Wheeler Peak was a very nice hike. It took me longer to get to the trailhead than expected because the road had been closed and a detour was being used (which was actually more direct than the normal road). I used the shorter, faster, but more strenuous Williams Lake route. It was refreshing to take a hike and have no insect issues whatsoever.

The hike to Williams Lake began by going up a hill into the woods. I was a little surprised because I thought the initial stretch was downhill to the lake. It worked through the woods and was not very difficult. It eventually comes to Williams Lake. The summit trail goes to the woods and starts up the hill. It is a nice trail through the woods for a short time. Once the trees start to thin, the trail moves up through alpine meadows. It is steep here, but not bad. Just go at a nice, slow pace.

Near the top, the trail becomes scree and is more difficult because of the poor footing. A dark rain cloud was on the mountain as I neared the summit. I didn't rest much as I thought the cloud could cause me to not make the summit if I saw any lightning. Near the top, small hail began to fall. Because of the rain and hail, I did not spend very much time on top. I also skipped going to the summit of Mt. Walter which is nearby. Going down was easier and quicker. By the time I got near the bottom, the sky was nice and blue again. By the time I got back to the car, things looked bad again.

On the hike I met a couple guys from N.J. named Ian and Jason who were also heading to Black Mesa, OK the next day. Tammy and I had plans to do the same.