Mount Washington Hiking Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Before we talk about trails and gear, let's be real about what you're getting into.

Mount Washington sits at the convergence of three major storm tracks. Cold air funnels up from the south, warm moist air pushes in from the Atlantic, and arctic air drops down from Canada. The result? Weather that changes faster than anywhere else in the Northeast.

The Numbers Don't Lie

• Over 150 deaths on the mountain since records began
• Average summit temperature in July: 49°F (with wind chill often below freezing)
• Average wind speed: 35 mph (hurricane-force winds occur 110 days per year)
• Visibility below 1/4 mile: 55% of the time

I'm not trying to scare you off. I'm trying to make sure you take this seriously. The hikers who get into trouble on Washington are usually the ones who underestimate it.

There are multiple ways up Washington, ranging from relatively straightforward to genuinely technical. Here's the breakdown:

Tuckerman Ravine Trail (Most Popular)

• Distance: 8.4 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 4,250 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Time: 6-9 hours

This is the classic route that most hikers take. You'll start at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, follow a well-maintained trail through the forest, then emerge into the alpine zone at Tuckerman Ravine—a stunning glacial cirque that's famous for spring skiing.

The trail is relentless. There's no easy section. But the footing is generally good, the route is well-marked, and you'll have plenty of company on busy days.

Pro tip: The headwall above Tuckerman Ravine can hold snow well into June. Check conditions before assuming it's a straightforward hike.

Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

• Distance: 9.0 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,800 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Time: 6-8 hours

Starting from the Cog Railway base station, this trail offers a slightly different experience. You'll pass beautiful waterfalls in the lower section, then climb steeply to Lakes of the Clouds Hut before the final push to the summit.

I actually prefer this route in many ways—the waterfalls are gorgeous, and Lakes of the Clouds is a great place to take a break and refuel. The downside? The upper section can be brutally exposed in bad weather.

Jewell Trail

• Distance: 10.0 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,800 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
• Time: 6-8 hours

If you want a slightly gentler approach, Jewell Trail is your best bet. The grade is more consistent, and you get beautiful views of the western Presidentials as you climb. You'll meet up with the Gulfside Trail before the final summit approach.

This is a great option for hikers who want to avoid the crowds on Tuckerman.

Lion Head Trail (Winter Route)

• Distance: 8.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 4,250 feet
• Difficulty: Very Strenuous
• Time: 7-10 hours

In winter and early spring, when Tuckerman Ravine is an avalanche zone, Lion Head becomes the standard route. It's steeper and more exposed, but it avoids the dangerous terrain. If you're hiking between November and May, this is likely your route.

Which Route Should You Choose?

For first-timers in good weather: Tuckerman Ravine. It's the most popular for good reason—great scenery, well-maintained trail, and easy access from Pinkham Notch.

For hikers who want fewer crowds: Ammonoosuc Ravine or Jewell Trail.

For winter hikers: Lion Head Trail (mandatory avalanche safety knowledge required).

Mount Washington requires more gear than a typical day hike. Here's what you need:

The Non-Negotiables

• Extra layers: Even in July, bring a fleece AND a waterproof shell. Temps can drop to freezing on the summit.
• Rain gear: Full waterproof jacket and pants. Not water-resistant. Waterproof.
• Hat and gloves: Yes, even in summer. I've worn gloves on the summit in August.
• 3+ liters of water: There are no reliable water sources on the upper mountain.
• Headlamp: With extra batteries. If something goes wrong, you might be out after dark.
• Map and compass: Cell service is spotty, and GPS can fail. Know how to navigate.
• High-energy food: More than you think you'll need. 2,000+ calories for a long day.

Footwear

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. The upper mountain is rocky and unforgiving—this isn't the place for trail runners unless you really know what you're doing.

What NOT to Bring

• Cotton anything: Cotton kills. It absorbs sweat, loses all insulating ability when wet, and will leave you hypothermic in bad weather.
• Jeans: See above. Wear synthetic hiking pants or shorts.
• Umbrella: The wind will destroy it in about three seconds.

I can't stress this enough: check the weather before you go, and be prepared to turn around.

Where to Check

• Mount Washington Observatory Higher Summits Forecast: This is the gold standard. Updated twice daily with conditions specific to the Presidential Range.
• NOAA Point Forecast: Good for general weather patterns.
• Mountain-Forecast.com: Useful for wind and temperature projections at elevation.

