| First of all, the use of "easy" when discussing an | | | | dress in layers, take food. Hikes of this level are best |
| attempt to summit a 13,000 foot plus peak might be | | | | done with a partner although many folks make the |
| a totally poor choice of words. On the other hand, | | | | attempt alone. Yes, I'm repeating myself. Successful |
| such an endeavor may well be similar to the proper | | | | hikers are well prepared! |
| method to eat an elephant...one bite at a time. I am | | | | I think the easiest (everything is relative) route is to |
| not a doctor but assuming you are in reasonably | | | | follow our Guest's plan. Drive about half of the |
| good health, don't have medical issues, are well | | | | Enchanted Circle. From Taos, drive North on NM 68 / |
| prepared, and pace yourself, reaching the summit of | | | | US 64, continue North on NM 522 to Questa. Drive |
| Wheeler is a real possibility. | | | | East on NM 38 through Red River. From Red River, |
| The stimulation for this short article was a Guest at | | | | drive South on 578. According to our Guest, the road |
| Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza. Staying several days and | | | | quality decreases the further you go. From the |
| wandering both the town sites and the nearby | | | | parking lot at the Southern terminus of that road, |
| mountain trails, this 50's or 60's fellow was in basically | | | | your hike to Wheeler begins at an already heady |
| good condition. Claims he walks 4 to 6 miles almost | | | | 11,000 feet. That means a gain of about 2,000 feet, |
| daily in his hometown area of Dallas, Texas. | | | | just about half the climb from the Taos Ski Valley lot. |
| I've been in New Mexico over 40 years, owned a | | | | That's why it might be considered "easier". |
| business in Taos for over 33 years, have talked | | | | A vehicle with higher clearance is a good choice if |
| about doing Wheeler many times, and still haven't | | | | possible. Our Guest guide made the trip in his recent |
| made the effort. That may soon change due to this | | | | Mustang and said he stopped short of the terminus |
| fellow's suggestions which I'll write about in a few | | | | parking lot. He was concerned about ground |
| moments. | | | | clearance, rocks, etc. |
| The most common means of approaching Wheeler | | | | A broad grin was the image of the day after his |
| Peak is from the Taos Ski Valley parking lot. That lot | | | | return to the Inn. He described the feeling as |
| is about 20 miles from downtown Taos. The trail | | | | exhilarating. That bright mental attitude continued into |
| begins at about 9,000 foot and ends at Wheeler | | | | the evening and the next day. |
| Peak at 13,161 feet. The 4000+ foot elevation climb | | | | Again, "easy" is a relative term. If you are in relatively |
| takes most folks the better part of the day. As with | | | | good condition, perhaps the above "easy" route to |
| all outdoor adventures, understanding the old boy | | | | Wheeler Peak is the way to make that incredible hike |
| scout adage is important. Be prepared. That means | | | | to the top of New Mexico. Enjoy "Life at a higher |
| watch the weather, dress appropriately, take water, | | | | level". Visit Taos soon! D. H. Lawrence loved New |
| take food, take a partner. | | | | Mexico for a reason. Most of us here do too. Once |
| That means do your research, visit the Forest | | | | you visit, you will too! |
| service, check the weather, takes lots of water, | | | | |