I’ll just put it out there.
I have a huge fear of heights.
I can be looking out the window of a tall building, standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, or scaling an indoor climbing wall. Every time I’m elevated and close to an edge, a wave of anxiety and panic sets in. Then, comes the trembling of my legs and hands, along with a pounding of my chest.
I haven’t been able to shake it off in all the 20+ years I’ve lived with it.
Apparently, I’m not alone.
Roughly 5% of the world’s population (approx. 395 million people) experiences acrophobia during their lifetime, each ranging in severity, from mild discomfort to debilitating reactions.
Maybe you’re even one of them!
Though my particular fear of heights doesn’t hold me back much in my everyday life. I do, sometimes, find it putting a damper on things when I’m traveling. I’m not as quick to step outside my comfort zone as some others would. And, I often find myself in my head battling the doubt and hesitancy. Do I really want to see that view or climb that ladder?
I most recently experienced these feelings again in New Hampshire while on a road trip to the White Mountains with my boyfriend. And one of the stops had me feeling a whole lot more queasy than the others.
Here’s my story of how I came face-to-face with, and conquered, my fear of heights on Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the United States.
Answering the Call of Mount Washington
Like many other passersby, I caught my first glimpse of Mount Washington during a leisurely drive through Gorham, New Hampshire. Even from the road, the mountain’s grandeur is impossible to ignore. Its towering peak, reaching an elevation of 6,288 feet (1,917 meters), stands as a testament to nature’s power and beauty.
From that first sighting, I instantly understood why Mount Washington has become such a landmark for hikers, backpackers and photographers.
It was also the moment I knew leaving New Hampshire without experiencing the majesty of ascending Mount Washington was inconceivable. I thought, “This is my chance to overcome the limitations that have held me back for far too long”.
So, without a second thought, I entered its address on the GPS (1 Mt. Washington Auto Road Gorham, NH, 03581) and within 20 minutes, I was staring at the base of Mount Washington.
Mastering Heights: Strategic Preparation and Planning
While my boyfriend drove our car to the base of Mount Washington, there were several safety essentials I first had to run through as co-pilot:
Check the Weather
Mount Washington is infamously known for its unpredictable and harsh weather conditions. Before visiting, it’s important to check current weather conditions and prepare for sudden changes.
Although it wasn’t summer and peak visiting season, it was 75 degrees and sunny when we arrived in late September.
Plan the Route
Planning a trip up Mount Washington requires you to know which route you’re taking. There are three main ways to get to the summit of Mount Washington:
- Hike (June-Sept., free outside of gear, 6-10 hours roundtrip)
- Drive up the Mount Washington Auto Road (mid-May to mid-Oct., $30-45 depending on vehicle, 2 hours)
- Taking the Mount Washington Cog Railway (late April to Nov., $79-104, reservation suggested, 3 hours)
Skill level, time commitment, budget, road conditions and the season should all be considered when planning a route up Mount Washington.
We were short on time, and my vehicle was reliable, so, the decision to drive up the mountain in my 2021 Honda was made for us.
Prepare for Altitude
The summit stands at an impressive 6,288 feet (1,917 meters) above sea level. Along with general anxiety over the fear of heights, expect that altitude sickness may be a concern when driving up Mount Washington.
We were expecting to gradually ascend to intermediate elevations if we were feeling especially sick.
Dress Appropriately
Adapting to different climates can be a challenge of travel, especially on Mount Washington where the weather changes quickly. Layers of warm and waterproof clothing are a must. Sturdy footwear is an essential,too, especially for those who decide to hike up.
With a weekender bag in the car, we had plenty of clothes, sweaters and shoes at our ready.
Carry Essential Supplies
Water, snacks, a map, sunscreen and a hat can be great accessories for anyone summiting Mount Washington. Those hiking will want to bring additional hiking gear, a first aid kit, flashlight, and a compass.
We were confident we had everything we needed.
The Adventurous Journey Begins
When we arrived at the base of the privately-owned Mount Washington Auto Road there was a line of cars, waiting to ascend. All, eager to drive the 7.6 mile road up the landmark’s summit.
It took us ten minutes to get through the ticketing and auto inspection process. (Note: Cars are required to be able to shift to low “L” gear.) There was plenty of time to second-guess about whether we should turn around.
