Mt. Washington Van Questions

Dave R · 03-28-2014, 02:23 PM

One more thing to add for those that intend to climb on foot: Mt Washington is really not that great of a mountain to climb if you are looking for views. The last time I climbed it, I could not see the observatory from the summit; they are only a few feet apart...

There are vastly better hikes that also happen to have splendid views with much more regularity. Chocorua and the three sisters loop is excellent. The views up there are simply staggering. Little Haystack, Lincoln and Lafayette are a popular loop hike that lets you bag 3 4000+ footers in one fun day. Views there are fantastic as well. Take Falling Waters up and Bridle path down for the safest trip. The aptly named Falling Waters trail is a treat as well, I imagine you can guess why...

Pineedles · 03-28-2014, 03:11 PM

I would agree with Dave R. Take a look at his photo sphere on top of Chocorua. Even with a cloud cover, that would obscure your view if atop Washington, it is breathtaking. And as for what to wear, there's a kid with sneakers and shorts in the picture to give you an idea.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ch...4fbe97dd?hl=en

geordie · 03-28-2014, 10:13 PM

The railway costs about $37/person in November and more than $60/person the rest of the time.

The auto road is $28 for the car and driver plus $8 per passenger. I've driven up about a dozen times since 1987. First time was in a crummy Ford Tempo and the last time was a GMC Yukon XL. I've never had any sort of a problem on the road.

It isn't a difficult drive, there's a lot of BS rhetoric on the CD, and it was probably true back in 1965. But a modern car? The radiator is not going to explode if you drive up with the A/C on and the brakes aren't going to catch fire so long as you don't creep down riding the brakes all the time. Here's a Mustang GT descending in summer 2012, yes I was driving. Just use a low gear and brake when the speed gets up too high. There are plenty of places to move over and admire the view.

http://youtu.be/DC6xjIFN6Jg

Descant · 03-29-2014, 11:43 PM

There are several entities here. The NH Parks own the top and lease to the Mount Washington Observatory, a non-profit. AMC does the trails. The Cog and the Auto Road are separate commercial enterprises.

Here's the quickest way to the top:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4TmKodpqx8

Other trips. I've done the cog a couple of times and it's worth it just for the experience. There used to be a discount if you stayed at the Mount Washington Hotel. Maybe still? Technology has changed, and the first and last cog trip of the day are steam. Other trips are diesel and a little quicker. The Observatory has been working with the Cog to give you more time at the summit. The hotel is a great experience. I've also done the auto road a couple of times. Went up once in the winter in the sno-cat and spent the day with the observatory crew. (I won a TV auction prize.) I've also been a member of the MW Observatory for several years. Along with some great off mountain benefits, this gets you a tour that is not open to the public. They have some extraordinary mountain top once in a life time events that are not highly publicized, but are highly memorable.

If you're not big on fancy hotels, stay at Joe Dodge Lodge, but first join the AMC for big discounts. My mother-in-law, when she was 75, hiked up with a group of similar age active friends. A two day hike with an overnight at Lake of the Clouds. Yes, she is active, rows and kayaks along with hiking.

Last time we drove up with two cars, (June 1) went into the clouds at 4,000 feet, although three days before and two days after were beautiful and clear. When we got closer to the top, visibility was only 25 feet. On the good side, we had the mountain top to ourselves. On the way down, the lead car stopped at 4000 feet to take beautiful pictures of the valley. Driver and passenger got out and the passenger locked and closed the doors, engine running. Oops. Fortunately the owners of the Auto Road patrol about every 15 minutes (they prefer to not have AAA running up and down the road) and they were able to unlock the doors quickly.

In sum, it can be a very easy day or a difficult day, so be prepared for an adventure, and be prepared to prevent an adventure. No matter what, you'll have some great NH memories.

Airedale1 · 04-01-2014, 10:34 AM

Thank you one and all.

SIKSUKR · 04-02-2014, 01:37 PM

I certainly wouldn't waste my money driving up the auto road if you can't see the mountain.

EllyPoinster · 04-03-2014, 08:42 AM

You can get a weather forecast for the summit here.