Red Flags (Don't Go)

• Forecast winds above 40 mph (you'll struggle to stand)
• Chance of thunderstorms (exposed ridgelines + lightning = bad)
• Visibility below 1/4 mile (easy to get lost above treeline)
• Temperatures below freezing with precipitation (ice on rocks is treacherous)

Yellow Flags (Go, But Be Ready to Turn Back)

• Winds 25-40 mph (manageable but tiring)
• Afternoon storm chance (start early, summit before noon)
• Rapidly changing conditions

The summit is optional. Getting home safely isn't. If conditions deteriorate, turn around. The mountain will still be there next weekend.

Best Time of Year

Late June through September is the prime hiking window. Snow typically melts out by late May or early June, and the first significant snowfall usually comes in October.

That said, "summer" on Mount Washington can feel like winter. Be prepared for any conditions regardless of the calendar date.

Best Time of Day

Start early. I mean really early—5:00 or 6:00 AM is ideal. Here's why:

• Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer
• The summit is less crowded in the morning
• You'll have a buffer if something takes longer than expected
• Parking at Pinkham Notch fills up fast on weekends

Weekdays vs. Weekends

If you can swing it, hike on a weekday. The difference is dramatic—you might have the trail mostly to yourself on a Tuesday, while a Saturday in July can feel like a highway.

The Lower Trail

The first few miles through the forest are relatively peaceful. You'll gain elevation steadily but nothing too extreme. Enjoy this part—it's the warmup.

Above Treeline

At around 4,000 feet, the trees disappear and you enter the alpine zone. This is where Mount Washington shows its true character. The wind picks up, the temperature drops, and you realize why everyone kept telling you to bring layers.

The above-treeline section is also where navigation becomes critical. In clear weather, the trail is obvious—just follow the cairns and painted blazes. In fog, it's a different story. Stay on the marked route.

The Summit

The summit of Mount Washington is... weird. There's a weather observatory, a visitor center, a cafeteria, and tourists who drove up the Auto Road in flip-flops. After hours of hiking through wilderness, it can feel jarring.

But don't let that diminish the accomplishment. You climbed New Hampshire's highest peak under your own power. Take a moment to appreciate that before heading back down.

Important: The summit buildings are not emergency shelters. If conditions turn bad, get below treeline as quickly as safely possible.

Here's a sobering statistic: most hiking accidents happen on the way down. Your legs are tired, your concentration is fading, and the adrenaline of summiting has worn off.

Tips for a Safe Descent

• Take your time: Don't rush. Tired legs + rocky terrain = rolled ankles.
• Use trekking poles: They reduce stress on your knees and improve stability.
• Stay hydrated and fed: Keep eating and drinking even if you don't feel like it.
• Watch your footing: Especially on wet rocks. The granite slabs above treeline can be slippery.

The descent will take almost as long as the ascent. Plan accordingly.

Even with perfect preparation, emergencies happen. Here's what to do:

If Weather Turns Bad

• Get below treeline immediately if possible
• If you can't descend safely, hunker down in your emergency shelter
• Stay dry and insulated—hypothermia is the biggest risk
• Wait for conditions to improve

If Someone Gets Injured

• Assess the situation calmly
• Provide first aid if you can
• Call 911 (cell service is decent from the summit and upper trails)
• If no cell service, send someone for help or use emergency signaling

If You Get Lost

• Stop moving immediately
• Try to retrace your steps to the last known point
• If visibility is too poor, stay put and wait for conditions to improve
• Use your whistle—three blasts is the universal distress signal

Emergency Resources

• NH Fish & Game (Search and Rescue): 603-271-3361
• Mount Washington Observatory: 603-356-2137
• Pinkham Notch Visitor Center: 603-466-2721

After years of hiking Mount Washington in all seasons, here's what I wish I'd known from the start:

• Bring more layers than you think you need. I've been cold on the summit in July. Every single time.
• Start earlier than you think you need to. A 5 AM start feels brutal, but you'll thank yourself later.
• The forecast at the base means nothing. Check the summit forecast specifically.
• There's no shame in turning around. I've bailed on Washington more times than I've summited. Every one of those decisions was right.
• Your first time doesn't have to be your only time. If conditions are bad, come back another day. The mountain isn't going anywhere.

Mount Washington is a special place. It's challenging, unpredictable, and absolutely beautiful. With proper respect and preparation, it's also one of the most rewarding hikes in the Northeast.

See you on the summit.