Wheeler Peak Wilderness, Taos, NM – July 2025

On July 17, 2025, Trailmen of Troop TX-0022 stood on top of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest summit at 13,160 feet. But their story began long before the final summit. It began with a bold idea: a backpacking trip to conquer five rugged peaks above 11,000 feet in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. What followed was not just a physical journey, but a test of faith, perseverance, and brotherhood.

The Adventure Begins

The plan took shape months earlier—training hikes in Texas, gear checks, and strengthening legs for the steep ascents to come. When the day arrived, the Troop caravanned 650 miles from Fort Worth to Taos Ski Valley. After the long 11-hour drive, they found a campsite by a rushing river, its cool waters and geared up for the challenges and triumphs lying just ahead.

The trek began at the Williams Lake trailhead (10,185’). A short hike brought them to the alpine lake, shimmering like glass at the foot of Wheeler Peak. But they soon discovered it was a harsh beauty. Rain poured that evening, soaking tents. By morning, some were frozen stiff.

“Waking up to a tent frozen solid—I’ll never forget it,” Dylan recalled. For many, it was their first taste of mountain adversity. But instead of discouragement, the Troop rose at dawn, shouldered wet packs, and pressed on. 

The Climb to Wheeler Peak

The ascent of Wheeler Peak was steep and grueling with 2,000 feet gained in just two miles. The air thinned, legs burned, and boots crunched over loose scree. To manage the climb, the Troop placed their slowest hiker in front. Each step was deliberate, steady, unrelenting.

At first, Mr. Yost struggled with the slow pace. “I was impatient. I wanted to charge ahead. But I realized—it was that steady pace that got us all to the top together.”

After four hard hours, the Troop stood atop Wheeler. The panoramic sweep of ridges and valleys stretched to the horizon. Dylan later called it his defining moment: “Summiting Wheeler was a victory I’ll always remember.” For Mr. Green, carrying a 50-pound pack up the switchbacks, the moment was anchored in Scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Bagging Peaks

Day by day, the Troop reduced their goal: from five peaks, to four, to three. The wilderness revealed both beauty and trial. 

Water—scarce and precious—became the heartbeat of the journey. Twice, unexpected sources appeared just when they needed them most. “God orchestrated this trip,” Landon reflected. “We found water exactly when we needed it, not a moment too soon.”

Evenings brought firelight and fellowship. “The conversations around the campfire were some of the best moments for me,” Mr. Yost shared. “Just reflecting on the day's adventures, marveling at God and all His glory. Men sharing openly, encouraging one another—you can’t beat that.”

The Final Test: Gold Hill

On Day 4, the Troop woke before dawn, headlamps flickering in the darkness, their breath forming white clouds in the cold. The climb to Gold Hill (12,703’) stretched seven miles roundtrip, winding through alpine meadows before the final rocky ridge.

“It looked unreachable at first,” Mr. Clover admitted. “Mentally, I didn’t know if I could make it. But step by step, it came closer.”

As they neared the summit, the weather turned fierce. Winds roared at 30 mph, temperatures plunged into the 30s, and hands went numb. “My hands felt frozen, but the summit was right there,” Landon remembered. “We just had to keep moving.”

At 7:30 AM, the Troop stood together on Gold Hill’s summit. The victory was not loud or boastful—it was quiet, almost reverent. Bighorn sheep watched from the slopes below as the Trailmen gave thanks. Five peaks stood behind them. Their final test was complete.

When the Troop finally returned to civilization, burgers and pizza never tasted so good. But the deeper feast had been the fellowship, perseverance, and faith tested and strengthened in the mountains.

A Journey of Faith and Brotherhood

From rain-soaked tents to freezing winds, from mountain switchbacks to mountaintop prayers, the men and boys of Troop TX-0022 discovered that High Adventure is not only about peaks conquered. It is about bonds forged, lessons learned, and faith deepened.

As the Troop reflected, the words of Colossians 3:17 came alive:

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Five peaks conquered. Countless memories made. Unforgettable lessons learned.

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