Make an Announcement

Communicate warnings, disperse advice, and share.


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
Iron Gate 14 9,410 ft
Junebug 20 8,568 ft
Elephant Rock 22 8,575 ft
Lower Hondo 4 7,880 ft
Columbine 27 7,911 ft
La Sombra 13 7,789 ft
Las Petacas 9 7,389 ft
Santa Barbara 22 8,842 ft
Agua Piedra 44 8,415 ft
Duran 12 8,830 ft
Fawn Lakes 22 8,486 ft
Twining 4 9,405 ft
Upper La Junta 8 9,017 ft
Comales 10 7,968 ft
Morphy Lake State Park 24 7,874 ft
Cabresto Lake 9 9,127 ft
Goat Hill 6 7,682 ft
Coyote Creek State Park 64 7,750 ft
Capulin 11 7,758 ft
Cuchillo 3 8,208 ft
Ski Area Snowpack Air Temperature 5 Day Forecast
Taos Ski Valley 60" 51° 0.07"
Ski Santa Fe 45" 47° 0"
Sipapu Ski Area 0" 64° 0"
Red River Ski Area 0" 59° 0.08"
Cuchara Mountain Resort 1" 57° 3.4"
Angel Fire Resort 12" 56° 0.09"
River Run Streamflow Length Class

Regional Water Data

Gauge Streamflow Stage
Trinchera C Ab Turners Ranch
USGS 08240500
14 cfs 3.4 ft
Trinchera C Ab Mtn Home Re
USGS 08241000
7 cfs 0.5 ft
Sangre De Cristo Creek Near Fort Garland
USGS 08241500
11 cfs 1.4 ft
Rio Grande Ab Mouth Trinchera C Nr Lasauses
USGS 08240000
153 cfs 2.1 ft
Trinchera Creek Below Smith Res
USGS 08243500
7 cfs 3.0 ft
Cucharas River At Boyd Ranch
USGS 07114000
21 cfs 2.0 ft
Ute Creek Near Fort Garland
USGS 08242500
19 cfs 1.8 ft
Snotel Site Snowpack 24hr Change

Log Your Visit

When was your last visit to ?

Add a Photo

How was it? How were conditions?

Rate the backcountry skiing


Submit

Leave A Review


Submit

Upload an Image


Favorite Limit Reached