How Long Does It Take to Drive Up Mount Washington? Plus 4 Other Ways to Reach the Summit

January 15, 2026

Mount Washington is one of New England’s most iconic landmarks—and for many visitors, reaching its summit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or simply prefer sightseeing over strenuous adventure, one question comes up again and again:

How long does it take to drive up Mount Washington?


The short answer is about 30 minutes each way via the Mt. Washington Auto Road. But driving is just one of five ways to reach the top of the Northeast’s highest peak. Each option offers a completely different experience, pace, and level of adventure.


Before we break them down, it helps to understand why this mountain has captured imaginations for generations.

Snow covered weather observatory with pink clouds in the sky
A Brief History of Mount Washington

Rising 6,288 feet above sea level, Mount Washington is the tallest mountain in the Northeastern United States and a defining feature of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.


The mountain is famous not only for its views, but for its extreme weather. In 1934, scientists recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour at the summit—once considered the highest ever measured on Earth. That legacy led to the creation of the Mount Washington Observatory in 1932, which continues to conduct year-round atmospheric research and provide weather data used by meteorologists worldwide.


Since the 1800s, travelers have been drawn to the summit. The Mount Washington Auto Road opened in 1861, and the historic Cog Railway began operation in 1869, making Mount Washington one of the first mountains in the world to be accessible without hiking.


Today, visitors can reach the top in five very different ways—each offering its own pace, challenge, and reward.

1. Driving the Mount Washington Auto Road
car driving up road with mountains
Best for: Couples, families, and non-hikers

Time: ~30 minutes up, ~30 minutes down


If you’re wondering how long it takes to drive up Mount Washington, the answer is straightforward: about 30 minutes to the summit, depending on traffic and weather. With brief scenic stops, most visitors spend 60–90 minutes total on the trip.

The Mount Washington Auto Road is a privately maintained, 7.6-mile mountain road that gradually climbs from forested foothills to the rocky alpine summit. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering dramatic pull-off points, sweeping views, and a changing landscape as you rise above tree line.


At the top, visitors can explore:

  • The Mount Washington Observatory
  • Indoor exhibits about the mountain’s history and weather
  • A gift shop and cafeteria
  • Outdoor viewing platforms on clear days
  • Mount Washington Post Office



For families, older travelers, or anyone who prefers a relaxed adventure, this is the most accessible way to experience Mount Washington.

2. Riding the Mount Washington Cog Railway
conductor on a mountain train waving to a hiker with mountains in the background
Best For: Sightseers who want a unique experience without driving

Time: ~45 minutes up, ~45 minutes down


The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railroad and one of the most iconic attractions in New England. Using a rack-and-pinion system, the train steadily climbs steep grades that conventional railroads cannot.


The ride is slow, scenic, and narrated, making it ideal for visitors who want to enjoy the journey without navigating the Auto Road themselves. While the Cog takes longer than driving, it offers a historic, immersive way to reach the summit—especially appealing to families with children and visitors who enjoy storytelling along with their sightseeing.
3. Hiking to the Summit
Hikers on top of a mountain ridge with mountains in the distance
Best For: Experienced hikers and adventure seekers

Time: 4–8 hours up (one way), full day round trip


Hiking Mount Washington is a bucket-list adventure for many outdoor enthusiasts. Multiple trails lead to the summit, ranging from challenging alpine scrambles to longer, more gradual ascents.


While the views are spectacular, hiking the mountain requires physical fitness, weather awareness (Mount Washington famously has "the worst weather in the world"), and proper gear and planning.


New Hampshire's tallest mountain can be summited as a single peak, or part of a longer, more strenuous effort such as the Presidential Range Traverse. 


Conditions at the summit can change rapidly, even in summer. For travelers who are not accustomed to long or difficult hikes, this option is better admired from a distance or enjoyed via the Auto Road or Cog Railway instead.
4. Uphill Skiing in the Winter
skiers looking up a a mountain ravine with snow
Best For: Advanced skiers and mountaineers

Time: Several hours depending on route and conditions


In winter, Mount Washington transforms into one of the most legendary backcountry skiing destinations in the East. Uphill skiers and mountaineers ascend the mountain under their own power before skiing down steep, natural terrain. Popular routes include the Cog Railway and Tuckerman's Ravine


This is not a recreational activity for casual visitors—it requires experience, avalanche awareness, and specialized equipment. While it represents the most adventurous way to reach the summit, it is best suited for expert skiers rather than families or first-time visitors.

5. Cycling the Auto Road
cyclist in a bike race pedaling up a rock face with people cheering him on
Best For: Experienced cyclists and endurance athletes

Time: ~1.5 to 3 hours, depending on fitness and conditions


For cyclists seeking a true bucket-list climb, Mount Washington is one of the most iconic road ascents in North America. 


Riders pedal the same 7.6-mile Auto Road used by cars, gaining over 4,600 feet in elevation with an average grade of 12 percent and sections even steeper. While the distance may seem short, the sustained incline, shifting weather, and high winds make this a demanding ride suited only for well-prepared cyclists. 


This endeavor is typically done during the annual Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb (MWARBH) race due to strict rules and harsh conditions. It requires immense endurance, self-sufficiency, and a ride down, as descending by bike is prohibited. 


Those who complete the climb are rewarded with sweeping summit views and the rare experience of reaching New England’s highest peak entirely under their own power.
Which Way is Right for You?
hiker on a rocky ridge trail with mountains in the background

For most couples and families visiting the White Mountains, the Auto Road and Cog Railway provide the best balance of comfort, accessibility, and unforgettable scenery. For athletes, hiking, skiing, and cycling all offer extremely challenging yet rewarding experiences.


If your main question is “how long does it take to drive up Mount Washington?”, you can confidently plan on about 30 minutes to the top—making it an easy half-day excursion that still feels extraordinary.



Whether you choose to drive, ride, hike, or ski, Mount Washington offers a rare opportunity to experience true alpine conditions without leaving New England.

Final Planning Tips
Local craft beer flight.

Final Planning Tips:

  • Always check weather conditions before your visit
  • Dress in layers—temperatures at the summit are often much colder
  • Allow extra time for photos and sightseeing
  • Consider early morning for clearer skies and fewer crowds

Mount Washington isn’t just a destination—it’s a defining experience of the White Mountains, offering history, science, scenery, and adventure in one remarkable place. 


Make the most out of your trip by experiencing all the White Mountains have to offer. 


If you stay at the Franconia Inn, you'll have cozy lodgning, delicious meals, onsite activities, and close proximity to Mount Washington and other iconic New Hampshire attractions. 

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