Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area

The Carson National Forest temporarily closes the Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake area each summer for about a week for local community, traditional purposes.

The 2026 dates will be determined in the summer, but the closure has historically taken place in mid- to late August.

The following trails will be closed: 

• 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 close.

Visitors to the area during the closure can use the following area 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)