading back down to Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90.<\/p>\n

The region E of the next big hump to the S looked like the easiest route to Peak 13045 and ultimately Wheeler Peak, but shortly after reaching Trail No. 90 again, it turned E, continuing to lose elevation.\u00a0 Naturally, the trail ought to have worked, too, but upon reaching a forest, it immediately vanished beneath mounds of snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the S end of Fraser Mountain<\/strong> about to head down to the L to pick up Trail No. 90 again. Peak 13045<\/strong> (far L), Wheeler Peak<\/strong> (L), Lake Fork Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Beauty at one’s paws.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the forest as Trail No. 90 vanishes beneath the snow. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While Lupe had no problem with it, SPHP soon found post-holing in deep snow amid dense forest without a clue where the trail had gone rather discouraging.<\/p>\n

Ugh!\u00a0 We should have just stayed up on the easy terrain E of that next hill, Loop.\u00a0 This is ridiculous!<\/em><\/p>\n

Want to go back, SPHP?\u00a0 We can.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but instead of going back along the trail, Loopster, let’s just angle SW until we get above all these trees and snow.<\/em><\/p>\n

Snow extended all the way up to where the trees were mere stunted miniatures of the ones down in the main forest.\u00a0 Traversing this steep, rocky, upper slope was slow going.\u00a0 However, once far enough S, open terrain on the opposite E side of a shallow valley looked much better.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to cross the shallow valley ahead. Peak 13045<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing the valley, Lupe’s off-trail exploration got substantially easier.\u00a0 She’d made it to the La Cal Basin, a flat, obstacle-free region.<\/p>\n

Progress was excellent until the American Dingo turned E, starting a steep climb straight up the W side of Peak 13045’s massive NNE ridge.\u00a0 SPHP frequently paused to gasp for air.\u00a0 Fortunately, less than halfway up, Lupe came across Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 again.<\/p>\n

Exposed once more to the powerful W wind, switchbacking gradually higher, the trail made getting to the ridgeline easier.\u00a0 Reaching the crest, Peak<\/span> 13045<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was directly ahead, with Mount Walter<\/span><\/a> (13,133 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in view less than 0.25 mile beyond it.\u00a0 Looking ESE, Horseshoe Lake was in sight nearly 1,000 feet below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
La Cal Basin<\/strong> (L), Frazer Mountain<\/strong> (R foreground), and Gold Hill<\/strong> (far R) from partway up Peak 13045<\/span>‘s NNE ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Peak 13045<\/span><\/strong> (R). Mount Walter<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Horseshoe Lake<\/strong> (Center) from Peak 13045’s NNE ridge. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing up Peak 13045’s NE slope, Wheeler Peak Trail No. 90 made a few short switchbacks, but did not go all the way to the top.\u00a0 Instead, the trail began traversing the upper E slope.\u00a0 However, Lupe soon came to a snowbank where the trail vanished.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Peak 13045<\/span>‘s upper E slope<\/strong>. Mount Walter summit<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The snow’s too steep, Loopster!\u00a0 Don’t chance it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Backtracking a bit to snow-free ground, Lupe abandoned the trail again and started climbing.<\/p>\n

6-27-23, 2:46 PM<\/em> – 60 feet was enough to get the Carolina Dog to the top of the small, flat, rocky plain that was the summit of Peak<\/span> 13045<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Only the W half of this plain was snow-free, but that was sufficient.\u00a0 Mount Walter was now directly ahead beyond a small saddle, and Wheeler Peak was less than half a mile farther.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Walter<\/strong> (L) and Wheeler Peak<\/strong> (R) from Peak 13045<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The route was open, the top of New Mexico within reach, but was Lupe too late?\u00a0 The W wind was stronger than ever up here, and although blue sky still dominated S and SE, at all points W, dark clouds and a long, gray line of rain showers were being driven this way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12819<\/span><\/strong> (L) Williams Lake<\/strong> (Center), Lake Fork Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) from Peak 13045<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our timing is looking worse than ever, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know it.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Setting off at speed, Lupe had barely crossed the saddle leading to Mount Walter and started up its N ridge when a few raindrops fell, stinging due to the force of the steadily increasing gale.\u00a0 Thunder rumbled.\u00a0 W of the trail, a grassy slope was below a big snowbank.<\/p>\n

