Climbing the tallest mountain in the Northeast with an elevation of 6,288 feet is a daring experience and activity to undertake. Mount Washington is known for its strongly variable weather and extreme winds. However, despite it all, more than 250,000 people visit Mount Washington every single year. Although there are taller peaks in the US, such as the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and the Black Mountains in North Carolina, New Hampshire’s Mount Washington is most differentiated by its hiking experience and changing climate.
Moreover, it snows every month on Mount Washington, and the wind speed can sometimes reach 231 mph. Unfortunately, more than 140 hikers have lost their lives on this mountain due to hypothermia. However, since Modieunt Washington is close to cities such as Boston and New York, many summit-baggers, weekend visitors, and serious hikers take the challenging experience of climbing the peak.
The Majesty Of Mount Washington
In addition to being a destination for serious hikers and climbers, Mount Washington is also a magnificent attraction that boasts stunning panoramic views in the alpine climate. When the weather is nice, people can behold the beauty of the mountain peaks in several states and the Atlantic Ocean. The most beautiful views that visitors to Mount Washington enjoy are the Presidential Range in New Hampshire and the marvelous Lake of the Clouds Hut. However, it is very tiring to hike Mount Washington, even on its easy routes, and those climbing the mountain will keep grasping for air. This is why hikers must prepare for a safe climb to the peak, make advanced plans, and have the proper gear required to complete the mission.
Additionally, it is better to have good overall fitness and some luck. Millions of people dream of climbing to the summit of Mount Washington and would very much love to achieve such a challenging experience, yet their physical health and fitness don’t allow them to go through with their plans. However, America has the solution for all problems. This is why Mount Washington Auto Road was opened to make it a possibility to give access for everyone to drive up the summit of Mount Washington.
A Dream Come True: Driving Up The Summit Of Mount Washington
Mount Washington Auto Road made it a reality for all people to enjoy the fantastic beauty of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range while driving up the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Moreover, the Auto Road, an American man-made attraction, allows people to drive themselves up or take a guided tour to the mountain’s summit. This means that people can reach the summit, whatever their dreams are, either by hiking, driving, or taking a tour.
All of those various options provide visitors with an unforgettable adventure with the drive up to the mountain’s peak, taking them along a 7.6-mile road with 4 distinct ecological zones. Visitors will also enjoy shopping at the base, buying gifts, visiting the Red Barn Museum, walking and biking trails, and staying the night at the Glen House Hotel, which boasts an award-winning full-service bar and restaurant.
Driving up Mount Washington takes around 30 minutes, with the return trip taking between 30 and 45 minutes depending on weather conditions and road traffic.
- How To Get There: Mount Washington Auto Road is located on 1 Mount Washington Auto Road, Route 16 - Pinkham Notch, Gorham, NH 03581
- Hotel per night cost: A 375 square feet mountain view king room at Glen House Hotel starts at $194 for 2 persons, excluding taxes and fees.
How Much Does It Cost To Drive Up Mount Washington’s Summit?
There are plenty of options to choose from when driving up the summit of Mount Washington. For instance, people can choose to hit the road using their own vehicle, others may prefer to take a guided Snow-coach tour, and some would want to participate in more unique and exclusive events. The Mount Washington SnowCoach Tour offers people an unforgettable experience to be transported aboard a 4-tracks vehicle to treeline on Mount Washington.
The tour only takes place only when the weather permits it. The SnowCoach Tour takes people two-thirds of the way to Mount Washington’s summit via the Auto Road, where they will feel in a subarctic world. During the summer, visitors will have the possibility to drive themselves up to the summit of Mount Washington in their own vehicles. Some visitors will enjoy participating in special events in Mount Washington, including Alton Weagle Day, Bicknell’s Thrush Tours, Minis On Top, Sunrise Drives and Guided Tours, and Mt Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb.
- Cost: SnowCoach Tour tickets cost $59 per adult, $35 for children aged between 5 and 12 years, and $ 20 for infants aged 4 and under.
Another common way of driving up Mount Washington’s summit is taking The Mount Washington Cog Railway. The roundtrip takes around 3 hours to complete, and tickets cost $58 per adult and $48 for children aged 12 and under.