What are the main hiking routes to Mount Washington?

The main routes to Mount Washington include Tuckerman Ravine & Lion Head Trail Loop, Ammonoosuc Ravine & Jewell Trail Loop - west side..

How difficult is hiking Mount Washington?

Mount Washington is rated Extremely Difficult difficulty.

How long does it take to hike Mount Washington?

Typically, hiking Mount Washington takes 8–10 hours - round-trip via standard routes..

Back to NH48 Peak Catalog

Mount Washington

Very rocky and steep, with extensive boulder fields above treeline

Prominence: 6138 ft Range: Presidential Range

Units

Elevation: 6,288 ft

Mount Washington - This landscape photograph showcases Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during a calm summer sunset. The Presidential Range's alpine zone is visible with its rocky summit and surrounding ridge line. The scene captures the serene mountain weather and vast wilderness of White Mountain National Forest, perfect for hiking and landscape photography enthusiasts. - NH48 — This landscape photograph showcases Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during a calm summer sunset. The Presidential Range's alpine zone is visible with its rocky summit and surrounding ridge line. The scene captures the serene mountain weather and vast wilderness of White Mountain National Forest, perfect for hiking and landscape photography enthusiasts.

Overview

Very rocky and steep, with extensive boulder fields above treeline

Standard Routes

Tuckerman Ravine & Lion Head Trail Loop — 8.4 mi • 4,300 ft gain • Semi-loop - out via Tuckerman, back via Lion Head. • Extremely difficult
Ammonoosuc Ravine & Jewell Trail Loop - west side. — 9.6 mi • 3,800 ft gain • Loop • Extremely difficult

Monthly Weather Averages

Climate context

Monthly climatology baseline near this summit elevation.

Mountain conditions advisory

Mount Washington: high exposure today. Estimated wind 55 mph. Check summit forecast before departure.

Expires: 2026-02-14T23:59:59-05:00

Check higher summits forecast

Related Trails & Routes

Lion Head Trail Loop route

Parking & Access

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Difficulty Metrics

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Risk & Preparation

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Wilderness Safety

Data TBD for this route.

Trail & Terrain

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Conditions & Access

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Photo gallery

Mount Washington - This landscape photograph captures Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during a late summer afternoon. The Presidential Range shows a winding trail along the ridge, with a mix of alpine vegetation near the summit and thick forest cover lower down. The sky features a mix of cumulus clouds and blue patches, creating a varied mountain weather scene typical of the White Mountain National Forest. - NH48 — Afternoon Shadows on Mount Washington Ridge
`Canon EOS 5DS R | EF50mm f/1.2L USM | f/4.0 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 100`

Mount Washington - This landscape photograph captures the stark beauty of Mount Washington in the White Mountain National Forest during a crisp autumn afternoon. The summit structures peek through low clouds while the ridge line below shows the intricate hiking paths crossing the alpine zone. The mix of late-season grasses and hardy vegetation highlights the mountain weather conditions typical of New Hampshire's highest peak. - NH48 — Autumn Terrain Below Mount Washington Summit
`Canon EOS 5DS R | EF50mm f/1.2L USM | f/11.0 | 1/320 sec | ISO 200`

Mount Washington - Captured in the early fall afternoon, this landscape photograph highlights Mount Washington's distinctive ridge line within the Presidential Range. The scene showcases the mountain weather's calmness with soft shadows cast by drifting clouds. The White Mountain National Forest setting enhances the natural beauty of New Hampshire's highest peak, inviting hikers and nature lovers to explore its alpine zone trails. - NH48 — Sunlit Slopes of Mount Washington
`Canon EOS 5DS R | EF50mm f/1.2L USM | f/13.0 | 1/500 sec | ISO 200`

Mount Washington - Captured in late August, this landscape photograph highlights the distinctive silhouette of Mount Washington's summit infrastructure, including communication towers and weather stations. The calm summer evening light casts a gentle gradient across the sky, emphasizing the mountain's rugged ridge line in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. This scene showcases the alpine zone's unique blend of natural terrain and human presence within the Presidential Range. - NH48 — Silhouetted Summit Structures on Mount Washington
`Canon EOS 5DS R | 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015 | f/6.3 | 1/800 sec | ISO 2000`

Mount Washington - This landscape photograph taken in the afternoon shows the alpine zone of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The summit is blanketed in snow, highlighting the rugged terrain and the iconic communication towers. Low clouds drift around the peak, emphasizing the mountain weather conditions typical of the White Mountain National Forest during winter. - NH48 — Snow-Covered Summit of Mount Washington
`Canon EOS Rebel T7 | EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM | f/11.0 | 1/320 sec | ISO 100`

Mount Washington - Captured on a winter afternoon, this image showcases Mount Washington's summit as sunlight gently highlights the snow-covered granite ledges and alpine zone. The Presidential Range's rugged contours are sharply defined against a pale blue sky, emphasizing the mountain's raw and majestic character in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. The long shadows add depth and texture to the frosted landscape, illustrating the quiet power of mountain weather in mid-February. - NH48 — Late Afternoon Glow on Mount Washington Summit
`Canon EOS 5DS R | EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM | f/5.6 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 200`

Trail-tested notes

Experience summary

I built this guide around field photography sessions on Mount Washington in Presidential Range. Mount Washington is an ultra-prominent mountain in the state of New Hampshire.

Conditions from experience

Summer and early fall - June–October. High - extreme weather common.

Planning tip

Tuckerman Ravine & Lion Head Trail Loop - 8.4 - 4,300 - Extremely difficult - Semi-loop - out via Tuckerman, back via Lion Head. Limited - water at Hermit Lake shelters; none on upper mountain. Large paved lot at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center; fills early on busy days

Last reviewed: 2026-02-14