Left Trailhead for Williams Lake @ 7:15am on September 19, 2011. Beautiful, clear and cold morning, probably upper 30s. 50 minutes later arrived overlooking Williams Lake. Nice hike through spruce field and then fir forest. Right before Williams Lake their is a steep switchback through the forest. After a half hour or so in the forest, the next 2 hours you will spend going up switchback after switchback above the treeline. This part is really challenging, so take your time. I was well conditioned in my legs for such a hike but had to catch my breath about every 50 yards or so. Southern boys are used to more air! The heart was pumping! When you arrive on the ridge, cut right and keep straight. You will end up on the summit before you know it. Took 3 1/2 hours to get to summit. I was very fortunately as there was very little wind, very sunny with a few clouds and red tail hawks floating. Spent 30 minutes on summit. Took 2 hours to return back but going down is challenging as it is steep. Take your walking sticks for support. Ascending highest point in New Mexico was the highlight of my life hiking experiences. Wheeler Peak is tops!