You may find some snow still capping Mt. Washington, but the Auto Road is open to the summit for the summer! You can drive yourself, or choose to take one of the guided tours ~ this year they are two hours long, including a full hour at the summit where you can tour the Tip Top house, observatory museum, etc. Hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm until June 7, then 7:30 am – 6:00 pm June 8 through September 2, 2013. Slightly shorter hours in September and early October.
For a very unique experience, plan a sunrise drive, possible only three times each summer. This year, sunrise drives are available Sunday June 30 (open 3:30 am), Sunday, July 28 (open 4:00 am), and Sunday, August 25 (open 4:30 am). If you are a bird-watcher, make plans to take a Bicknell’s Thrush Tour available June 6, 8, 9, 11, 17, 19 only (advanced reservations required).
Be sure to ask us at the inn for a voucher that will give you a discount on the tour or allow a passenger to ride free if you are driving yourself. The voucher also gives you access to Great Glen Trails walking, hiking, and biking trails, right at the base of the mountain. Make sure you include a trip to Mt. Washington in your plans this year!