The Lure

[BrentD22]

People talk about Mt. Washington like it is very difficult to hike. I've hiked up into the bowl, but no further. It's strange because I uesd to live at PNVC, but you'll understand after reading below.

I've decided up until now not to hike the mountain out of spite. I dislike the idea of a snack bar up there and stuff. Although I've rethought my origanal impression and have decided that in winter none of that stuff is open.

My question is how does Washington via Tuck's Trail ect. compare to let's say Lowes Path up to Adams?

 

[David Metsky]

Oops, rewrite, I noticed you asked about winter.

Tuckerman Ravine in winter is a technical climb. You can get by with crampons, ice axe, and the ability to self-arrest, but I wouldn't take it on with my limited level of ability. You'll want to go up Lion Head winter route to avoid avalanche danger and get much less fall exposure.

This is main difference between Wash and Adams. There's really no danger of falling on Adams (unless you hit King Ravine), on Washington you have avy danger lower down and you can slide a long way on the snowfields near the top or fall off Lion Head. You'll also be exposed to the elements for an extra 500' of elevation, but that's not too different in the grand scheme of things.

Both are big climbs and take about the same amount of effort. There are more external dangers on a Lion Head climb than Lowe's Path.

-dave-

 

[Darwin]

Given the current parking situation according to Frodo and associates, I would hike from the west up the Ammy and down Gulfside and Jewell and then hit Clay on the way down. I love the Ammy in summer but have never done it in winter. With The Base Rd. open I would with out a doubt take advantage of the situation!

 

[forestgnome]

Well understood, BrentD22!
I avoid the summit of Washington when all that stuff is open, just too weird. My favorite hike up to the summit was on a clear February day, not a breath of wind, not a soul in sight.
Like Dave says, The Winter Route of the Lion's Head Trail would be preferable to the headwall for the ascent. Later in the season, there will be steps in the snow all the way up the headwall from skiiers, and it won't be as steep in places as the snow fills the bowl.
I would highly recommend Boott Spur Trail, at least for the descent, making a nice loop, with excellent views of Tuckerman Ravine.

 

[BrentD22]

Thanks guys!

I attempted a solo ascent of Kings Ravine Headwall, but decided about 50 feet up that it wasn't the safest idea. I went up Aire Line to Short Line to King Ravine Trail up Kings Ravine Headwall about 50 feet. I probably could have made it up the headwall I just didn't need to prove it to myself with the risk of crashing into the rocks of the subway.

How does climbing Kings Ravine Headwall compare to Tuck's Headwall.

WHEN I make my Washington winter ascent I will use Lion's Head, but I"m just curious about comparing the ascents.

I'm planning on a possible late winter attempt or next year. My wife just had our 3rd child and I'm some-what out of shape.

 

[Jim lombard]

Posted by Darwin

I love the Ammy in summer but have never done it in winter.

This is a fantastic winter crampon hike, above Gem pool especially. Based on what somebody said on another thread there should be 4-5 parking places at the driveway going into the Ammy trailhead parking lot...I parked there last February, just get there early. As of right now there is no hiker parking at Cog base station.

 

[dr_wu002]

How about the Boott Spur trail to Washington? How is that in the winter?

 

[giggy]

This is tough to answer and this is only my opinion. I think it can go either way as to which is harder. This all refers to winter becuase I do believe in the summer, most of the whites are not that hard to do and any semi - in shape person can do them. I have taken many a first timers in the pressies in summer and most have no problems.

I have had loads of luck on lowes path simply becuase when I do it - it tends to be good weather - just pure luck. All things equal, I would have to say lions head route is physically about the same - maybe a bit easier than adams via lowes. The first 2 miles is a cake walk to the start of lions head winter trail. Lions head gets steep there for a while and then levels off until the wash cone and in good weather that is a fun slog to the top. In bad weather, I would be more comfortable on adams. As mentioned, the only risk on adams via lowes would be a dumb descion to plow in bad weather and get frostbite, etc.. Lions Head - there is more danger you can't control, - avalanches, fall down the ravines - I belive that has happened from the top of lions head. I guess. that could happen on adams - I often notice when I go from adams 4 t to - junction, if it was really icy and you got enough speed, one could fall right down king ravine. Maybe - maybe not.

I have probably tried washington in the winter 7 to 10 times, and only made it once. (2002). Haven't tried this year - yet. All times turned back due to whiteouts and high wind.

I think boot spur is easier than lions head- I tried once up the boot spur link from hermits and made it to top of the ridge pretty quick. Turned back to due high wind. I don't think there is much avalance danger up the boot spur link - but I could be wrong on that and if some one feels different please correct me. Its a pretty steep grade if I remember correctly. I have not tried the entire boot spur trail in winter.

 

[blueZ]

Why not do it?

Mt. Washington likes a mystery for me before I climbered it last summer. I don't feel it is very hard. Now Winter Washington likes a mystery. I want to do it.

I solo hiked Mt. Jefferson this Decembervia Low's + Randolph + Gulfside + Castle. . it was great because of the nice weather. Since Mt. Washington is more dangerous, I want to hike with a group. but I can't find even one of my friends who wants to go with me. Someone wants to do it, please let me in!!!!