Wheeler Peak is the highest peak in the state of New Mexico at 13,167ft (4,013m). It is located northeast of Taos and south of Red River in the northern part of the state. Wheeler Peak is the 2nd highest peak in the Sweetwater Range, which is situated on the California/Nevada border.
Wheeler Peak makes a great side hike after reaching the summit of Mount Patterson. It is actually pretty easy to bag both peaks in one day. In fact, you nearly reach the summit of Mount Patterson on the way to Wheeler Peak, which is why people climbing Wheeler Peak, typically include Mount Patterson.
Wheeler Peak is named in honor of Major George Montague Wheeler (1842–1905) who for ten years led a party of surveyors and naturalists collecting geologic, biologic, planimetric and topographic data in New Mexico and six other southwestern states.
