WHEELER PEAK IS THE TALLEST NATURAL POINT IN THE U.S. STATE OF NEW MEXICO WITH AN ELEVATION OF 4,011 M (13,161 FT) ABOVE SEA LEVEL. IT IS LOCATED NORTHEAST OF TAOS AND SOUTH OF RED RIVER, APPROXIMATELY 3 KM (2 MILES) SOUTHEAST OF THE TAOS SKI VALLEY.

As a part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the mountain lies in the southernmost section of the Rocky Mountains. Previously, it used to be called Taos Peak, after the nearby town of Taos, New Mexico, however, in 1950 it was given its current name after Major George Montague Wheeler who led a group of scientists and naturalists at the time for about 10 years, collecting geologic, biologic, planimetric and topographic data in New Mexico and six other southwestern states.

The standard route on Wheeler Peak lies along its northern slope. The route starts at the parking lot at the Taos Ski Valley, and continues east along an old road. The route is accessible and relatively easy to climb even during the winter months, due to low avalanche exposure.

Top Long Distance Walks in North America.

THE FIVE HIGHEST PEAKS IN NEW MEXICO:

Wheeler Peak - 4,011 m (13,161 ft), about 3 km (2 miles) southeast of the Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, United States.
Truchas Peak - 3,995 m (13,108 ft), about 42 km (26 miles) northeast of Santa Fe, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico, United States.
Venado Peak - 3,883m (12,739 ft), about 13 km (8 miles) northeast of the town of Questa, in Taos County, New Mexico, United States.
Santa Fe Baldy - 3,850m (12,632 ft), about 24 km (15 miles) northeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States.
Baldy Mountain - 3,793m (12,445 ft), about 10 km (6 miles) northeast of Eagle Nest, in Colfax County, New Mexico, United States.