Three ways up
Mount Washington's summit at 6,288 feet is reachable by the Cog Railway on the western side, the Auto Road on the eastern side and a network of hiking trails. Each option gives a different experience, cost and level of effort. The best choice depends on your group, the weather and how much time you have.
The Cog Railway
The Cog is the most distinctive choice. It has climbed the mountain since 1869 and is considered the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world. The ride takes you up about three miles on a rack track, with grades above 25 percent and a maximum near 37 percent. Most trips run on biodiesel, and steam trips run on selected schedules. The round trip takes about three hours, including time at the summit. It suits rail fans, families, older visitors and anyone who wants to look at the scenery without driving. Book ahead for foliage season and steam trips, and check whether your ticket reaches the summit or a lower stop, since weather can shorten trips.
The Auto Road
The Auto Road is a 7.6-mile toll road from Pinkham Notch to the summit. You can drive your own car, or ride in a guided van with narration. The drive takes about thirty to forty-five minutes each way, with pullouts and views along the route. It offers flexibility: you set your own pace, stop for pictures and spend as long as you like at the summit. The guided van costs more but removes the stress of steep curves and drop-offs. The bumper sticker is a popular souvenir. Check road status in the morning, because the road can close for weather.
Hiking
Hiking to the summit is a serious undertaking. Popular routes include the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, the Lion Head Trail and the Jewell Trail, ranging from roughly eight to ten miles round trip with about 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Weather can turn dangerous at any time of year, with strong winds, freezing temperatures and fog. Hikers need sturdy boots, layers, rain gear, a map and compass, plenty of water and food, a headlamp and a realistic turnaround time. If conditions look bad, turn back. Many visitors hike up and take the Cog or Auto Road shuttle down, where available, or ride up and hike down part of the way.
Which should you choose
For families with young children, the Cog or a guided Auto Road van is the easiest. For couples who want a classic experience, the Cog offers a memorable ride. For photographers, the Auto Road allows stops along the way. For fit hikers, a trail is the most rewarding. For time-pressed visitors, the Auto Road is the fastest. Many visitors choose one for the ascent and another for the descent, or do each on separate days.
Weather and timing
The summit is often in cloud, with temperatures thirty or more degrees colder than the valley. Check the Higher Summits Forecast, the Observatory webcams and the operator's status page. Morning departures usually offer clearer skies, especially in summer, and a flexible schedule lets you wait for a clear window. In winter, the Cog and Auto Road operate on limited schedules and conditions are extreme.
What to bring
Windproof jacket, hat, gloves, warm layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes, because the summit is rocky, and bring a camera. Keep medications with you and be mindful of altitude if you are sensitive.
Around the mountain
Combine the summit with Crawford Notch, the Omni Mount Washington Resort, Glen Ellis Falls and the Weather Discovery Center in North Conway. The Observatory's museum at the summit explains the mountain's extreme weather, including the 231 mph wind gust recorded in 1934. A full mountain day can include a morning on the Cog, lunch in Bretton Woods and an afternoon drive through the notch.
Cost and value
The Cog Railway is the priciest option per person, since it is a guided, scheduled experience with a historic railway. The Auto Road charges per vehicle and per passenger, so it can be more economical for groups sharing a car, and the guided van is priced per seat. Hiking is free apart from parking fees, but demands gear and time. If budget matters, drive the Auto Road with a full car, or hike one way and ride the other. Whichever you choose, treat the mountain with respect, check conditions before you go and build in a margin for weather so the day stays enjoyable.