Go down there, Looper!\u00a0 No sense in being complete idiots, and getting ourselves fried right on the crest of the ridge!<\/em><\/p>\n

Running NW down the slope a little way, SPHP dumped the pack, layered up as much as possible with the red rain jacket over all, then sat down.<\/p>\n

On my lap, Loop!\u00a0 I’ve got another coat I can put over you.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Peak 13045<\/span><\/strong> for Mount Walter<\/strong> (R). Red Dome<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This open slope a few 10’s of feet below the ridgeline was it for shelter.\u00a0 Gonna to have to face whatever the storm dished out.<\/p>\n

The wind came in swirling in from various directions, but mostly from straight out of the NW, perhaps due to the configuration of the terrain.\u00a0 Prolonged 50 mph gusts were occasionally separated by brief moments of relative calm.\u00a0 As line after line of showers swept over Mount Walter, rain, snow pellets, and tiny hail pelted Lupe.\u00a0 SPHP’s hands started to freeze, forcing a search of the pack for gloves.<\/p>\n

Several cloud to ground lightning strikes crackled only a few miles N.\u00a0 No view of what was happening to the S, but thunder boomed from that direction, as well.\u00a0 Despite the fierce wind, the showers seemed to move slowly.\u00a0 At last, a patch of blue sky appeared far to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Waiting the storm out. Peak 12012<\/span><\/strong> (L), Peak 13045<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The patch of blue sky grew slowly, at first spreading only toward the N.\u00a0 However, the rain abated and the wind even began to taper off slightly.\u00a0 Lupe waited until the last of the thunder was well to the E.<\/p>\n

OK, Loop.\u00a0 You’re cutting off my circulation – my leg’s going numb.\u00a0 We’ve been here a whole hour.\u00a0 Time to get moving again!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-27-23, 4:19 PM, 40\u00baF<\/em> – The next bump along the ridgeline wasn’t the true summit of Mount Walter<\/span><\/a> (13,133 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, but it wasn’t much farther.\u00a0 Arriving in a 40 mph gale, Lupe found a metal plaque commemorating H. D. Walter atop a pole sticking out of a pile of rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Walter summit<\/strong>. Wheeler Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
H.D. Walter memorial plaque<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With the wind as annoying as it was, Lupe lingered on Mount Walter only 5 or 10 minutes before pressing on to her final objective.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on Wheeler Peak<\/strong> (Center), the New Mexico state high point<\/strong>! Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-27-23, 4:38 PM, 45\u00baF, Wheeler Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,161 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Unfortunately, the wild W wind wasn’t about to cut Lupe any slack just because she’d made it to the top of New Mexico.\u00a0 Even so, the relentless 40 – 50+ mph breeze did reward her with what may have been a rare moment of privacy here on a late June afternoon.\u00a0 Not a soul was around.<\/p>\n

The summit featured a rock wall serving as a completely inadequate windbreak astride the natural high point.\u00a0 A battered directional survey marker was attached to one of the highest rocks comprising the wall.<\/p>\n

Wheeler Peak also possessed a much more unusual landmark in the form of a capped, heavy metal horizontal pipe jutting out of a pyramid of rocks cemented together.\u00a0 This pyramid bore a metal plaque in honor of Major George Montague Wheeler, and sat on a tilting concrete base.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Wheeler Peak<\/strong>, New Mexico’s highest mountain<\/strong>! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Major George Montague Wheeler commemorative plaque<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Next to the directional survey marker<\/strong> (R).\u00a0 Pueblo Peak<\/strong> (L), Vallecito Mountain<\/strong> (R).\u00a0 Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wheeler Peak directional survey marker<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Attempting to turn the cap fastened by a chain to the heavy metal pipe protruding from the pyramid, SPHP was surprised at how easily it came off.\u00a0 Signing Lupe’s name in the registry notebook hidden within was a challenge in the wind, but SPHP made sure her ascent was noted.<\/p>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 You’ve officially made it to Wheeler Peak, the New Mexico state high point.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank you, SPHP!\u00a0 Wish my 6th state high point wasn’t so windy, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

