Approach

Head up the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive for 12 miles (8% grade) until you get to the trailhead parking lot at about 10,000 ft.This parking lot is about .5 miles above Wheeler Peak Campground and is near a horse loading ramp.

In the winter, the road is not plowed above Upper Lehman Creek campground, at 7800 feet elevation. Parking is ample enough here, considering that you will have little to no competition.

Route Description

Leave the parking lot and hike on the well marked trail for about 4 miles to the summit. This is not a difficult hike, but the views are very nice. The trail gains about 3,000 ft of elevation before reaching the summit. Note from shredgar: "If the snowpack is stable a more direct route is to follow the obvious low angle gully above Stella Lake."

In winter, after you have parked at the Upper Lehman creek campground at 7800 feet, get on the Lehman Creek trail (well-marked). Depending on snow coverage, you may have trouble following the trail. If no ski tracks guide you, don't worry; all you need to do is head up the drainage of Lehman Creek. After 4 miles (one way) you reach the Wheeler Peak campground and trailhead to the peak at 10000 feet.

Essential Gear

Nothing special is necessary.

In winter, depending on snow conditions, you may choose to take the winter travel aid of your choice. Wheeler Peak is likely quite skiiable from the summit in ideal snow conditions, although the route faces southwest.

Miscellaneous Info

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