Wheeler end of October? Also -- advice for an out-of-towner around Taos?
Hi all --
I haven't been back to the Taos area in almost 20 years since I was on staff at Philmont. A friend and I are going to be in Taos in about 2 weeks to hopefully do Wheeler, depending on weather.
I'm hoping to get some good advice, recommendations, and feedback from the group here! Thanks in advance.
Wheeler Peak
I've done a couple of good winter ascents over the last few years in the northeast. I'm hoping someone here can chime in with guidance on Wheeler specifically. Looks like there's already a decent amount of snow above treeline. We were initially planning on going up and down the Williams Lake route. I'm hoping the snow will be tame but the time we're there around the 25th.
But if it's not, I'm reading that the Williams Lake route can have some avalanche risk (I'm assuming in the stretch above treeline up to the ridge?). So I'm also looking at the Bull of the Woods route. But I'm trying to gauge what gear I should be hauling out west with me. Is this an ice axe / crampons day or is this a trekking poles and microspikes day? Or do I need to break out the snowshoes? Any feedback from people who have hiked Wheeler in the past would be welcome!
Taos Area
Separately -- any other fun peaks or hikes we should be looking to do? And, off topic for the thread, but would love to amass good restaurant / food recommendations lol.
Thanks. Looking forward to being back outside in New Mexico.