Annual Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake and Surrounding Area

The Carson National Forest closes an area in and around the Wheeler Peak Wilderness each summer for about a week for community traditional purposes.

• Exact dates are not known until closer to the closure, which typically occurs in mid- to late August, but the dates can change from year to year.
• Staff recommend the public check back beginning in mid-July for updates.

The following trails will close:

• Williams Lake (#62)
• Wheeler Summit (#67)
• Wheeler Peak (#90) between La Cal Basin and Wheeler Peak
• Lost Lake (#91) between Horseshoe Lake and Wheeler Peak

The Williams Lake basin, including Kachina and Lake Fork peaks, and the ridgeline from east of Taos Cone to Simpson Peak will additionally be closed.

Forest leadership appreciate the public's flexibility during as they support community traditional needs.

Visitors to the area during the closure can use the following trails:

• Yerba (#61)
• Manzanita (#58)
• Italianos (#59)
• Gavilan (#60)
• Long Canyon (#63) via Wheeler Peak Trail (#90)
• Gold Hill (#64) to its namesake destination via Long Canyon (#63)