You and me both, Looper.\u00a0 Under the circumstances, we aren’t going to hang around up here for a whole hour.\u00a0 Let’s get some photos.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then the photo session began.<\/p>\n

Baldy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,441 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Touch-Me-Not Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,044 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond a broad valley were the big highlights miles to the NE.<\/p>\n

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Mount Walter<\/strong> (L) and Baldy Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Baldy Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Touch-Me-Not Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On a better day, Simpson Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,976 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> looked easily attainable only 0.5 mile S.\u00a0 Continuing SE to Old Mike Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,113 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> from Simpson appeared to be just a romp.\u00a0 Red Dome<\/span><\/a> (12,681 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> would have added another mile farther E.<\/p>\n

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Red Dome<\/strong> (L edge), Old Mike Peak<\/strong> (Center), Simpson Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gazing NNW down the Taos Ski Valley, the Williams Lake trailhead was in sight below the ski runs coming down off Peak<\/span> 12012<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Farther down the valley, part of the Taos Ski Village close to where Lupe had set out from was visible.\u00a0 However, the wind was so ferocious along the W edge that SPHP didn’t even try to get a glimpse of whether or not Williams Lake could be seen from Wheeler Peak.<\/p>\n

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Peak 12012<\/span><\/strong> (L), Williams Lake trailhead<\/strong> (Center), Taos Ski Village<\/strong> below it, Gold Hill<\/strong> (R), Frazer Mountain<\/strong> (far R) at the lower end of the ridge. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most magnificent views of all, though, were toward the SW where Pueblo Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,305 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and the top of Vallecito Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,643 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> jutted up beyond the ridge between Peak<\/span> 12819<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Lake Fork Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,881 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0beneath a stormy sky.<\/p>\n

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Peak 12819<\/strong> (far L), Pueblo Peak<\/strong> (L), Vallecito Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Lake Fork Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the relentless gale out of the W and still questionable outlook, 15 minutes into Lupe’s stay she spotted someone rapidly approaching from Mount Walter.\u00a0 She soon met Casey, only the 3rd person she’d seen all day.\u00a0 Casey was friendly, but hung around 10 minutes tops, declining to even sign the registry before heading back N.<\/p>\n

6-27-23, 5:10 PM<\/em> – Casey was gone.\u00a0 Once again, Lupe had Wheeler Peak to just herself, SPHP, and the wild W wind, which hadn’t shown the least sign of letting up.<\/p>\n

Been here half an hour, Loopster.\u00a0 Maybe Casey’s right?\u00a0 Ready to head down and get out of this gale?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hate to leave before my traditional summit hour is over, SPHP.\u00a0 Especially on only my 6th state high point!<\/em><\/p>\n

Feel the same way, Looper, but its kind of hard to enjoy it.\u00a0 Won’t the next half hour just be an ordeal to endure for no real reason, if we stay?\u00a0 We’re lucky to have made it here at all.\u00a0 If the storm had lasted longer, or been more severe, we would never have made it.<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose that makes sense, SPHP.\u00a0 Count our blessings, and go!\u00a0 Certainly had a memorable experience, and after all, Wheeler Peak’s been a success!<\/em><\/p>\n

Precisely, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

The sky was a little brighter, the W wind as rambunctious as ever, as the Carolina Dog returned briefly to the rock wall built over the natural true summit.<\/p>\n

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Final moments atop Wheeler Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Between Mount Walter and Wheeler Peak, Lupe had passed a junction with Williams Lake Trail No. 62, the shortest route back, and clearly now by far the quickest way down out of the wind.\u00a0 Eager to complete the big loop proposed earlier in the day, the American Dingo left Wheeler Peak ready to explore this most popular route.<\/p>\n

