Wheeler peak

Am planning on checking out wheeler peak in January with some buddies and was wondering if anyone could help out with some advice for necessary equipment for hiking there in January. Thanks for any tips or advice.

-Steven Tasson

Dress slacks, leather jacket, and running shoes.

mountainproject.com/v/wheel…

I had read that a couple weeks ago. Plan on dressing warmer than dress slacks. So was your reply a way of saying don't do it?

-Steven Tasson

Depending on snow conditions, I would recommend skis or snow shoes. Skiing down to Williams Lake is fun. It is a little more than a simple hike overall.

Thank you for your opinion. I'm not sure if they can ski but I know I can't, so snow shoes would be my choice and I was thinking that those would be a good idea. Well it is better to be safe than sorry, so, I think planning for the worst conditions and checking the weather as January gets closer to see if the weather will allow us to safely ascend will be the plan. Is Wheeler climbed year round do you know? Thank you again.

-Steven Tasson

Steven, no offense, but, if you have to ask that question... it's a pretty good indicator you don't belong on that mountain in January. It shows that you at the very least have not even been up there in warm conditions. Also, in regards to Rog's comment....you should learn to read between the lines. Again, if you need to ask....

steven tasson wrote:I had read that a couple weeks ago. Plan on dressing warmer than dress slacks. So was your reply a way of saying don't do it? -Steven Tasson

Nope, not at all. I had read that trip report a while back & was amused by it. Just thought I'd be the first one to toss out that link. Sorry, not really contributing much.

I've never been on the peak but would assume you'd need the same type gear as a 13er in Colorado (warm clothes, some type of flotation, and a big desire to suffer). Good luck, be safe, & have fun.

Thanks for your concern Lafayette. You are correct I have not been there. If I had I probably wouldn't be asking questions. Asking a question doesn't necessarily mean I don't need to be on the mountain. I'm just doing some research so I can be better prepared. I have looked at average snowfall online but figured I might get a better idea from someone closer to the area.

Thanks Rog. I found your link funny and had showed that to my fellow hiker/climber friend a little while back. I'm zero worried fitness wise and plan on warmer attired than a leather jacket and slacks. Thanks for your words of encouragement and I raced motocross and now road bike race so I love to suffer haha.

-Steven Tasson

Well considering there are two Wheeler Peaks I would first figure out which one you plan to hike :-)

It would be a bummer if yer in NM and yer buddies drive to NV.

That would be kinda funny though. We are planning for wheeler peak in NM. That is something I should have put in my first post.

-Steven Tasson

Well you did post in the AZ/NM forum so one should assume that yer talking about Wheeler Peak, NM. But just thought I would check. I have been on the other Wheeler Peak - which in some ways is similar. My only suggestion would be prepared for a bitter winter wind and a white out (map and compass - GPS if you can keep it warm).

I've been up it twice in the winter, once on snow shoes, and once on skis. It was SUPER windy each time. Also did the entire cirque back to the ski area with my dog on a long and beautiful fall day. This really is nothing more than a hike, but there is chance of avalanche while hiking to Williams, if that is the way you go, and the ridgeline over Walter may be pretty windy/cold if you go that way. Just dress warm, bring snowshoes, stay away from loaded slopes if any, and have fun!

Thank you for your adviCe. I read about the Avalanche chance at Williams lake. Am going to talk to the crew on their thoughts might do bull of the woods trail I think it's called? We all have down and rain gear and will have snow shoes. Thank you again for the advice.

Upvote on snowshoes ... I've done it on skis but only 'cause I like the descent. Forget Bull of the Woods unless you're up for one long (but scenic!) day ... Williams Lake is the way to go ... plan on caching snowshoes pretty early on the ascent, windscour & sastrugi are the norm ... weather can range from balmy to practically arctic ... my $.02 ...

Great .02 cents! Thank you. The plan is to be out there for a few days of hiking and camping. From pictures and videos Williams lake looks amazing so we will have to look into that.

-Steven Tasson

Feel free to give a shout before you get here. I can give you some advise on conditions and possible routes. Williams Lake usually isn't too bad. A bit of post holing.

Jeff
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