Winter Boott

[Double Bow]

Is the Boott Spur Trail dangerous in winter? I'm thinking of going up Lion Head and down Boott Spur in January and am wanting to know if the later trail is used in winter or not. I've done Wasshington via Ammo in winter and am looking to do it a different way.

I appreciate the feedback.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

It's done, but not nearly as often as the others - consequently, depending upon conditions, you might want to carry snowshoes.

The spur trail between HoJo's and the ridge (should you try that variation) is exceptionally steep, just in case you're not familiar with it.

Kevin

 

[bill bowden]

Boott Spur

It's actually one of the nicer Washington descents in winter, not as steep as Lion Head and not quite so brutal on the knees as Nelson crag.

 

[carole]

A winter trip to Washington included Monroe and a descent of Boott Spur. This particular day the ice made it's presence known but the thing I remember was (quoting from my journal), "As we reached the trees the trail seemed to disappear and those ahead of us were trying to search it out. Just as we joined in the search two people came up the trail so we were back on track." Sometimes that is the tricky part finding where the trail enters the trees if it isn't used often or has fresh snow cover.

 

[DougPaul]

I have been up it in winter. Certainly doable, although you may have to break it out. And then you have a long way with limited escape routes above T-line to reach Washington.

As others have noted, make sure you can find the trail where it enters the trees if descending.

I have also been down Boot Spur Link in winter. Steep, possible avalanche terrain. We wallowed down and, IIRC, had to bushwack through the trees to get to a trail.

Doug

 

[giggy]

Is the Boott Spur Trail dangerous in winter?

nope - no more than the rest - assuming the winds aren't 140mph up high.

 

[giggy]

I have also been down Boot Spur Link in winter. Steep, possible avalanche terrain. We wallowed down and, IIRC, had to bushwack through the trees to get to a trail.

Doug

same here - it was mostly ice when i did it. slow going, but not too bad. you want to be comfy with crampons on steeper ice for this one.

its not that bad really.....

 

[DougPaul]

same here - it was mostly ice when i did it. slow going, but not too bad. you want to be comfy with crampons on steeper ice for this one.

Or deep untracked steep snow...

Wouldn't want to have to struggle up it in deep snow.

Doug

 

[forestgnome]

Boott Spur Tr is my favorite way to get up or down in the area. The views into Tuckerman Ravine are excellent and varied, and the grade is steady and never steep.

Happy Trails

 

[sierra]

I love boott spur but in relation to Tucks its not that busy. I always keep in mind when descending a route I did not ascend, that breaking trail is a possibility to take into consideration. This would greatly affect your timetable and if like some, you cut it close time wise, it could be an issue. The route itself is exposed and the views are inspireing for sure.
I once hard an extremely hard time in deep snow following the boott down and was consequently benighted. certainly the snow depths now wouldnt be that bad.

 

[Double Bow]

Thank you all. I have gone down this way in summer but was wondering about winter conditions. It sounds like all I need to worry about is the possibility of having to break trail and needing to find the trail once it goes into the trees. I can deal with those things!