Wheeler Peak peak
Wheeler Peak rises to 13,161 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Sangre De Cristo Range range.
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.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Wheeler Peak
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Ute Creek | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Santa Fe | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc North Costilla | 5 in | → |
| Nohrsc Wesner Springs | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Trinchera | 1 in | → |
| Trinchera | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Wheeler Peak
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Grande Near Lobatos | 96 cfs | → |
| Rio Pueblo De Taos Near Taos | 8 cfs | → |
| Trinchera C Ab Turners Ranch | 5 cfs | → |
| Cimarron River Near Cimarron | 12 cfs | → |
| Cimarron River Below Eagle Nest Dam | 19 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande Ab Mouth Trinchera C Nr Lasauses | 34 cfs | → |
| Rio Lucero Near Arroyo Seco | 9 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Wheeler Peak
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Wheeler Peak.
Ski areas
- Solvista Basin At Granby Ranch
- Pajarito Mountain
- Snowmass
- Ski Cooper
- Snowy Range
- Howelsen Hill Ski Area
River runs
- Long Canyon To Nf Boundary
- Headwaters To Red River/Upper Gaging Station
- Headwaters To Red River
- Goose Creek To Fawn Lakes Campground
- Headwaters To Nf Boundary
Get Wheeler Peak on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
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Set up an alert
Custom alerts are configured in the Snoflo iOS app. Open the app, navigate to this peak, and tap the bell icon to set thresholds for snowfall, temperature, or wind.