Can you drive your car to the top of Mt Washington?
Usa, north-america
12.55 km
1,916 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for the drive of a lifetime on the Mount Washington Auto Road! This unforgettable toll road in New Hampshire snakes its way from Route 16 in Pinkham Notch all the way up to the summit of Mount Washington.
Can you drive your car to the top of Mt Washington?
This incredible 7.8-mile stretch climbs to 6,286 feet above sea level, boasting an average gradient of 11.37%. The weather up here is a wild card, so prepare for anything! You might find blue skies or get caught in the mountain's famous fog, strong winds, and rapidly changing conditions.
While the road is fully paved as of 2022, it's still a challenging drive with countless twists and turns. There's even a mile of hard-packed gravel mid-mountain to keep you on your toes. But trust me, the above-tree-line views starting around 4,200 feet are worth it! Just a heads up – certain vehicles loaded down with people or luggage might not be allowed, and bikes are generally a no-go unless it's race day.
This road opened way back in 1861, and it's been a popular adventure ever since. More than 45,000 vehicles make the trek each year! Because of the extreme weather at the summit, it’s usually only open during the summer months, with opening day depending on how much snow has fallen.
Be sure to pack warm, dry clothes no matter when you visit because the temperature at the summit is usually way colder than at the base. Also, the mountain had the second highest windspeed ever recorded on Earth! The road has some steep drops and no guardrails in places. If heights make you nervous, you may want to consider taking a guided tour. In over 150 years, there have only been three fatalities on the road.
Taking about 30-45 minutes to ascend and descend, you will be rewarded with incredible scenery. There are pull-offs where you can stop and take in the views. It's an amazing drive through the Presidential Range of the White Mountain National Forest that you will not soon forget! Just be sure to check the closing times for the day you visit.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.55 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,916 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhy is it called Mount Norquay?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're in Banff National Park, Alberta, ready for a quick jaunt up Mount Norquay. This mountain, named after a Manitoba premier, is calling your name! The Mt Norquay Scenic Drive is a fully paved road that snakes its way up to the Norquay Ski resort. It's only 5.8 km (3.6 miles), but don't let that fool you. You'll climb 318 meters with an average gradient of 5.48% plus tackle six seriously sharp hairpin turns (watch out for loose gravel!). Now, a secret for the adventurous: there's a super steep, unpaved service road north of the resort that climbs even higher, but that's a story for another day! Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The views are incredible, especially of the town of Banff nestled in the valley. Sure, fog can happen, but catch it right, and you might see some alpenglow. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and bighorn sheep along the way. The best lookout is said to be at the meadow at the end of the road, but remember: this is grizzly country, so be aware!
moderateWhere is Eagle Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna hit Eagle Summit? This epic pass sits way up high at 3,652 feet in the White Mountains of central Alaska. You'll find it nestled within the Steese National Conservation Area. The whole stretch of the Steese Highway runs for 156 miles from Fairbanks all the way up to Circle, a cool little town right on the Yukon River (just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Arctic Circle!). The name? It comes from Eagle Creek. This historic route, finished way back in 1927, is open year-round. Heads up: the first 81 miles are paved, but then you're in for some gravelly fun.
extremeEl Frunce Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! If you're in Durango, Mexico, and craving a thrill, this extreme mountain road is calling your name. Picture this: a crazy-narrow, mostly gravel track clinging to the side of the Huahuapan canyon (Bacis River). Seriously, two cars passing at the same time? Forget about it! This wild ride connects Vencedores town (perched at a cool 2,470m) down to Sapiores (a much lower 1,110m) and a mine called Mina Bacis. The views? Absolutely mind-blowing! Think endless mountain vistas that'll make your jaw drop. But a word of warning: if you're not a fan of heights, this one might make you a little queasy. Get ready for an unforgettable – and slightly hair-raising – experience!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Pilot Peak in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Pilot Peak in Idaho's Boise County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a summit sitting pretty at 8,123 feet, crowned with a building, solar panels, and a whole lotta comms gear. You'll find this gem nestled in the Boise National Forest, accessible via Forest Road 380 (Summit Flat Road) – and heads up, it's all dirt! You're gonna need a high-clearance vehicle to tackle the rough spots, but trust me, it's worth it. What used to be a lookout is now a radio communications hub. Keep in mind this road is a no-go zone for most of the year, usually closed from late October to late June/July thanks to the snow. The climb is a serious workout for your car, with some sections hitting a steep 14% grade. From the starting point, it's about 4.1 miles to the top, climbing almost 2,000 feet. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!