
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
extremeThe breathtaking road to Castle Dome in Pima County
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Castle Dome in sunny Arizona! This peak sits way up high in the Santa Rita Mountains, smack-dab in the Coronado National Forest. We're talking 6,145 feet above sea level, people! The adventure kicks off from the AZ-83, and the road stretches for about 8.7 miles. It starts out smooth and paved, but don't get too comfy. About 6 miles in, you'll hit gravel, and trust me, it gets even rougher as you climb. This ain't a drive for your grandma's sedan! You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this beast. Get ready for river crossings, some seriously rocky bits, and a few steep climbs near the top. But the views? Absolutely worth the challenge! Get ready for some unforgettable Arizona scenery.
hardHow to get to Rock Creek Vista Point by car?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: cruising along the Beartooth Scenic Highway in Montana, near the Wyoming border. You absolutely HAVE to make a pit stop at Rock Creek Vista Point. At 9,199 feet above sea level, this overlook is an absolute stunner! The road? Paved perfection winding through incredible alpine landscapes. Think sweeping views, gentle grades, and hairpin turns galore – perfect for soaking in that valley scenery. Word to the wise: this beauty is only accessible from about mid-May to mid-October, thanks to those epic Montana winters. Trust me, the views are worth planning your trip around. Rock Creek Vista Point is a popular pullout, and for good reason, the parking is plentiful, and the overlook provides breathtaking views of Rock Creek Canyon and Hellroaring Plateau. Plus, the Beartooth Mountains in the distance? Unforgettable. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk (you’re in high-altitude country!), and remember, it's bear country, so be aware! This one's a must-do, folks.
easyWhen was Lassen Volcanic National Highway built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California? You *have* to take the Lassen Volcanic National Highway! This beauty, built back in '26, winds for 34 miles right through the heart of the park between the Southwest and Manzanita Lake Entrances. Get ready for some up-close encounters with the park's killer volcanic features. The whole road is paved, but be prepared for curves and twists galore as you climb! You'll peak at a whopping 8,543 feet above sea level near Lassen Peak itself. Word to the wise: this road is a no-go in the winter thanks to the Cascade Range's heavy snowfall. They usually start clearing the 30-mile main park road in April, but it takes a couple of months to dig it out. Plus, keep an eye on the weather – it can close down intermittently. Heads up – no guardrails here due to the massive snow removal efforts! As you wind through the mountains from CA-44 to CA-36, watch out for wildlife and falling rocks. The southern part gets especially windy with some serious switchbacks. And if you're in a rig longer than 45 feet, you might want to skip this one. Happy driving!
moderateWhere is Smoky Mountain Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an off-the-grid adventure? Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway in southern Utah (Kane County) is calling your name! Located within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think of it as a 77.4-mile (124km) one-way rocky dirt rollercoaster connecting Escalante (on Scenic Byway 12) and Big Water (off Highway 89). We're talking a good five to six hours of seriously rough terrain, so leave the Prius at home! A high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST. Seriously. This route features sections that'll eat standard vehicles for lunch. Plus, avoid it like the plague when wet; those harmless-looking puddles turn into treacherous quicksand. What makes it worthwhile? Jaw-dropping scenery! You'll be treated to sweeping views of Lake Powell, the Navajo Mountains, and the Kaiparowits Plateau. And the kicker? Kelly's Grade, a heart-pumping five-mile series of switchbacks that climbs 1200 feet up the Kaiparowits Plateau cliffs. The view from the top? Unforgettable! Heads up: this road tops out at 7,086 feet (2,160m) above sea level. The best time to tackle it is during spring and fall for moderate temps. Summer can be scorching, and winter… well, let’s just say it's impassable due to snow. This is a remote, undeveloped area. There are NO services along the way. Be totally self-sufficient with plenty of water, food, and at least one spare tire (two is better!). You might not see another soul out there. Signs warn "impassable when wet," so heed that warning! Rain turns washes into vehicle traps. Be prepared for anything, and this will be an epic journey.