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Heading for Williams Lake Trail No. 62<\/strong> seen below Peak 13045<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center) and Mount Walter<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Switchbacks made the descent of the steep open slope a snap.\u00a0 For a long way, part of Williams Lake was in view, nestled down in the upper end of the Taos Ski Valley surrounded by the glories of many of New Mexico’s highest peaks.\u00a0 Lupe lost hundreds of feet of elevation before the W wind diminished.\u00a0 By the time she reached the forest, not a breeze remained.<\/p>\n

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Switchbacking down Wheeler Peak’s W slope<\/strong>. Pueblo Peak<\/strong> (far L), Lake Fork Peak<\/strong> (Center) with a fragment of Williams Lake<\/strong> visible below it. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Unidentified unusual plant<\/strong> along Williams Lake Trail No. 62. Anyone know what it is?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-27-23, 8:29 PM, 55\u00baF, Taos Ski Village<\/em> – Lupe hopped into the RAV4, glad to return to the comfort of her pink blanket after a long day.<\/p>\n

I’m thinking Swiss mushroom burger!\u00a0 Sure you don’t want to come down to Door 38 Pizza – Taos Ale House with me, Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

Perfectly content, and perhaps prescient, the American Dingo declined.\u00a0 SPHP was back soon enough.<\/p>\n

Closed, weren’t they, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup!\u00a0 7:00 PM, and they roll up the sidewalk.\u00a0 I was a couple of hours late.<\/em><\/p>\n

6-28-23, 2:30 AM, Taos Ski Village<\/em> –\u00a0 SPHP turned the key, and the RAV4 sprang to life.<\/p>\n

What’s going on, SPHP?\u00a0 It’s the middle of the night!<\/em><\/p>\n

Can’t sleep!\u00a0 Woke up feeling good and alert, so we’re heading out, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading out for where?<\/em><\/p>\n

Home, sweet puppy!\u00a0 Wheeler Peak was the exciting conclusion for this Dingo Vacation.\u00a0 Must be 700 miles, or thereabouts, back to the Black Hills.\u00a0 May as well get an early start.<\/em><\/p>\n

6-28-23, 3:39 PM, 63\u00baF<\/em> – For 100 miles, an enormous thunderhead had been visible hanging over the Black Hills.\u00a0 Braving a cloudburst, Lupe sprang out of the RAV4 to dash into the house.\u00a0 Her 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico had been a blast!\u00a0 All over and done with now, but the Carolina Dog’s Summer of 2023 adventures were far from over.<\/p>\n

Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea were due tomorrow afternoon, bringing new Cousin Dixie<\/strong><\/span><\/a> with them!\u00a0 And, of course, preparations would soon begin for Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/p>\n

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On Wheeler Peak<\/strong>, Sangre de Cristo Range, the New Mexico state high point<\/strong> (6-27-23)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe’s GPS Track<\/strong> (Partial)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track (Partial)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adve<\/em>ntures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, New Mexico, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 20 – 22 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico! 6-26-23, 12:43 PM, Taos Ski Village – On the deck overlooking a rushing stream, SPHP sipped on a cherry sour. Mushroom Swiss burger, Loop!\u00a0 Sure you don’t want a bite?\u00a0 Very tasty! Lupe sat in the shade, content … Continue reading Wheeler Peak, Sangre de Cristo Range, the New Mexico State High Point (6-27-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":52584,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1659],"tags":[105,1688,106,26,1689,104,1690,1429,1664,1691],"class_list":["post-52612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-american-dingo","tag-bull-of-the-woods-mountain","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-frazer-mountain","tag-lupe","tag-mount-walter","tag-new-mexico","tag-sangre-de-christo-range","tag-wheeler-peak"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_1373-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=52612"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54107,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52612\/revisions\/54107"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/52584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=52612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=52612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=52612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}