Late Spring Climbing

[danrmcallister]

Hello,

I was planning to come try to summit via Tuckerman's tomorrow (May 16th) with a couple other hearty hikers, but the more I read the more I worry that it might yet be too early in the season. Does anyone know - would we be better off choosing a different route, or is it still too dodgy to climb without crampons regardless?

Thanks for your time!
Dan

[Bill O]

Tuckerman Ravine is a massive crevasse field right now.

You can summit via Lion Head Trail, but there is a steep snow traverse.

What about some of the other routes? Boott Spur is probably clear and I'm sure the west side routes are nearly snow free.

[danrmcallister]

Great, thanks for the tip Bill. We will avoid Tuckerman's - the other time I climbed it was later in the Summer.

[Pawtown]

yeah i am kinda also in the same boat as far as not knowing which trail to take and whether or not me and my friends will be able to "backwoods" it alittle bit...if anyone can help me or guide me to how to do this climb right it'd be apprieciated.

[Bill O]

yeah i am kinda also in the same boat as far as not knowing which trail to take and whether or not me and my friends will be able to "backwoods" it alittle bit...if anyone can help me or guide me to how to do this climb right it'd be apprieciated.

What does "backwoods" it mean? I don't know, but my guess is no.

This forum is a great source of information and tips, but not hand holding. You can't beat a guidebook. Other than that, ask away. Specific questions will get better answers.