Images from the climb of Mount Wheeler, New Mexico's highest peak (13,161 feet), October 20, 2001.  Click on images to see enlarged view.

Fall colors in the approach valley.

Climbers ready at first light.

San Juan Mountains as the sun rises.

October, but still cold and icy.

Can see the mountain for the trees.

Williams Lake area just before the slope turns up.

Slope hits 30° at about 11,000 feet.

Williams Lake Valley from 12,000 feet.

Above the tree line back toward the Taos Ski Valley.

Mike and Mary Harding in the scree at 12,500 feet.

Liz McCarty on the ridge approaching the summit.

North into Colorado from the summit.

Taos Ski Valley from the summit of New Mexico's highest mountain.

Howard Jones and Liz McCarty relax at 13,161 feet.