New Hampshire Highpoint
Mount Washington
6,288 ft · Mount Washington State Park · Presidential Range
Drive-upLoading map…
The summit pin marks Mount Washington beside the Sherman Adams Summit Building. Auto Road summit parking is immediately adjacent, so a separate access marker would nearly overlap the summit marker.
USGS-derived Mount Washington summit locationStandard route
Mount Washington Auto Road
Drive the privately operated Mount Washington Auto Road from Route 16 to the summit parking areas, then walk the short summit paths and stairs to the Mount Washington highpoint and Sherman Adams Summit Building.
Distance
7.6 mi each way
Elevation gain
Over 4,000 ft
Route
Drive-up · short walk
Difficulty
Easy · demanding drive
Trailhead
Mount Washington Auto Road Toll House
Typical hazards: Extreme and rapidly changing weather, fog, high wind, steep grades, narrow roadway without guardrails, overheated brakes, cold temperatures, snow or ice, and limited visibility.
The Auto Road averages a 12% grade, includes extended sections around 18%, and requires low-gear engine braking on descent. Verify that the vehicle meets all Auto Road restrictions before arriving.
Mount Washington Auto Road: drive yourselfPermits & fees
2026 requirements
Drive yourself
Ordinary self-drive visits do not require advance reservations. Admission is paid at the Auto Road Toll House.
- Adult · age 13+
- $36
- Child · age 4–12
- $15
- Age 0–3
- Free
- Reservation
- Not required
Access
Mount Washington Auto Road
The self-drive Auto Road begins on New Hampshire Route 16 north of Pinkham Notch and climbs 7.6 miles to Mount Washington's summit.
Summit parking is beside the highpoint.
Follow staff directions into one of the summit parking areas. All self-drive vehicles must leave the summit within 45 minutes after the final uphill departure time for that day.
Park amenities
- Summit vehicle parking
- Sherman Adams Summit Building
- Restrooms during staffed season
- Food service during staffed season
- Water-refill station
- Gift shop
- Mount Washington Observatory Museum
- Historic Tip-Top House
Know before you go
Mount Washington Auto Road safety basics
Confirm that the vehicle satisfies all Auto Road size, weight, and transmission restrictions.
Descend in the lowest appropriate gear and use engine braking rather than continuously riding the brakes.
Stop at designated pull-offs if brakes become hot.
Do not walk on fragile alpine vegetation or move summit rocks.
Do not park overnight at the summit.
Keep pets leashed outside the vehicle; pets are not permitted inside New Hampshire State Park summit buildings.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Mount Washington can experience severe weather even when valley conditions are mild. Check both Auto Road operating status and the Mount Washington Observatory Higher Summits Forecast immediately before traveling. Do not assume that a scheduled operating date means the road will open.