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Ascent of Wheeler Peak on 2011-08-11

Climber: Brian Friedrich

Others in Party:

George Schaaf Jr.
Laura Friedrich

Date:

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Motorized Transport to Trailhead:

Car

Peak:

Wheeler Peak

Location:

USA-New Mexico

Elevation:

13161 ft / 4011 m

Ascent Trip Report

Started at first light from the trailhead to avoid the heat, crowds, and potential storms in the afternoon. Trail was extremely well-marked with blue blazes. We followed the "new" trail that turns sharp left at a wooden post inscribed with "Wheeler Peak" and "Williams Lake" - you can't miss it. This trail then wanders into the alpine fairly quickly and steeply, although there are longer switchbacked sections. The summit ridge was quite windy, but the weather was otherwise brilliant. Encountered a couple of big horn sheep, an adolescent buck, and numerous very tame pica and marmots. Enjoyed a fine meal and brews down at The Bavarian (very near the trailhead) - recommended.

Summary Total Data

Elevation Gain:

3770 ft / 1149 m

Distance:

6.6 mi / 10.6 km

Trailhead:

9391 ft / 2862 m

Grade/Class:

Hike

Quality:

2 (on a subjective 1-10 scale)

Route Conditions:

Maintained Trail

Weather:

Pleasant, Windy, Partly Cloudy

Ascent Statistics

Time Up:

1 Hours 43 Minutes

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