A women's adventure to New Mexico's highest peak
It's becoming a bit of a summer tradition to gather a group of outdoorsy women friends and hike in New Mexico's high alpine. You may have seen my story last summer on our backpacking trip through the Pecos Wilderness, which took quite a bit of planning and training to execute. We are mothers who also work full-time, so it was a bit of a stretch to pull off four days in the backcountry, leaving our hubbies solo to take the full domestic load. Yet, it's easily justified. I always feel renewed, inspired, and joyful when I return from my summer hiking adventures.
This year, many of us were coming off of summer trips at sea level or busy work schedules, so we didn't anticipate the same level of fitness or available time. I proposed a shorter trip utilizing a backcountry yurt, which would allow us to carry less weight and tackle New Mexico's highest peak via the less-trafficked Bull of the Woods trail. Despite my sales pitch, only two other women were able to accompany this year. Tai and Mara are dear friends, and I cherished the time that we had together for good conversation (when we could catch our breath!) I also thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the yurt and will definitely be planning another trip with the Southwest Nordic Center.
Day 1: Bull of the Woods Yurt
The first day of our adventure began in Santa Fe. We carpooled to Taos and parked at the top of the main ski area parking. With hiking boots tied and packs adjusted, we started our slow slog to the Bull of the Woods Yurt. The first part of trail 90 is steep and unexciting, so we took our time. Using Tai's Onyx GPS, we determined that the yurt is at least 2 miles from the trailhead, slightly longer than the 1.8 we had researched. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the coziest yurt surrounded by a marshy meadow adorned with corn lilies and magenta elephant heads.
Bull of the Woods Yurt from further up trail
Day 2: Wheeler Peak Summit
Most people who tackle Wheeler Peak opt for the well-trafficked Williams Lake trail, but it's not particularly scenic. Trail 90, however, rises up out of the forest about one mile after the yurt, and gently climbs through miles through high alpine with endless panoramic views of Taos Ski Valley and beyond. Above treeline, lush green basins filled with purple paintbrush, white bottlebrush, and yellow bitterweed entertain the senses as the air grows thinner. Because this route is much longer, we had the views all to ourselves.
Despite predictions for early thunderstorms, the weather held beautifully. A few puffy clouds decorated the skies, but we made it all the way back to the yurt before rain. Tai clocked our round-trip distance from the yurt at 12 miles, which means that a day trip from the ski area would be at least 16 miles.
Day 3: Hike out and head home
We spent our last morning at the yurt on the front deck sipping warm cups of coffee and listening to the birdsong. It was nice to savor our time at the meadow before heading back to the rhythm of our daily routine. After cleaning the yurt and packing up, we carefully descended the 2+ miles back to the parking area. Overall, the wildflowers, the company, the quietude, and the victory of summiting Wheeler Peak made for a perfect summer hiking adventure.
