How Hard Is Tuckerman’s Ravine To Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Tuckerman Ravine Trail can be a little wet and slippery near the base of the headwall, but clearly nothing to worry about. The trail is

fairly easy

on the ravine headwall thanks to the switchbacking.

How long is the Tuckerman’s Ravine trail?

How long is the Tuckerman Ravine Trail? From trailhead to the Mount Washington summit, the hike is

3.6 miles

. At the summit, hikers have several options: take a shuttle back to the trailhead, backtrack for a 7.2 mile out-and-back, or use any of the surrounding trails to form a DIY loop.

How steep is Tuckerman’s Ravine headwall?

The headwall itself varies from

800 to 1000 feet in vertical

. Skiing from the summit through the ravine all the way to the trailhead is close to 4,000 feet. The steep slope kicks up abruptly and there are plenty of good skiing options.

What is the easiest trail up Mount Washington?

The easiest approach up Mount Washington is via the

Jewell Trail

. It begins in the parking lot of the Cog Railway station on Base Road. About 5.2 miles one-way, the trail gains “only” 4,000 feet of elevation and is generally more moderate than the other trails to the summit.

Can you skin up Tuckerman’s Ravine?

From the Caretaker Cabin, continue up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail for just over a half-mile to reach the ravine’s floor. While

skiers can hike or skin to the floor

, once you choose your runs for the day, climbing on foot is necessary to get to the top of the steep slopes.

How do I hike Tuckerman Ravine?

Is Mount Washington hard to hike?

Hiking Mount Washington is

both physically and mentally demanding

, so some measure of physical conditioning is required to make the hike safe and enjoyable.

What should I bring to Tuckerman’s Ravine?

  • A sturdy trekking pack. It’s a long way up to go with straps that dig into your shoulders. …
  • Layers. And lots of them! …
  • Hiking boots. Warmer, ankle-supportive footwear is a must. …
  • Water. Duh. …
  • Energy rich food. …
  • Sunscreen. …
  • A plan. …
  • A first aid kit.

Can you hike Mt Washington a day?

Quick Facts. Distance: 8.4 miles,

round trip

. Season: May through October. The Lion Head Trail is a popular alternative to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.

How difficult is Tuckerman’s Ravine?

Tuckerman Ravine has many different runs that span the bowl, all

as steep as 40 to 55 degrees

. From the base of the bowl, the run farthest to the left is known simply as “Left Gully” and is one of the easiest runs. Moving to the right, the runs are more challenging and steeper.

What is the best time to ski Tuckerman’s Ravine?

You’ll find the best time to hit Tuckerman Ravine is the

middle of April through the middle of May

. There are some years when the season starts in March and can end as late as June. You’ll find that the avalanche danger is the highest earlier in the season.

How steep is left Gully?

Left Gully is

about 35 degrees

(similar to the pitch of a double black diamond). making it a good option for first timers in Tucks. The cornice at the top of Left Gully steepens to 55 degrees, but most people put their skis on before this. Be aware that this creates an overhead hazard and avoid lingering below it.

How difficult is the Huntington Ravine trail?

Get to know this 9.5-mile loop trail near Gorham, New Hampshire.

Generally considered a challenging route

, it takes an average of 6 h 2 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking.

Can you hike up Mt. Washington and take the cog railway down?

That means that the only way off the summit in severe weather is by foot.

do not ride the Cog Railway off the mountain unless you climbed to the summit from the WEST on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail or the Jewell Trail

.

How do I prepare for Mt. Washington hike?

  1. Ask yourself: ‘Have I hiked before? ‘ …
  2. Make sure you have the right gear. Once you’ve hiked enough to feel comfortable, it’s time to get prepared. …
  3. Bring water and snacks. …
  4. Be prepared for an emergency. …
  5. Unplug and enjoy nature.

How steep is Hillman’s Highway?

It’s

about 45 degrees

at its steepest. Couple that with runnels from snowmelt and the occasional bull moose-size mogul, and you’ve got a challenging but rewarding late season descent with about 1,400 feet of vertical.

Is Tuckerman Ravine open?

Area Status:

Open

Each winter, the Tuckerman Ravine Trail is covered by snow and ice, and has highly exposed steep cliffs and slopes below it. From late fall through late spring or even early summer, think of it more as a mountaineering ascent than a hike.

Can a beginner climb Mt. Washington?

It takes a lot of experience to hike a peak like Mt. Washington, but

beginners can safely take in incredible views of the summit from viewpoints like Square Ledge in Pinkham Notch

. The White Mountain National Forest is one of New Hampshire’s most beloved outdoor playgrounds.

Why is Mount Washington so windy?


Topography plays perhaps the largest role in making Mount Washington one of the windiest places on the planet

. The Appalachians, which stretch from Georgia to southern Quebec, run roughly run southwest to northeast through North America.

What is at the top of Mt. Washington?


The Sherman Adams building

, a modern summit building, houses The Sherman Adams Visitor Center, a cafeteria, restrooms, gift shops, the Mount Washington Observatory and its museum. The historic Tip-Top House is located adjacent to the summit building.

Do you need crampons for Tuckerman Ravine?


Crampons

.

While an established boot pack might feel secure leaving the boot back or taking the path less traveled may require some traction

. Micro-spikes might be helpful on the lower angled hiking trail below Hermit Lake (Hojo’s) but won’t cut it in 40 degree terrain.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.