I suppose, it was the “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” souvenir bumper sticker we were given upon entry that assured me this would be a successful trip because I didn’t get out of the car. Even when we pulled up 20 feet or so for a quick pit stop at the base’s bathrooms and gift shop before making the initial ascent.
The Ascent up Mount Washington
The drive up Mount Washington’s Auto Road began in a lush, dense forest. My travel anxiety was probably at the lowest here. Everything looked like the suburban roads I was used to back in New Jersey.
But, yeah, forget that period of calm. As the road’s 12% incline became noticeable and the lush tree-line was replaced by uninterrupted mountain views, my anxiety rose.
I was full on shrieking, with a death grip on the car’s center console, by the time we were a quarter of the way up. It didn’t help that the road is only large enough for two cars to squeeze by one another.
Thankfully, we found a good area to pull over and I took a minute to drink some water and compose myself.
I guess I didn’t do so great at composing myself because my anxiety began to take over once we continued. The trees were well below us by now and I was audibly exclaiming how this is a terrible way to die (only two people had ever done so), as I was looking over at the clouds next to me. The hyperventilation definitely didn’t help.
Do you know what’s closer to the edge of a mountain than someone driving up the mountain? The person in the passenger’s seat!
My poor boyfriend’s knuckles even began to turn white because I was stressing him out so much. It was then that he asked me if we should turn around.
I thought his words through for a minute and realized we were already more than halfway up Mount Washington. I’d be pretty disappointed in myself if we both didn’t reach the summit. Besides, this is something he’s looking forward to, too.
We continued on.
I found that the higher up we drove, the more helpful it was for me to close my eyes.
Call it a cop-out, but it was one way to get through it!
Soon, the parking lot came into view and my mind began to settle.
Yes! We were finally here.
Conquering the Summit
I still felt my legs trembling as I climbed the final set of stairs to the summit of Mount Washington. Yet, something began to shift within me.
The sheer magnitude of Mount Washington, instead of overwhelming me, began to evoke a sense of awe and reverence. My once-paralyzing fear of heights started to loosen its grip on my psyche, making way for a newfound sense of strength and resilience.
Standing at the pinnacle of this mighty peak, I gazed out at the vast expanse before me. The world seemed both grand and minuscule, a tapestry of mountains, valleys, and endless possibilities. It was a moment of profound realization. I had conquered my fear, defied its hold, and emerged stronger on the other side.
This feeling of awe and accomplishment was totally worth it.
We spent about an hour walking around the outside of the Mount Washington Observatory before taking a peek at the small museum and gift shop inside. My boyfriend even sent his family a postcard from the summit’s post office before we headed back to the car. He wanted to see which would reach home first, us or the postcard.
(Spoiler Alert: Our trip ended two days later and we made it back home first.)
Descending Mount Washington
To descend Mount Washington, we had to drive back down the way we came up.
This time on the Mount Washington Auto Road, things went much smoother. I was still on the high of seeing the breathtaking panoramas from the summit. So, I was able to enjoy the views as we descended much more than I did on the way up—and without any nervous shrieks! I even got out of the car at a few lookout points when we had to cool our brakes, too.
It certainly helped that our car was now hugging the mountain. Earlier, we were just one wrong turn away from plummeting off its edge.
We made it back to the base with just a sliver of daylight left and at a speed I couldn’t have fathomed earlier (~20 min or so).
Now? Off to the coast of Maine we go!
Growth Through Fear: Lessons Learned on Mount Washington
As I reflect on our trip to Mount Washington in New Hampshire (and, once again, feel the solid ground beneath my feet), I am filled with a profound sense of accomplishment and growth.
What began as a simple journey to a mountain peak evolved into a transformative experience that surpassed my expectations. Mount Washington, in all its grandeur, had become a symbol of my personal triumph, a testament to the power of stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing the unknown.
Yes, the ascent up Mount Washington was not without its challenges. There were moments when my heart raced, and doubt tried to creep in. Yet, I pushed forward, determined to confront my fear head-on. And now? I have a memory I’ll never forget.
For those looking to face their own fear of heights, I say, ascend the “Mount Washington” of your life. Don’t let fear hold you back. I promise that the journey to the summit offers not only breathtaking views but also the opportunity to experience the empowering benefits of travel firsthand.
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