Woke up to 48 degree F weather and a few scattered clouds, so I was not worried about inclimate weather. I ate some lunch and enjoyed the great views, which would have been even better without the clouds. I took the long way both ways, about 15 miles or so round trip, but it was well worth it. It is also the most difficult. Drive up Twining Road from the ski village and stay on it til you see the sign for the hiker's parking lot.
Signs point the way to Williams Lake.
From Williams Lake, the trail goes left and up the mountain about 1.5 miles. It is very steep at this point, especially after you go above timberline. When viewed from Wheeler, Old Mike Peak appears to be actually higher than Wheeler. But a man I met at the top assured me Wheeler was higher. That man was Gary Johnson - the current governor of New Mexico.