Drive Yourself | Guided Tours

With the ever-changing weather conditions on New England’s highest peak, no two trips are the same. Bluebird skies and stunning vistas may greet you one day. The next day you could have the adventure of a lifetime in the 6,288-foot peak’s strong winds, remarkable fog and rapidly moving clouds. On any day, your adventure awaits.
Whether you drive yourself or take one of our guided tours, your trip on the Mt. Washington Auto Road will create a lifelong memory. Give your kids a head start on their summer assignment by treating them to a tour to the summit of a true American icon—Mt. Washington.
If you’re looking to go even further on the Mt. Washington Auto Road, return in winter and climb aboard the one-of-a-kind SnowCoach. Your family will be transported deep into the magical world above treeline for an unforgettable experience.
You’ve seen the bumper stickers. Now, discover what all the fuss is about.
As you plan your trip, remember, temperatures can drop rapidly and weather conditions can change quickly on the mountain, so be sure to bring a jacket or sweater along for the trip. All dates and times are subject to change based on weather and road conditions.
2009 Schedule:
| Early May - May 15 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| May 16 - June 5 | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| June 6 - September 7 | 7:30 AM–6:00 PM |
| September 8 - 20 | 8:00 AM–5:30 PM |
| September 21 - October 4 | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| October 5 - 12 | 8:00 AM–4:30 PM |
| October 13 - End of Season | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
Opening day of the Mt. Washington Auto Road varies from year to year due to the amount of snow that falls on the mountain. Each spring, crews work tirelessly to remove the ice and snow. In early May, we generally open to treeline as soon as possible, as the crews work on the upper part of the mountain with a goal of opening to the summit later in the month. Click here to view the process as documented in the spring of 2008.
Afternoon closing times indicate the time that the last car will be allowed to go through the Toll House and drive to the summit. All vehicles must leave the summit 45 minutes after closing time.
Please note special reduced operating hours on event days:
| June 15 & 18 - Motorcycles Only | Motorcycles & Guided Tours only; Closed to cars |
| June 20 - Mt. Washington Road Race | Open 1:00 PM–6:00 PM |
| June 28 - Sunrise Drive | Open 3:30 AM-6:00 PM |
| July 11 - Newton's Revenge Bike Race | Open 12:30 PM-6:00 PM |
| July 26 - Sunrise Drive | Open 4:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| August 15 - MWAR Bicycle Hillclimb | Open 12:30 PM–6:00 PM |
| August 30 - Sunrise Drive | Open 4:30 AM-6:00PM |
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