They wanted a Mt Washington hike. At this time of year we’d suggest one of the west side trails like the Ammo and/or Jewell. This guest, however, had reservations at Joe Dodge Lodge so going up the east side made the most sense. That’s said, hiking options are somewhat limited at this time of year. Enter Boott Spur for the win. Leading this party was Redline Guide Debra McCown. Her words and images follow…
A father and two sons who had been to Mt Washington before (and recently summited via Lion Head) had their eye on a less traveled route in snow season: Boott Spur.
We broke trail in snowshoes in several inches of fresh snow that had fallen the night before, then got to experience all the spring conditions.
Above treeline, it switched between snowdrifts and ice, dry rock, and bits of old monorail. Ground conditions changed constantly. But the weather was as perfect as you could ask for: sunny, blue sky, barely any wind, and warm enough to hike in a sun hoodie.
We topped out on Boott Spur itself and then slogged through snow to the Lawn Cutoff junction, with its unobstructed view of Mt Washington, before turning around to return to Boott Spur and descend via Boott Spur Link.
It was a slow, tedious descent off the ridge, but then a quick walk down the Tuckerman Ravine Trail back to Pinkham Notch. An overall good day to be in the mountains! —Debra
