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WHEELER PEAK

Mountains and Summits


Rocky Mountains Sangre de Cristo Range

Wheeler Peak

13,161 ft

Located in the Rocky Mountains mountain range, Wheeler Peak is the highest summit in New Mexico, reaching an elevation of 13,167 feet (4,013 meters). It is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range and is situated in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness within the Carson National Forest. Wheeler Peak boasts a prominent prominence of 3,409 feet (1,039 meters), making it a prominent landmark in the region.

During the winter season, Wheeler Peak experiences a significant amount of snowfall, with snowpack ranging from 50 to 150 inches (127 to 381 cm). This snowpack attracts mountaineers and winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. The mountain's snowpack also contributes to the runoff into nearby creeks and rivers, such as the Rio Hondo and the Rio Grande, providing water for surrounding areas.

The peak is named after George Montague Wheeler, a renowned explorer and surveyor who led several expeditions in the late 19th century. Wheeler Peak holds a rich history and is surrounded by fascinating legends and lore. One such legend tells the story of a hidden treasure buried somewhere on the mountain by Spanish conquistadors. Although many have searched for the treasure, it remains undiscovered. The allure of Wheeler Peak lies not only in its natural beauty and challenging terrain but also in the intriguing tales that have been woven into its history.


Outdoor Recreation

Campground Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Cuchillo 3 8,208 ft
Santa Barbara 22 8,842 ft
Goat Hill 6 7,682 ft
Twining 4 9,405 ft
Morphy Lake State Park 24 7,874 ft
Cabresto Lake 9 9,127 ft
Capulin 11 7,758 ft
La Sombra 13 7,789 ft
Junebug 20 8,568 ft
Comales 10 7,968 ft
Columbine 27 7,911 ft
Coyote Creek State Park 64 7,750 ft
Elephant Rock 22 8,575 ft
Agua Piedra 44 8,415 ft
Upper La Junta 8 9,017 ft
Iron Gate 14 9,410 ft
Lower Hondo 4 7,880 ft
Las Petacas 9 7,389 ft
Fawn Lakes 22 8,486 ft
Duran 12 8,830 ft
Ski Area Snowpack Air Temperature 5 Day Forecast
River Run Streamflow Length Class

Regional Water Data

Gauge Streamflow Stage
Rio Nambe Below Nambe Falls Dam Near Nambe
USGS 08294210
5 cfs 0.6 ft
Cimarron River Near Cimarron
USGS 07207000
32 cfs 0.9 ft
Rio Hondo Near Valdez
USGS 08267500
7 cfs 2.1 ft
Rio Mora Near Terrero
USGS 08377900
26 cfs 1.3 ft
Rio Nambe Above Nambe Falls Dam Near Nambe
USGS 08294195
36 cfs 4.0 ft
Ponil Creek Near Cimarron
USGS 07207500
1 cfs 1.5 ft
Cimarron River Below Eagle Nest Dam
USGS 07206000
1 cfs 0.3 ft
Snotel Site Snowpack 24hr Change

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