jainman09 - Feb 25, 2013 3:02 am Date Climbed: Jun 14, 2005
First 13er
Four feet of snow at the base made for an interesting approach. Plenty of snow to glissade back down!
xbaghat - Jan 20, 2013 1:14 am Date Climbed: Jul 14, 2003
nine
...
Fletch - Dec 28, 2012 3:29 pm Date Climbed: Jul 31, 2011
W/ Smitty
from Williams Lake - new trail is excellent.
TimmyTee - Oct 28, 2012 10:47 am Date Climbed: Oct 27, 2012
Wheelers Peak
Great day! We used the Williams Lake trail, leaving the parking lot at 0715. We found the wind icy as we went above treeline and into the periodic talus crossings. I was surprised at how good the trail is. As we worked up the switchbacks above LaCal Basin, the wind increased. Being in the shade most of the way,we had our cold weather gear on (I wish I'd brought my down mittens! Saw a group of goats moving through; one pica and little tiny vole(?). Beautiful at the summit, perfect day, blue skies horizon to horizon. On the way down we met many other hikers enjoying the day.
orbitor - Oct 15, 2012 2:57 pm Date Climbed: Aug 12, 2012
From Williams Lake
First group on the summit that day, which made it extra special. Bluebird skies at 9am, raging thunderstorm by 3pm. Really glad we got up and down quickly. Liked the newly constructed trail from Williams Lake. Grand views from summit - Blanca Peak in CO particularly stood out. Satisfied with adding a new state highpoint for the year!
Sarah Simon - Sep 23, 2012 2:12 pm Date Climbed: Sep 22, 2012
6 peak day via Bull of the Woods
I love this time of year - perfect weather, sunny blue skies, autumn colors! Enjoyed the hot springs at Ojo Caliente, green chili beer and a suite with a kiva fireplace afterward. :-)
My wife and I climbed it on our 23rd wedding anniversary. The weather was perfect. We climbed via the Williams Lake/Wheeler Peak trail. This trail was tough for us since we live just above sea level. Many locals we met recommended the Bull of the Woods trail. They said it is much easier. After seeing the other trail from the summit I would have to agree that it looks easier. The WP summit trail increases in difficulty the higher you climb. So as your wearing down it takes more. But the view is well worth the effort!
Ridgerunner755 - Jun 22, 2012 7:12 pm Date Climbed: Jun 15, 2012
Bull of the Woods/Williams Lake
Camped at Bull of the Woods trailhead, started hiking at 6am. Hit the top of Bull of the Woods Mtn., Frazer Mtn., and Mt. Walter on the way, on top in about 4 hrs. Instead of following the trail through LaCal Basin, we took the ridge directly to Mt. Walter which was a little more interesting. Saw 42 sheep (6 rams), 40 elk, and a couple mulies along the way. Only a couple patches of snow to walk through. Probably a dozen people on the summit with us. Headed down Williams Lake trail, dozens more people at the lake and headed up this trail, kind of surprising. Then walked down the road back to camp. It was a great hike with great views, weather, and lots of animals!
Walkoutnow - Jun 8, 2012 7:07 pm Date Climbed: Jun 6, 2012
Great Hike
We took the Williams lake trail both ways, had great sunny weather all day. Started at 630am, 3.5 hours to summit. Spent 30 minutes up top, warming behind the rock wall (strong, cold wind). Ran into many friendly marmots along the way, and hungry ground squirrels at the summit. Hike gets tougher after you get past Williams lake, including several sections of scree. Make sure you take a left on the new trail BEFORE getting to the lake, we missed it and took old route straight up, leg burner..
Down in 2 hrs 15 minutes, so back to the truck by 1245pm. Snow drifts had softened, sinking up to mid thigh.
Great experience. Beautiful views.
Via the Bull of the Woods trail, you can bag one 12,000' peak (Fraser Mountain) and two 13ers -- Mt. Walter and Wheeler Peak, then shorten the return by descending to Williams Lake. If I did this again, I'd nail another 12,000' peak (Simpson) and 13er (Old Mike), which are within a mile of Wheeler.
Assuming, of course, that the weather holds. We got lucky on our day on the mountain -- the weather was relatively clear all day. The day before or the day after, rain and storms would have thwarted us.
Andrew Rankine - Oct 25, 2011 1:29 pm Date Climbed: Oct 16, 2009
One of my favorites
One of my favorite state highpoints. 16 miles, a couple feet of snow. Lots of fun.
huskertriguy - Oct 9, 2011 3:59 pm Date Climbed: Oct 3, 2011
Breaking into double digits!
SHP #10
I cannot recommend highly enough purchasing a detailed topo map. There are numerous trail junctions, many of which are NOT marked whatsoever. Luckily my intuition prevailed.
Bull-of-the-Woods Trail.
Started at 4:30 a.m. and summited by 10:00. If I'd had a topo map, I would've considered taking the Williams Lake route on my return, but I (stupidly) did not do much research, nor did I have a map. I'd assumed the trail & summit were pretty straightforward, but I was mistaken.
