Mount Washington Auto Road
United States, north-america
12 km
1,917 m
hard
May-October (road closed in winter to private vehicles)
# Mount Washington Auto Road: A Classic New England Adventure
Ready for one of America's most iconic drives? The Mount Washington Auto Road is a wild 12-kilometer ride up New Hampshire's Presidential Range to the 1,917-meter summit—and trust me, it's an unforgettable experience.
This gem has been drawing adventurers since 1861, when it first opened as a carriage road. That makes it one of the oldest tourist attractions in the US, and for good reason. The road doesn't mess around: you're looking at an average grade of 12% with some sections hitting a brutal 22%. By the time you reach the top, you'll have climbed over 1,400 meters of pure elevation gain.
Here's where it gets wild: Mount Washington holds the world record for the highest wind speed ever directly measured on Earth—a bonkers 372 km/h recorded way back in April 1934. Even on supposedly "nice" summer days, you'll feel why this mountain demands respect.
The real drama kicks in above the 1,200-meter mark, where you break through the treeline into the alpine zone. Conditions up here can flip in minutes—literally. But when the weather cooperates? The summit views are absolutely spectacular, stretching across four states, Quebec, and all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. This drive is equal parts adrenaline rush and scenic masterpiece.
Where is it?
Mount Washington Auto Road is located in New Hampshire, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 44.2706, -71.3033
Driving Tips
# Mount Washington Drive Tips
Before you head up, definitely check the weather and road status first – this road actually closes when winds get too gnarly, so you'll want to know ahead of time if you can make the trip.
When you're coming down, use a low gear to help slow you down naturally. Seriously, don't just ride your brakes the whole way – that'll overheat them and isn't fun for anyone.
Here's a nice bonus: your toll gets you an audio tour to listen to while you drive, plus you'll snag one of those cool "This Car Climbed Mt. Washington" bumper stickers for your car. Pretty neat souvenir.
If those steep grades are making you nervous, no shame in it – they offer a guided van tour option where you can just sit back and let someone else handle the driving. Sometimes that's the way to go!
Road Surface
Paved lower section, gravel upper section, steep grades
Road Details
- Country
- United States
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- New Hampshire
- Length
- 12 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,917 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Surface
- Paved lower section, gravel upper section, steep grades
- Best Season
- May-October (road closed in winter to private vehicles)
- Coordinates
- 44.2706, -71.3033
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is the Manchac Swamp Bridge?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Louisiana, right? Suddenly, you find yourself on the I-55, soaring over the wild and mysterious Lake Maurepas. This is the Manchac Swamp Bridge, and trust me, it's an experience. Clocking in at around 22 miles (35 kilometers), this concrete beauty is seriously long – one of the longest in the US, actually. They finished building it back in '79, and it's been a game-changer for getting around these parts ever since. But here's the cool part: this ain't just any bridge. You're floating over a swamp steeped in folklore. Locals whisper about a Rougarou (a Cajun werewolf, seriously!) and a voodoo princess hanging around. Driving over it is totally safe, but maybe think twice about swimming below – gators are definitely real in these waters. All in all, it's a drive with a healthy dose of natural beauty and intriguing stories.
moderateDriving through the curvy Road 606
🌍 Costa Rica
Alright adventure-seekers, buckle up for Route 606 in Costa Rica! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Winding its way through the mountainous northwest, get ready for a seriously twisty 32-mile (53 km) stretch between Sardinal and Cabecera de Cañas, straddling the Puntarenas and Guanacaste provinces. Good news, it's paved! But don't get complacent. Think narrow sections, hairpin turns galore, and some seriously steep climbs, topping out at a cool 4,520 feet (1,378 meters). The views? Absolutely stunning! This road is for the thrill-seekers who want incredible scenery with a healthy dose of adrenaline.
moderateWhen was the Chain of Craters Road opened?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the Chain of Craters Road, a 19-mile stretch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! This baby opened in '65, but a lava flow rerouted it in '79, so you're driving on relatively "new" (40-year-old) lava. The road starts at a cool 4,000 feet near Kīlauea Summit, winding down – steeply, I might add, losing 3700 feet – to the coast where lava meets the ocean. There's even a hairpin turn to keep things interesting! Word to the wise: drive slow, especially if it's wet, as the road can get slick. Volcanic activity is unpredictable, so check the daily conditions report before you go. Pack for anything: hot sun, strong winds, or rain. And bring flashlights if you're staying after dark! No gas, food, or water along the way, so fill up and stock up. Give yourself at least 2.5 hours for the round trip, but you'll probably want longer to soak it all in. This drive showcases the raw power and ongoing creation of the Big Island, with craters galore, incredible lava formations, petroglyphs, and maybe even active lava flows. Plus, there are awesome hikes and views along the way. You'll be amazed!
hardWhere is Ski Apache?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Ski Apache! This New Mexico gem sits way up high in the Lincoln National Forest, near Ruidoso. We're talking seriously high – the road peaks at a cool 10,098 feet! If you're not a fan of heights, be prepared for a little bit of an adrenaline rush. The route? It's New Mexico Highway 532, also known as Ski Run Road. You'll hop on near Alto (off NM-48), and it's about 11.9 miles of paved road to the top. But don't let "paved" fool you. This baby is steep and bumpy! Speaking of steep, get ready for some serious inclines – we're talking a maximum gradient of 12% in spots! Plus, the road is seriously twisty, with some seriously sharp turns. Downhill? Be ready to brake hard! There are some barriers, but in other places, it's just you and the view. The good news is that the road is generally open year-round, letting you soak in the stunning views of Sierra Blanca. The catch? Winter can get wild. Short closures are possible, and chains might be required. Keep an eye on the weather! But if you’re up for a challenge, Ski Apache is a wild ride, both literally and figuratively.