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
moderateThe unpaved road to Palomar Mountain High Point Lookout
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're anywhere near northern San Diego County, you HAVE to check out Palomar Mountain. This peak hits an altitude of 6,148 feet, offering views that stretch all the way to the coast. Tucked away in the Cleveland National Forest, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. The road is unpaved, so you’ll definitely need a 4x4 to make it. Keep an eye out for the fire lookout at the summit, built back in 1935. Did you know it used to be called Smith Mountain? Glad they brought back the original Mexican name – Palomar, meaning "place of the pigeons." The climb starts near Oak Grove and covers about 7.9 miles, with a whopping 3,353 feet of elevation gain. That's an average gradient of over 8%, so get ready for a steady climb. Trust me, the panoramic views from the top are worth every bump and grind!
extremeHow To Travel The Morrison Jeep Trail In Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the Morrison Jeep Trail, a seriously gnarly ride in Wyoming's Park County! Tucked away in the Shoshone National Forest, northwest of Cody and southwest of Billings, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forest Road 120 stretches for 22 miles from the Clarks Fork River valley up to the Beartooth Plateau. Picture this: a super narrow, single-lane track with zero room to pull over. You're out there, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by moose, bears (black and grizzly!), mountain goats, and bobcats. No cell service, so you're on your own. The road? Intense. Think massive rocks, deep ruts, and a wild climb to 10,193 feet above sea level. Only high-clearance, 4WD vehicles need apply! Brace yourself for 27 hairpin switchbacks as you ascend from the Clarks Fork River. We're talking serious drop-offs – hundreds of feet! – on one side. Those turns? Narrow, steep, and often steeper than they look, with some grades hitting 25 degrees. Expect to spend around 7 hours conquering this beast. Keep an eye on your map, as single-track trails branch off in every direction. This road is typically snowed in from late October through late June/early July. Definitely avoid it when it’s wet or muddy! You'll face some technical, rocky climbs, plus those long, straight grinders as you hit the 10,000-foot mark. Oxygen levels are low, so be prepared.
hardHighway Mexico 150D: One of the Deadliest Roads in the country
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Mexico 150D, the wild ride connecting Mexico City and Puebla! This isn't your average six-lane highway; it's a 130km (80-ish miles) rollercoaster through the mountains, topping out at a breathtaking 3,230m (over 10,500ft!). Now, I won't sugarcoat it: this road has a rep. We're talking hairpin curves and a high accident rate. Word on the street is, a lot of drivers underestimate those bends or get a little lead-footed. Plus, Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting with frequent rain, fog thick enough to cut with a knife, and even snow in the winter. So, you gotta be prepared for anything! Despite the hazards, the views are insane. Just take it slow, be smart, and you'll be rewarded with some seriously unforgettable scenery. Just remember, safety first so you can enjoy those vistas!
easyMismaloya Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're cruising south of Puerto Vallarta on Highway 200, wind in your hair, heading towards Tomatlán beach. This isn't just any road trip, it's a coastal dream called the Carretera a Mismaloya! Get ready for some seriously stunning views – we're talking panoramic vistas of Banderas Bay dotted with the iconic Los Arcos islands. And the best part? You'll have easy access to some seriously gorgeous, hidden tropical beaches right off the roadside. Trust me, you absolutely HAVE to stick around for sunset here. The location is perfect, and the views as the sun dips into the ocean are unbeatable!