This would have my 29th state high point, but sadly, we did not make it to the top (made it about 80% of the way). There is still a significant amount of snow on the trail (thigh high in some places). We did rent snow shoes and ski poles, which was absolutely necessary from William Lake to the summit. An early start is a good idea for the usual reasons, with the the addition that the top layer of snow got kind of sloppy by early afternoon, making the climb even more difficult. Though we didn't make it to the top, the views were still spectacular and temps comfortable. The only benefit of the snow was that we could slide down nearly the entire mountain side on our bottoms, making the return trip very quick. Don't let this deter you--we are not used to the altitude, had never hiked in snow before, and admittedly could be in better shape! We wanted to share a recent comment about the conditions and need for snow shoes/poles for anyone looking to do the hike in the next couple weeks or until the weather warms.
We heard later that others who stopped by the visitors center were told the trail was closed due to an avalanche earlier this year, though we saw numerous people still hiking both to William Lake and up to the peak.
Yep - you read that correctly - multiple failures trying to conquer this state summit. Think I tried at least 7 times and failed. My 1st attempt was in November 2006 and I took the Williams Lake Trail. I was more or less just scouting out the area and arrived way too late in afternoon to make the summit. Was able to hike the trail as far as the where the tree line ended before the sun started to set.
My 2nd, while taking the Williams Lake Trail, attempt was in September 2009 when I made it as far as 3/4 mile from summit!!! Got stuck in a scree field when a GIANT bolt of lightning and freezing rain and then snow chased me away. Had 2 other people pass me by and they immediately reversed course after the lightning strike. A few people coming down from summit told me how close I was, so I tried to continue on, but it just snowed harder. Left in defeat.
3rd was in May 2010. Took The Bull of the Woods Trail. Was able to hike about 4 miles before I ran into snowdrifts. Was expecting to encounter snowdrifts in May, but once they became deeper than my hips, figured it was time to turn around in another defeat.
4th attempt, was in September 2012 but had to turn back as shortly after I reached the parking lot for Bull of the Woods Trail. Somewhere, somehow came into contact with some bad water from a motel water system and became severely sick. Made it to my camp site in Colorado and later spent about 6 hours in hospital for symptoms for dysentery.
5th & 6th attempts, the area was closed off because of massive forest fires in the area - forgotten the years.
7th attempt, was in August 2016. Followed Bull of the Woods Trail. Was all proud of myself for arrived just before daylight, plenty of water/snacks, early start. Made it about 1/2 to summit when I defeated myself mentally here. Once I lost it mentally, knew that was all it took to admit defeat.
Out of all my attempts at this state highpoint, thoroughly enjoyed ALL of them - other than the time I became sick. Beautiful scenery, animal/bird watching, solitude. Have been told that the Williams Lake Trail now has some switch-back trails, thus allowing for easier hiking to summit. Will return to conquer this beast someday soon!!!
Please note: Just learned that USFS closes the peak annually (in 2022, the closure will be 8/22-8/26) for a tribal observance. I live on the other side of the country, and I structured my travel to climb Wheeler on either 8/21 or 8/22 (this would be state summit #27). Now I only have one shot at it. Already had to delay my trip two months due to the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire. Sigh.
mickic - May 26, 2019 7:09 pm - Hasn't voted
Wheeler Peak AttemptThis would have my 29th state high point, but sadly, we did not make it to the top (made it about 80% of the way). There is still a significant amount of snow on the trail (thigh high in some places). We did rent snow shoes and ski poles, which was absolutely necessary from William Lake to the summit. An early start is a good idea for the usual reasons, with the the addition that the top layer of snow got kind of sloppy by early afternoon, making the climb even more difficult. Though we didn't make it to the top, the views were still spectacular and temps comfortable. The only benefit of the snow was that we could slide down nearly the entire mountain side on our bottoms, making the return trip very quick. Don't let this deter you--we are not used to the altitude, had never hiked in snow before, and admittedly could be in better shape! We wanted to share a recent comment about the conditions and need for snow shoes/poles for anyone looking to do the hike in the next couple weeks or until the weather warms.
We heard later that others who stopped by the visitors center were told the trail was closed due to an avalanche earlier this year, though we saw numerous people still hiking both to William Lake and up to the peak.
James Bednar - Oct 7, 2019 9:40 am - Hasn't voted
Multile Failers hereYep - you read that correctly - multiple failures trying to conquer this state summit. Think I tried at least 7 times and failed. My 1st attempt was in November 2006 and I took the Williams Lake Trail. I was more or less just scouting out the area and arrived way too late in afternoon to make the summit. Was able to hike the trail as far as the where the tree line ended before the sun started to set.
My 2nd, while taking the Williams Lake Trail, attempt was in September 2009 when I made it as far as 3/4 mile from summit!!! Got stuck in a scree field when a GIANT bolt of lightning and freezing rain and then snow chased me away. Had 2 other people pass me by and they immediately reversed course after the lightning strike. A few people coming down from summit told me how close I was, so I tried to continue on, but it just snowed harder. Left in defeat.
3rd was in May 2010. Took The Bull of the Woods Trail. Was able to hike about 4 miles before I ran into snowdrifts. Was expecting to encounter snowdrifts in May, but once they became deeper than my hips, figured it was time to turn around in another defeat.
4th attempt, was in September 2012 but had to turn back as shortly after I reached the parking lot for Bull of the Woods Trail. Somewhere, somehow came into contact with some bad water from a motel water system and became severely sick. Made it to my camp site in Colorado and later spent about 6 hours in hospital for symptoms for dysentery.
5th & 6th attempts, the area was closed off because of massive forest fires in the area - forgotten the years.
7th attempt, was in August 2016. Followed Bull of the Woods Trail. Was all proud of myself for arrived just before daylight, plenty of water/snacks, early start. Made it about 1/2 to summit when I defeated myself mentally here. Once I lost it mentally, knew that was all it took to admit defeat.
Out of all my attempts at this state highpoint, thoroughly enjoyed ALL of them - other than the time I became sick. Beautiful scenery, animal/bird watching, solitude. Have been told that the Williams Lake Trail now has some switch-back trails, thus allowing for easier hiking to summit. Will return to conquer this beast someday soon!!!
Juanto3 - Aug 9, 2022 7:22 am - Hasn't voted
Additional red tapePlease note: Just learned that USFS closes the peak annually (in 2022, the closure will be 8/22-8/26) for a tribal observance. I live on the other side of the country, and I structured my travel to climb Wheeler on either 8/21 or 8/22 (this would be state summit #27). Now I only have one shot at it. Already had to delay my trip two months due to the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire. Sigh.