Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico, is an unforgettable family adventure! 🌄 At 13,161 feet, this challenging hike offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a true sense of accomplishment.
Wheeler Peak is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. The area’s geological history dates back millions of years, involving complex processes of uplift and erosion that created its rugged terrain.
Spanish explorers and settlers arrived in the region in the 16th and 17th centuries, bringing new cultural influences and establishing settlements. The peak itself was named after Major George Wheeler, who conducted extensive surveys of the American West in the late 19th century.
Long before European settlers arrived, the area around Wheeler Peak was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Taos Pueblo. These communities utilized the land for hunting, gathering, and spiritual practices.