Drive Yourself 

Driving the Auto Road is about a new experience at every turn, even if you’ve already driven it several times. Weather, foliage, views … they’re always changing and keep the trip exciting. Drive yourself and earn the famous “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” bumper sticker.

1. We are open! Check our Hours & Dates of Operation

2. You do not need to make a reservation to drive yourself on the historic Mt. Washington Auto Road. You will pay the fee when you arrive at the Toll House; we take all major credit cards and cash.

3. Download the Auto Road App -- includes a guided tour of the Auto Road.

4. Weather always dictates operational status on the Auto Road. Please check the Road Status & Weather for current information.

5. Safety considerations dictate that some vehicles cannot be permitted on the Auto Road. Check our Vehicle Restrictions page to make sure you have a safe journey.

6. At the Toll House, you’ll receive the famous “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” bumper sticker.

7. Enjoy the drive! Due to its remarkable location, weather, and history, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is unlike any other driving experience in the Eastern United States.

You'll drive up in your normal gear ("D"), and down in your lowest gear ("1", "L" or "L1"). Driving down in low gear will allow your engine to help with the braking of the vehicle. When using your brakes, don’t “ride” your brakes unnecessarily. A pumping action of the foot pedal allows the brakes to run cooler than does a steady pressure. If your brakes overheat, there will be many turnouts along the road to stop and cool them.

Visit our FAQs to see if there's a common question you have about the road! 

If you are a first time visitor who is not comfortable with heights or narrow mountain roads without guardrails, you may choose to enjoy one of our comfortable 2-Hour Guided Tours rather than driving your own vehicle. 

MODIFICATIONS DUE to COVID19

• Mt. Washington Observatory museum is not operating at this time
• There are portable toilets available the summit

NH STATE PARK BUILDING

The Sherman Adams building at the summit of the mountain, managed by the NH State Park, will be open to guests by reservation only. The building remains open 7 days per week through October 12th, however the gift shop and food concessions will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the rest of the season, starting on September 22nd.

Your passage on the Auto Road does NOT include a reservation to the summit building. If you would like to make a reservation to go inside the NH State Park summit building, please visit: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/mt-washington-state-park. Factor 30 minutes of travel time to the summit for your booking. While the reservation is free of charge, there is a $1 transaction fee to the NH State Park. 

DRIVE YOURSELF RATES

For a Complete Listing of Rates >

For More Information the Bumper Sticker >

If you have any questions about driving the Auto Road yourself, please call us at (603) 466-3988.