Follow initial instructions in the GETTING THERE section on the main page, taking Pool Table Road, FSR600 about 10 miles to Hanson's Mill. The Hanson's Mill turn-off and trailhead are well-signed.

SP member Jeremy Hakes added these comments on June 24, 2008, concerning the mileage discrepencies on the trailhead sign:

The signage that exists for Wheeler has some serious mileage discrepancies. The first sign says it is 8.4 miles to the TH at the Geologic area. The next sign (10' away) says 7 miles. Later signage has even further discrepancies. Per my GPS and separately my TOPO! software, the 8.4 miles is accurate. The Wheeler Loop is 2.5 miles from the Geologic Area TH. This makes it an almost 20 mile RT dayhike if you do it that way. I recommend staying overnight at the geologic area - water is easily available, plus you can see sunrise and sunset on the formations and enjoy some serious solitude.

Additionally, this trail is formally known to the FS as TR 790. The Wheeler Loop is part of TR 871 (Halfmoon Pass).

This route originally contributed by Aaron Johnson.

Route Description

Trailhead Sign

Follow the trail north, starting about 10,800 feet and rising to almost 11,000 at Wheeler. Take the left (west) fork after .25 mile. Another 2 miles later, enter the East Bellows Creek drainage, which marks the wilderness boundary. Crossing the creek in autumn is a simple matter, but could be difficult in spring conditions. The road ends just before the creek.

Creek Crossing

Trail Terrain

After the crossing, the trail follows some canyons and leads up the west fork to another signed fork after .5 mile. The route gradually climbs out of the canyons at mile 3, proceeding through the forests and clearings of Silver Park for the next 4 miles. Some up and down will be involved.

High Country Solitude

You will intercept Pool Table Road at 5.7 miles. Another half mile further, you arrive at Wheeler. Miles 7 and 8 are spent exploring Wheeler, one of the most impressive, otherworldly experiences you will ever encounter!

Wheeler Appears

Preceding photos by SP member Jeremy Hakes

Entering the Wheeler Geologic Area
Photo by Aaron Johnson

Return the same route.

DISTANCE: 19.3 miles roundtrip, including a hike in Wheeler
GAIN: 2,925 feet

Essential Gear

This route is not recommended until the snow has melted out and the landscape is anticipated to be mostly dry.

Standard day hike gear will do, planning for a long day.

Standard backpack and over night gear for an over night stay. Plan on having the locals (wildlife) pay you a visit. As far as they are concerned, everyone, including you, is their friend.

Mushrooms are large and plentiful in the fall. Know your mushrooms before touching any of these impressive specimens.

Early season water sources may be present. Water sources are uncertain and quality is questionable late in the summer. Take plenty of water for either type of outing.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

Images

		$Easy walkin\'$