Hojo's
Arriving at Hojo's signifies the first major landmark in the hike. Hojo's is a cabin outpost for the Tuckerman Ravine Rangers (it is not open to the public). Although you get glimpses of the Bowl and the Hillman's Highway area on the hiking trail, it is not until your arrival at Hojo's that you get a great view of everything. I usually walk past the building and take my pack off on the other side where the entire Tucks playground is within sight. A 10-15 minute break is standard for our groups here. There are self-composting bathroom facilities nearby and a park ranger is usually on hand. Another avalanche board displays the updated reports for each major area of the ravine and a large deck/patio provides groups of hikers with a place to sit.
Stopping at Hojo's allows everyone in the group to evaluate their situation. I always stretch, drink water, use the bathroom, and eat a power bar during my brief layover here. On sunny days, it's a good idea to put on another layer of sun screen while hanging out recovering from the first hike. If the weather is looking bad in the Bowl you can turn around here or put on your outer layers of gear to prepare for the next hike. This is also the point to split off to ski any of the Hillman's Highway routes to the looker's left (Boot Spur Gully 1, Cathedral, Dodge's Drop, Hillman's Highway, The Duchess, or The Empress) or split right for the Bowl. The base of Hillman's is a 10-15 minute hike from here while the bowl is 25-40 minutes, depending on crowds and the condition of the trail.
Above photo by Bill Holmes
