Colorado · Hiking · La Garita Wilderness · Near South Fork

Wheeler

20.5 mi
round trip
2,180 ft
climb
12,509 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Wheeler open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Rio Grande National Forest. It doesn't name Wheeler, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Rio Grande National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Wheeler is a hard hike in Colorado's La Garita Wilderness, part of the Divide Ranger District of the Rio Grande National Forest. The trail is an out-and-back route of about 20.5 miles, with a total elevation gain of 2,180 feet, starting at a low point of about 10,400 feet and reaching a high of about 12,500 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is on natural surface, with horses allowed. The Wheeler Trailhead is the parking for the trip, and the route is open year-round. The closest neighbors are the Wason Park Cut-Off, about 1.3 miles away, and the Wheeler Loop, about 1.9 miles away. For an overnight base, Hansen Mill Campground and Hansons Mill Dispersed Campsite both sit about 3.7 miles off.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Hansen Mill Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 3.7 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Mountain Pizza & Taproom

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 15 mi
  • If it rains

    Quiller Gallery

    Gallery

    Gallery · 8.5 mi from South Fork

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More in South Fork

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.