SummitPost.org

We are climbing Mt. Wheeler next week (6-4-12) and a bit new to the climbing scene.
Any suggestions on must-have equipment and clothing would be great help!
Also, an early June climb and what kind of snow to expect?



Thanks

I was there during the winter time which it was cold. Unfortunately I don't know how it is in June.

If your interested, here are some pics and description of when I was there:
http://www.summitpost.org/the-grand-tou ... chapter_12

I was in Taos yesterday and there a few patches of snow up there on Wheeler, but snow shouldn't be an issue for you. Bring some breathable long hiking pants, boots, maybe a warm fleece jacket and a wind breaker, and you'll be fine. It's a pretty mellow hike, but it can get windy up in the ridge.

Thanks for the info and gear suggestions! We are really looking forward to it.

On another note, what kind of training do you guys put in for a climb at this level? I have been doing a lot of stair master and running (to go along with usual weight lifting). Is there a particular regimen that you guys follow make sure you get through a particular climb?

thanks again -

With climbing Mount Rainier a lot of guys say things like "You must climb Mount Si with a 40 pound pack in 1 hour and 40 minutes" or something like that. I never bought that argument, although I'm sure it's good training. For myself I often climb mountains for training. When I'm stuck at home (which has been happening to me lately) I go for runs at night. Be sure that you exercise enough where your breathing hard for a while. But don't push too hard because you want to be able to work out the next day. After a while it gets easier and more enjoyable.

I think there is some confusion as to whether you are referring to Wheeler Peak highpoint of GBNP in Nevada or Wheeler Peak, highpoint of New Mexico. Given you are in the Metroplex, I assume you are looking for beta on the New Mexico highpoint. This being the case, a careful perusal of the active threads would have yielded this thread.

Sorry about that, yeah I was referring to Mt. Wheeler in NM. I also clicked on your link and that info was very helpful as well.
Thanks for the help everyone!

I will post the details of our trip (6-6-12) and hopefully it will help the thread out some more.

Lots of webcams around Taos.
http://skitaos.org/contents/view/webcams

Which way are you going? via Walker Lake, Bull-of-the-woods, eastern route? It's principally a walk-up. Weather allowing, anyone in decent cardiovascular condition can make it, with proper pacing and an early start.

I'll be climbing the same day. I was wondering myself how the snow conditions were. I did Guadalupe Peak in December a few years back. The trail was frozen and I had to crawl on the trail since I don't have anything to walk on ice with :-\

MoapaPk wrote:Lots of webcams around Taos.
http://skitaos.org/contents/view/webcams

Which way are you going? via Walker Lake, Bull-of-the-woods, eastern route? It's principally a walk-up. Weather allowing, anyone in decent cardiovascular condition can make it, with proper pacing and an early start.

It looks like taking the bull-of-the-woods trail is going to be our plan. Seems like a bit easier with better views?
Bit anxious, as I have not done a climb yet that is about Guadalupe Peak. Curious to see how the altitude is going to affect me.
Is it a good idea to come down via Williams lake path? or is it too steep?

Last time I was there (1997), Williams lake was not an official trail, and had some loose rock. It is easier to find when going up, than when coming down.

They built a new section of trail last year from Williams Lake to the summit. I don't know if it wil be snow covered in June but if not, it's a very good trail.

I ascended Bull of the Woods trail and descended via Williams Lake last year. That's the best way to experience all of Wheeler Peak.