I did find myself wondering whether the trail planners were on peyote at the time they designated the route. Bull-of-the-Woods is unnecessarily circuitous, particularly at La Cal Basin. Mixing it up and taking Williams Lake would've been a welcome change.
Beautiful and quite a lot of solitude. Well worthwhile even if it weren't a SHP. I saw a total of 5 people all day; 3 on their way down who summited for sunrise, and 2 on the way up later in the day.
michael350ls1 - Oct 2, 2011 7:55 pm Date Climbed: Jun 18, 2007
Williams lake route
i was kinda tired midways. very steep, but a group of approaching female climbers below me gave me the energy to finish. beautiful view.
Went up Bull of the Woods trail and descended via Williams Lake. We expected a pleasant late summer hike but encountered full winter conditions on the summit. It snowed 3-4" on the upper ridge with drifts up to my knees in some places. Temps were in the 30's. The wind was blowing 30mph and visibility was less than 100ft. We wern't fully prepared for that but pressed on wearing only summer hiking boots and lightweight raingear. This is my 46th state highpoint.
JustDSM - Aug 30, 2011 4:20 pm Date Climbed: Jun 24, 2011
First 13er
Me and my German Shepherd made the hike up to Wheeler Peak. Our first 13er.
schweiger0825 - Aug 24, 2011 1:19 pm Date Climbed: Aug 22, 2011
Fourth of four
This one closed out my vacation spurt of HPs (Nebraska, Okla, Texas, N.M.), and what a nice way to go out. HP #9 for me, I took the Bull of the Woods there and back for about an 8-hour total round trip. Except for all the horse and cow dung on the trail (which attracted tons of butterflies to see at least), this was an awesome experience. Enjoyed returning to more New England-like terrain after Okla and Texas. Came upon a big herd of cattle that seemed confused by my presence. Like the bonus Mt. Walter 13'er peak too. Tremendous views, and only one real windy stretch.
coolalertguy - Aug 24, 2011 10:34 am Date Climbed: May 5, 2011
Too much snow
Post-holed up to above La Cal basin, turned around due to tight schedule and slow-going. Beautiful mountain though. I'll be back.
jainman09 - Feb 25, 2013 3:02 am Date Climbed: Jun 14, 2005
First 13erFour feet of snow at the base made for an interesting approach. Plenty of snow to glissade back down!
xbaghat - Jan 20, 2013 1:14 am Date Climbed: Jul 14, 2003
nine...
Fletch - Dec 28, 2012 3:29 pm Date Climbed: Jul 31, 2011
W/ Smittyfrom Williams Lake - new trail is excellent.
TimmyTee - Oct 28, 2012 10:47 am Date Climbed: Oct 27, 2012
Wheelers PeakGreat day! We used the Williams Lake trail, leaving the parking lot at 0715. We found the wind icy as we went above treeline and into the periodic talus crossings. I was surprised at how good the trail is. As we worked up the switchbacks above LaCal Basin, the wind increased. Being in the shade most of the way,we had our cold weather gear on (I wish I'd brought my down mittens! Saw a group of goats moving through; one pica and little tiny vole(?). Beautiful at the summit, perfect day, blue skies horizon to horizon. On the way down we met many other hikers enjoying the day.
orbitor - Oct 15, 2012 2:57 pm Date Climbed: Aug 12, 2012
From Williams LakeFirst group on the summit that day, which made it extra special. Bluebird skies at 9am, raging thunderstorm by 3pm. Really glad we got up and down quickly. Liked the newly constructed trail from Williams Lake. Grand views from summit - Blanca Peak in CO particularly stood out. Satisfied with adding a new state highpoint for the year!
Sarah Simon - Sep 23, 2012 2:12 pm Date Climbed: Sep 22, 2012
6 peak day via Bull of the WoodsI love this time of year - perfect weather, sunny blue skies, autumn colors! Enjoyed the hot springs at Ojo Caliente, green chili beer and a suite with a kiva fireplace afterward. :-)
CharlieRussell - Jul 27, 2012 2:17 pm Date Climbed: Jul 22, 2012
Great ClimbMy wife and I climbed it on our 23rd wedding anniversary. The weather was perfect. We climbed via the Williams Lake/Wheeler Peak trail. This trail was tough for us since we live just above sea level. Many locals we met recommended the Bull of the Woods trail. They said it is much easier. After seeing the other trail from the summit I would have to agree that it looks easier. The WP summit trail increases in difficulty the higher you climb. So as your wearing down it takes more. But the view is well worth the effort!
Ridgerunner755 - Jun 22, 2012 7:12 pm Date Climbed: Jun 15, 2012
Bull of the Woods/Williams LakeCamped at Bull of the Woods trailhead, started hiking at 6am. Hit the top of Bull of the Woods Mtn., Frazer Mtn., and Mt. Walter on the way, on top in about 4 hrs. Instead of following the trail through LaCal Basin, we took the ridge directly to Mt. Walter which was a little more interesting. Saw 42 sheep (6 rams), 40 elk, and a couple mulies along the way. Only a couple patches of snow to walk through. Probably a dozen people on the summit with us. Headed down Williams Lake trail, dozens more people at the lake and headed up this trail, kind of surprising. Then walked down the road back to camp. It was a great hike with great views, weather, and lots of animals!
