Wheeler Peak

Jess came to visit for Memorial Day, and we figured that if you're going to visit New Mexico, you might as well hike its tallest peak.  I had last climbed Wheeler in 2003, so it was great to get back to it again.

After trying unsuccessfully to find the longer, less steep route to the top, we ended up hiking from Williams Lake.  The lake itself is in a great spot at the base of the peak, and made for a sweet nap post-climb.

Summit photo.  It was pretty windy.  The photo was taken by a member of a family from Salt Lake City, among whom was a lady easily in her 60's.  I was pretty impressed that she made it to the top.

Hiking the summit ridge to the summit in the distance.

Looking down on Taos Ski Valley and Williams Lake.  I forgot how awesome the mountains of northern New Mexico are.