David

This highpoint was first attempted in 2000 with a group of 10 people. It was definitely too large a group, especially when some in the group were ill-prepared for what was planned -- backpacking halfway up, camping, and summitting on the second day. Since the group chose to stay all together, none of us were able to complete the trek. Conquering this mountain would have to wait another year...

With a group size of only two in 2001, it did get conquered. I was still not in great condition and had to take it slow and easy. A past tendonitis condition acted up in my knees during the descent, and I was uncertain about continuing on two days later to Mount Elbert, Colorado, but my friend suggested adjusting our itinerary to allow an extra day for rest and recovery...

The trailhead starts at the Taos Ski Valley parking lot. The ski slopes are evident across the valley during much of the hike.

One point at which the ski slopes are out of sight is when the trail drops 1000 feet through a valley. Although the valley path requires regaining the 1000 of elevation to reach the summit, the valley is beautiful and worth the extra effort.

I had only planned to tackle the highest points in various states. However, the Bull-of-the-Woods trail offered the pleasant surprise of taking us to the second highest point (Mt. Walter) en route to Wheeler Peak.