Hiking Question

[surfsnowywaves]

I have a quick hiking question. I'm planning on hiking Tux sometime next week with my mom, its a sort of summer-before-college ritual in my family. We're planning on staying overnight at Joe Dodge, and then ascending the bowl and to the summit. My question would be: Is the Lion's Head Trail a choice for descending, or is it just too much of a pain to go down? I've heard that it is supposed to be quite steep, with some rocky ledges in places. Any info would be highly appreciated.

[RR]

I have a quick hiking question. I'm planning on hiking Tux sometime next week with my mom, its a sort of summer-before-college ritual in my family. We're planning on staying overnight at Joe Dodge, and then ascending the bowl and to the summit. My question would be: Is the Lion's Head Trail a choice for descending, or is it just too much of a pain to go down? I've heard that it is supposed to be quite steep, with some rocky ledges in places. Any info would be highly appreciated.Yup two spots...one is actually a real attention getter the other is easier and comes first on the way down. Both of those are on the Lions Head formation itself, the harder bit near the base of it. The Tuckerman Ravine trail is no harder and no easier but the toughest moves on it are less exposed.

LH is the shorter way and less demanding way down imo. If moms can get to the top via Tux and be in good shape, then she can get down LH.

[Harkin Banks]

Plus the TR trail's gotta still be closed past LR, no?
I hope so, that'd mean that there's still some snow left in there.
HB

[Telemark]

Plus the TR trail's gotta still be closed past LR, no?

Nope, it was opened last week. I prefer descending Lions Head to Tuckerman, but they are about a wash.

If you are willing to go about a mile further, the Boott Spur trail is more remote but much more gentle and makes a great descent. Here's a trip report (http://www.hikethewhites.com/wash2/index.html) of a hike up TR and down BS from a few years ago.

-dave-

[RR]

Nope, it was opened last week. I prefer descending Lions Head to Tuckerman, but they are about a wash.

If you are willing to go about a mile further, the Boott Spur trail is more remote but much more gentle and makes a great descent. Here's a trip report (http://www.hikethewhites.com/wash2/index.html) of a hike up TR and down BS from a few years ago.

-dave-good call Dave, plus it opens up a different veiw on things!

[PWDR8S]

Boott Spur Trail would be the way to go.... great views! Plus you could give us an 'official' snow or no snow tally of what's left in the ravine.

[JayTux]

Boott Spur Trail would be the way to go.... great views! Plus you could give us an 'official' snow or no snow tally of what's left in the ravine.

Yeah, I was just thinking that, Bott Spur gives the optimal views of Lunch Rocks, though it is quite long and it is tough to follow as you enter the trees.

:)

[surfsnowywaves]

Nope, it was opened last week. I prefer descending Lions Head to Tuckerman, but they are about a wash.

If you are willing to go about a mile further, the Boott Spur trail is more remote but much more gentle and makes a great descent. Here's a trip report (http://www.hikethewhites.com/wash2/index.html) of a hike up TR and down BS from a few years ago.

-dave-

Boott Spur, already been checked off. I did that one a while ago. I do agree that it's a great route, especially because of the views you get across the ravine, and also towards the south, but the draw to Lions Head is that nobody in my family has done it. And as far as snow reports go, I think Ill be able to get the beta while hiking up the ravine.

Everybody, thanks for the info, I think the final route is going to end up being up the Ravine, summt on TR, descend Nelson Crag, take the Alpine Garden, and come down via Lions Head.

[PWDR8S]

Boott Spur, already been checked off. I did that one a while ago. I do agree that it's a great route, especially because of the views you get across the ravine, and also towards the south, but the draw to Lions Head is that nobody in my family has done it. And as far as snow reports go, I think Ill be able to get the beta while hiking up the ravine.

Everybody, thanks for the info, I think the final route is going to end up being up the Ravine, summt on TR, descend Nelson Crag, take the Alpine Garden, and come down via Lions Head.

The many nay-sayers we've talked to yesterday said they did not see any snow from Lion's head, so my guess is that you might be able to give visual report on what's left. Enjoy the Lion's Head hike anyways... may as well add that notch to your backpack belt. :)

[surf88]

If moms can get to the top via Tux and be in good shape, then she can get down LH.
Ya stole the words out of my mouth.
Everybody, thanks for the info, I think the final route is going to end up being up the Ravine, summt on TR, descend Nelson Crag, take the Alpine Garden, and come down via Lions Head.
I think you choose the most fun route. Have fun.