Overview

This route is probably the shortest, most direct route on Wheeler Peak. If you are lodging in the town of Red River, the trailhead is only about 15 minutes away as opposed to about 45 minutes if you were to access routes from the Taos side via Taos. If you have a modified 4x4 with a short wheel base, you can make this route even shorter. Experience with a 4x4 is a must too shorten this route as this road is probably the roughest 4x4 road in the state. Some bushwacking and routefinding will also be necessary.

Approach

Access to this route is from the east via Red River, NM. If coming from the town of Cimarron, this route will be closer than the routes near Taos, NM. It does require some bushwacking but makes the climb much shorter.

Drive 23.9 miles west on Highway 64 from the town of Cimarron to the town of Eagle Nest. Make a right turn on New Mexico Highway 38 and drive 17.3 miles to the town of Red River, NM. Just before the highway makes a slight right turn to go into the main drag, make a sharp left turn on Highway 578. Drive approximately 6.5 miles to the end of the pavement where the road makes a left turn and crosses a bridge. Just before the bridge, make a right turn on a rough dirt 2x2 road that parallels the creek and drive approximately 1/2 mile to a National Forest Service parking lot on your right. There is usually plenty of parking there.

It is possible to drive all the way to Middlefork lake on a 4x4 road if you want to cut a couple of miles off your hike, but the road is probably the roughest in the state. A modified, short wheel base, 4x4 is highly recommended. If you want to drive part way up, you can probably make it to the first stream crossing and park. I was able to make it to the first stream crossing in my stock 4x4 Toyota pickup, but was not able to negotiate the second switchback after the crossing. Do not try and make the turns on the switchback. You will need to back up every other one. It is tricky for the inexperienced.

Route Description

Just before arriving at Middlefork Lake, you will need to bushwack over and find a small stream coming in on the left side. There is a primitive unmaintained trail that follows this stream on the west side. Follow this trail over some downed trees until it reaches a bowl. Ascend this bowl directly up to a ridge. Follow this ridge directly to the summit of Mt. Walter. (See the topo above for help finding this route)

For a grand tour de la Walter, return by following the East Fork route. You can also add Simpson Peak and New Mexico's 3rd highest Peak Old Mike by using the East Fork Route for your decent down. Be prepared for a long hike out if using the East Fork Route. It is nice as it passes by two lakes, but is about 7 miles in length.

Essential Gear

This trail may require some bushwacking and routefinding. Avoid this route in the winter due to avalanche concerns in the bowl below the ridge.