The document summarizes a 16 mile roundtrip hike that Jerry and Jay took up Wheeler Peak in New Mexico. Some key details from the hike include starting at 6:30am from the Taos Ski Valley trailhead at 9,200 feet elevation. Along the way they saw bighorn sheep, eagles, and crossed a 15 foot wide stream. Near the summit around half the trail was above the tree line. They reached the peak of Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet where Jay signed the log. They then hiked back down the same way for a total of 16 miles.

1. Wheeler Peak Highest Peak in New Mexico Carson National Forest Jerry & Jay September 7, 2010 6:30am – 5:30pm 16 mile Roundtrip Hike From Trailhead at Taos Ski Valley. Trailhead is at around 9,200 ft above sea level and the peak is at 13,161 ft

2. Train Station Lamy, NM Sept 6, 2010 Picking up Jay

6. Jay on our deck talking to Debbie. Alpine Village Suites Taos Ski Valley

7. Jay pointing to the mountain that we hope to conquer the next morning!

8. Sign by the trailhead showing the various hiking trails

9. Trailhead 6:34am Time to Rock & Roll!

10. Holy Guacamole!... What has my Bro gotten me into!

11. Wish all the trail were this wide and gentle! There were some very narrow, steep and rocky parts. A few small streams to cross, except one that was about 15’ wide and had logs piled up to allow crossing without getting wet…… that is if you didn’t loose your balance!….. which I almost did on the way down.

12. Sign to advise we were entering the Wilderness Area. Special rules apply in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964

13. Big Horn Sheep On the horizon

14. Big Horn Sheep.. & Eagle

20. Taos Ski Runs

21. Taos Ski Valley from just above the tree line. About half way to the Peak

22. Taos Ski Runs From the second false peak

24. More than half of the trail is above the tree line. The tree line varies, but is at around 11,000 ft.

25. Rain clouds brewing but didn’t develop. A few sprinkles about an hour after we finished the hike

27. Williams Lake

29. About 20 minutes after leaving the Peak. One of two false peaks behind Jay

30. Plaque at the Peak

31. We made it to the top of New Mexico!

32. Tube at the peak where you can sign a log or leave a message. Note the final assent trail leading over the false peaks in the upper right.

33. Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel. We saw three at the Peak. They will eat out of your hand if you stay very still.

34. Hey Jerry! Your Granola bar looks mighty tasty….. especially the nuts. How about sharing? (I did & Jay gave them some pieces of apple/pear)

35. Rocky Mountain high at the Peak!

36. Jay, where is the helicopter? What do you mean we have to hike back down!..... that’s another 8 miles dude!