- …
- Yak
- Quests
- 50 State Highpoints
- Mount Washington
6,288 ft · White Mountains, New Hampshire
Mount Washington
Mount Washington is a 6,288 ft peak in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. The standard route is the Lion Head Trail: 7 mi, 4,212 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Washington at a glance
- Elevation6,288 ft1,916 m
- RouteLion Head TrailClass 2
- Distance7 mi4,212 ft gain
- Time6 – 9 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeWhite MountainsNew Hampshire
Climbing the Lion Head Trail
From Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, take the Tuckerman Ravine Trail or other routes from the AMC visitor center. Mount Washington has some of the most extreme weather on Earth with hurricane-force winds recorded regularly. Check the Mount Washington Observatory forecast before starting and be prepared to turn back. Weather changes rapidly even in summer. The Auto Road and Cog Railway offer alternative access. The summit has a visitor center with food and shelter. Winter conditions can occur any month of the year. One of the most dangerous small mountains in the world due to weather exposure.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Heavyweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Satellite Communicator
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Rapid weather shifts
- Storms
- High winds
- Steep exposure
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Avalanches
- Low visibility
Mount Washington on Yak
Climbers have shared 49 climbs of Mount Washington on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Washington
50 State Highpoints
New England 4,000ers
NH 48
Lower 48 UltrasPeaks near Mount Washington
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Washington?
Mount Washington is 6,288 feet (1,916 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.
Is Mount Washington the highest point in New Hampshire?
Yes. At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest point in New Hampshire.
How hard is it to hike Mount Washington?
The Lion Head Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 7 miles with 4,212 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Washington?
Most people take 6 – 9 hours round trip on the Lion Head Trail, covering 7 miles with 4,212 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Washington?
The Lion Head Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 7 miles with 4,212 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Mount Washington?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Washington?
The Lion Head Trail starts at about 2,030 feet, roughly 4,258 feet below the summit.
Where can I check avalanche conditions for Mount Washington?
Check the Presidential Range forecast from MWAC at mountwashingtonavalanchecenter.org before any trip with snow on the route.
Climb Mount Washington with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list