Walkoutnow - Jun 8, 2012 7:07 pm Date Climbed: Jun 6, 2012
Great HikeWe took the Williams lake trail both ways, had great sunny weather all day. Started at 630am, 3.5 hours to summit. Spent 30 minutes up top, warming behind the rock wall (strong, cold wind). Ran into many friendly marmots along the way, and hungry ground squirrels at the summit. Hike gets tougher after you get past Williams lake, including several sections of scree. Make sure you take a left on the new trail BEFORE getting to the lake, we missed it and took old route straight up, leg burner..
Down in 2 hrs 15 minutes, so back to the truck by 1245pm. Snow drifts had softened, sinking up to mid thigh.
Great experience. Beautiful views.
Ruvicha - Apr 9, 2012 9:18 pm Date Climbed: Sep 10, 2009
Splendid Three ferVia the Bull of the Woods trail, you can bag one 12,000' peak (Fraser Mountain) and two 13ers -- Mt. Walter and Wheeler Peak, then shorten the return by descending to Williams Lake. If I did this again, I'd nail another 12,000' peak (Simpson) and 13er (Old Mike), which are within a mile of Wheeler.
Assuming, of course, that the weather holds. We got lucky on our day on the mountain -- the weather was relatively clear all day. The day before or the day after, rain and storms would have thwarted us.
Andrew Rankine - Oct 25, 2011 1:29 pm Date Climbed: Oct 16, 2009
One of my favoritesOne of my favorite state highpoints. 16 miles, a couple feet of snow. Lots of fun.
huskertriguy - Oct 9, 2011 3:59 pm Date Climbed: Oct 3, 2011
Breaking into double digits!SHP #10
I cannot recommend highly enough purchasing a detailed topo map. There are numerous trail junctions, many of which are NOT marked whatsoever. Luckily my intuition prevailed.
Bull-of-the-Woods Trail.
Started at 4:30 a.m. and summited by 10:00. If I'd had a topo map, I would've considered taking the Williams Lake route on my return, but I (stupidly) did not do much research, nor did I have a map. I'd assumed the trail & summit were pretty straightforward, but I was mistaken.
I did find myself wondering whether the trail planners were on peyote at the time they designated the route. Bull-of-the-Woods is unnecessarily circuitous, particularly at La Cal Basin. Mixing it up and taking Williams Lake would've been a welcome change.
Beautiful and quite a lot of solitude. Well worthwhile even if it weren't a SHP. I saw a total of 5 people all day; 3 on their way down who summited for sunrise, and 2 on the way up later in the day.
michael350ls1 - Oct 2, 2011 7:55 pm Date Climbed: Jun 18, 2007
Williams lake routei was kinda tired midways. very steep, but a group of approaching female climbers below me gave me the energy to finish. beautiful view.
eric-griz - Sep 20, 2011 7:55 pm Date Climbed: Sep 12, 2011
State HP #37Very cold and windy at the summit with a little bit of snow on the upper portions of the mountain. A worthwhile hike for sure!
Alpinist - Sep 10, 2011 11:47 pm Date Climbed: Sep 10, 2011
Bull of the Woods loopWent up Bull of the Woods trail and descended via Williams Lake. We expected a pleasant late summer hike but encountered full winter conditions on the summit. It snowed 3-4" on the upper ridge with drifts up to my knees in some places. Temps were in the 30's. The wind was blowing 30mph and visibility was less than 100ft. We wern't fully prepared for that but pressed on wearing only summer hiking boots and lightweight raingear. This is my 46th state highpoint.
JustDSM - Aug 30, 2011 4:20 pm Date Climbed: Jun 24, 2011
First 13erMe and my German Shepherd made the hike up to Wheeler Peak. Our first 13er.
schweiger0825 - Aug 24, 2011 1:19 pm Date Climbed: Aug 22, 2011
Fourth of fourThis one closed out my vacation spurt of HPs (Nebraska, Okla, Texas, N.M.), and what a nice way to go out. HP #9 for me, I took the Bull of the Woods there and back for about an 8-hour total round trip. Except for all the horse and cow dung on the trail (which attracted tons of butterflies to see at least), this was an awesome experience. Enjoyed returning to more New England-like terrain after Okla and Texas. Came upon a big herd of cattle that seemed confused by my presence. Like the bonus Mt. Walter 13'er peak too. Tremendous views, and only one real windy stretch.
coolalertguy - Aug 24, 2011 10:34 am Date Climbed: May 5, 2011
Too much snowPost-holed up to above La Cal basin, turned around due to tight schedule and slow-going. Beautiful mountain though. I'll be back.
JohnnyCO - Aug 22, 2011 11:01 pm
busy summer dayBusy day up on wheel chair peak. Great new trail from williams lake trail. Too bad people short cut the switchbacks.
vbeckman74 - Aug 21, 2011 6:04 pm Date Climbed: Sep 18, 2004
Long DayA rollercoaster of altitude and weather.