I'm a rookie...

[yikes!]

Well, I've done it once before in late spring -- WOW it was great! But I don't want to kid myself, this year there is much more snow and late spring is a relative term up there. For the "spectator" such as myself, am I nieve to think I can get there comfortably with just my hiking boots (warm gear and camera too of course)? Do I need to have cramp-ons, poles, etc? If I plan on the "boots alone" approach should I wait until May (not sure how packed the trail is, don't want to be the "fool in hiking boots only").

I am psyched, just not equipped with winter gear....

[M@]

My OPINION is that this is a non-technical hike, to the base of the bowl, a.k.a LunchRocks, which is the spectator area.

Some folks on this message board have been saying you need avalanch equipment, but I've been a handfull of times, never used it, and not seen the need.

If the avalanche danger is high, you might want to think of not going, but if it's low, then all you need is hiking boots. Many folks go up in high tops.

M@

[skicdave]

Most people (hikers or skiers) hiked up the Tuckerman Ravine trail with hiking boots one. A small portion have crampons on. Crampons just make it a more enjoyable hike when the trail is still snow covered (April to early May). I use poles mainly for balance whether the trail is snow covered or not... personal choice.

Dave

http://timefortuckerman.com/gifs/moose3a.gif