03-29-2014, 11:43 PM	#4
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,346 Thanks: 1,339 Thanked 1,622 Times in 1,054 Posts	Quick trip There are several entities here. The NH Parks own the top and lease to the Mount Washington Observatory, a non-profit. AMC does the trails. The Cog and the Auto Road are separate commercial enterprises. Here's the quickest way to the top: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4TmKodpqx8 Other trips. I've done the cog a couple of times and it's worth it just for the experience. There used to be a discount if you stayed at the Mount Washington Hotel. Maybe still? Technology has changed, and the first and last cog trip of the day are steam. Other trips are diesel and a little quicker. The Observatory has been working with the Cog to give you more time at the summit. The hotel is a great experience. I've also done the auto road a couple of times. Went up once in the winter in the sno-cat and spent the day with the observatory crew. (I won a TV auction prize.) I've also been a member of the MW Observatory for several years. Along with some great off mountain benefits, this gets you a tour that is not open to the public. They have some extraordinary mountain top once in a life time events that are not highly publicized, but are highly memorable. If you're not big on fancy hotels, stay at Joe Dodge Lodge, but first join the AMC for big discounts. My mother-in-law, when she was 75, hiked up with a group of similar age active friends. A two day hike with an overnight at Lake of the Clouds. Yes, she is active, rows and kayaks along with hiking. Last time we drove up with two cars, (June 1) went into the clouds at 4,000 feet, although three days before and two days after were beautiful and clear. When we got closer to the top, visibility was only 25 feet. On the good side, we had the mountain top to ourselves. On the way down, the lead car stopped at 4000 feet to take beautiful pictures of the valley. Driver and passenger got out and the passenger locked and closed the doors, engine running. Oops. Fortunately the owners of the Auto Road patrol about every 15 minutes (they prefer to not have AAA running up and down the road) and they were able to unlock the doors quickly. In sum, it can be a very easy day or a difficult day, so be prepared for an adventure, and be prepared to prevent an adventure. No matter what, you'll have some great NH memories.

04-01-2014, 10:34 AM	#5
Airedale1 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laconia Posts: 595 Thanks: 557 Thanked 1,569 Times in 274 Posts	Thank you one and all. __________________ "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit." Nelson Henderson (1865-1943)

04-02-2014, 01:37 PM	#6
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	I certainly wouldn't waste my money driving up the auto road if you can't see the mountain. __________________ SIKSUKR

03-28-2014, 02:23 PM	#1
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,984 Thanks: 246 Thanked 743 Times in 443 Posts	One more thing to add for those that intend to climb on foot: Mt Washington is really not that great of a mountain to climb if you are looking for views. The last time I climbed it, I could not see the observatory from the summit; they are only a few feet apart... There are vastly better hikes that also happen to have splendid views with much more regularity. Chocorua and the three sisters loop is excellent. The views up there are simply staggering. Little Haystack, Lincoln and Lafayette are a popular loop hike that lets you bag 3 4000+ footers in one fun day. Views there are fantastic as well. Take Falling Waters up and Bridle path down for the safest trip. The aptly named Falling Waters trail is a treat as well, I imagine you can guess why...

The Following User Says Thank You to Dave R For This Useful Post:
BroadHopper (03-30-2014)

03-28-2014, 03:11 PM	#2
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,542 Thanks: 1,071 Thanked 667 Times in 366 Posts	I would agree with Dave R. Take a look at his photo sphere on top of Chocorua. Even with a cloud cover, that would obscure your view if atop Washington, it is breathtaking. And as for what to wear, there's a kid with sneakers and shorts in the picture to give you an idea. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ch...4fbe97dd?hl=en

03-28-2014, 10:13 PM	#3
geordie Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 33 Thanks: 10 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	The railway costs about $37/person in November and more than $60/person the rest of the time. The auto road is $28 for the car and driver plus $8 per passenger. I've driven up about a dozen times since 1987. First time was in a crummy Ford Tempo and the last time was a GMC Yukon XL. I've never had any sort of a problem on the road. It isn't a difficult drive, there's a lot of BS rhetoric on the CD, and it was probably true back in 1965. But a modern car? The radiator is not going to explode if you drive up with the A/C on and the brakes aren't going to catch fire so long as you don't creep down riding the brakes all the time. Here's a Mustang GT descending in summer 2012, yes I was driving. Just use a low gear and brake when the speed gets up too high. There are plenty of places to move over and admire the view. http://youtu.be/DC6xjIFN6Jg

The Following User Says Thank You to geordie For This Useful Post:
riverat (03-31-2014)

04-03-2014, 08:42 AM	#7
EllyPoinster Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 160 Thanks: 13 Thanked 25 Times in 20 Posts	You can get a weather forecast for the summit here.