Mount Washington Auto Road is a truly legendary drive in New Hampshire
Usa, north-america
12.55 km
1,916 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for the Mount Washington Auto Road – it's not just a drive, it's an adventure! This historic toll road, dating back to 1861, winds its way from Route 16 in Pinkham Notch all the way to the tippy-top of Mount Washington. We're talking 7.8 miles of pure adrenaline, climbing to a whopping 6,286 feet above sea level.
Located in Coös County, New Hampshire, this fully paved road is STEEP. We're talking an average gradient of 11.37% and an elevation gain of 4,682 feet! Expect countless twists, turns, and views that'll make your jaw drop – when you're not gripping the steering wheel, that is.
The weather on Mount Washington is seriously no joke. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're battling gale-force winds and pea-soup fog. So, pack layers and prepare for anything!
Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. There are no guardrails, and the drops are seriously steep. And while it's now all paved, it's still narrow in spots. If you're scared of heights, this might not be your cup of tea.
But oh, the views! Think panoramic vistas of the Presidential Range in the White Mountain National Forest. You'll need to pull over at the designated spots to really soak it in.
Plan on about 30 minutes to reach the summit and another 30-45 for the descent. Keep an eye on closing times, too! Trust me, this road offers unparalleled freedom, fresh air, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Where is it?
Mount Washington Auto Road is a truly legendary drive in New Hampshire is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.8058, -97.6813
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.55 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,916 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.8058, -97.6813
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Route 32 in Tennessee?
🇺🇸 Usa
Route 32 South in Tennessee is a real wild ride, tucked away in Cocke County. You'll definitely need your wits about you on this one! Where exactly is it? You'll find it hugging the eastern edge of Tennessee, snaking its way through the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Talk about scenic! How long is it? This paved adventure stretches for about 11.1 miles, starting from US-321 near Cosby all the way to State Road 1397 on the North Carolina side. Heads up: past that, it turns to gravel before eventually meeting I-40. So, what's the deal with this "Redneck Dragon" nickname? Well, it's earned. Think countless tight turns that jump out at you – you'll need some serious skills. What's it really like? Drivers say it's "not for the faint of heart." The corners come quick, especially if you're on a cruiser. Traffic's usually light, but getting stuck behind a slowpoke can be a "snoozefest." Even seasoned riders should be ready for anything. Some say it's tougher than the Tail of the Dragon because of those crazy tight turns and steep hills. But hey, the views are a major plus! Is it tough? You bet. Some sections hit a 10% grade, and it tops out at 2,556 feet. Light traffic and endless turns make it a real test. RVs? Nope, not recommended. And take extra care if it's raining or has just rained. How long does it take? You could blast through in 40-50 minutes, but why rush? Take your time, soak in the scenery, and maybe stop at a lookout or two. This road deserves to be savored!
hardSupreme Lift
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Utah's got some serious hidden gems, and the Supreme Lift road is one of them! Perched way up in Salt Lake County, this gravel and rocky trail climbs to a dizzying 10,498 feet. We're talking serious altitude here! Tucked inside the Wasatch Mountain Range, this isn't your average Sunday drive. It's actually a service road for the Alta ski resort chairlift, and it’s STEEP - some parts hit a wild 30% grade. Seriously, plan accordingly. The window to tackle this one is super short, think late August. And even then, Mother Nature calls the shots. Expect strong winds (it’s basically a constant), and don’t be surprised by a random snow flurry, even in summer. Winter? Forget about it! Brutal is an understatement. But if you time it right, the views from the top, overlooking Alta, are absolutely killer!
hardBloody Basin Road is a classic Arizona drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic Arizona adventure on Bloody Basin Road, located near Black Canyon City! This 42-mile dirt road (aka FR 269) winds through the Agua Fria National Monument and Tonto National Forest, offering a wild ride steeped in history. The name comes from a grim event – the Battle of Turret Peak in 1873. Legend says the army stormed the camp at night, and in the chaos, some met their end jumping from the cliffs. Just north of Phoenix in Yavapai County, this well-maintained road runs from Antelope Creek Road down to the Verde River and the iconic Sheep Bridge. This 476-foot suspension footbridge, originally built in 1943 and rebuilt in 1989, is a must-see! While 4WD isn't usually required, high clearance is a good idea. Some sections get rocky and rutted, especially the final stretch down to Sheep Bridge. Passenger cars can make it, but expect a slow, bumpy ride. Watch out for semi-blind curves and be prepared for intense summer heat. Heavy rains can also wash out sections of the road. Set aside around 6 hours to soak in the spectacular, remote scenery east of the Agua Fria River. The road climbs to 4,993ft, rewarding you with incredible views on a clear day. There are tons of places to pull over for photos, lunch breaks, or camping. Don't forget to check out the archaeological sites and petroglyphs along the way!
hardHow long is Berthoud Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Colorado? You HAVE to experience Berthoud Pass! This paved beauty, also known as U.S. Highway 40, stretches for 46.7 miles (75.15 km) between the charming town of Empire and Granby. Perched on the Continental Divide in the Front Range, it's named after Edward Berthoud, a railroad surveyor back in the day. The views? Unreal! Think classic Rocky Mountain scenery around every bend. Heads up – at 11,307 feet (3,446m), this pass is no joke! While it's generally open year-round, winter can throw a wrench in things. Expect potential closures or restrictions due to heavy snow and avalanches. It's definitely a route that demands respect. The road itself has some steep sections (around 6.3% grade) and plenty of switchbacks, so take it slow. While it can be challenging in spots, guardrails help keep you on track. Budget around 50-70 minutes to drive it without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to pull over at the overlooks and soak in the epic views. Oh, and for the adventurous, a gravel road branches off to the east, leading to the summit of a 12,506-foot (3,812m) peak.