Climbing the Statue of Liberty Crown: how hard it is and who can go

162, from the top of the pedestal, where the climb to the Crown starts. Below that, climbing the pedestal itself is about 10 stories of stairs, the National Park Service says.

After a short standard staircase, the steps become a double spiral, one going up and one coming down. Each step is 9 inches high and 8 inches deep, with railings on both sides, and the first of four rest platforms comes 44 steps into the spiral. When you leave a platform, follow the UP or DOWN arrows: anyone on the wrong staircase has to turn around.

No. The pedestal has an elevator for visitors who cannot use the stairs. A ranger runs it, and a small lift then takes two people at a time to the top of the pedestal. From there, the 162 steps are the only way up.

For accessibility questions, email the park from the Physical Mobility in the Crown page. If the stairs are not possible for someone in your group, our Crown vs Pedestal guide explains what each ticket includes.

The National Park Service calls it strenuous. It advises against the climb for anyone with a condition that could stop them finishing it. That includes heart or breathing problems, limited mobility, claustrophobia, a fear of heights and vertigo. Rangers are always on hand, and you can stop at the top of the pedestal if you don't feel up to the stairs.

The statue is not air-conditioned, and Statue City Cruises says it can be up to 20°F (about 11°C) warmer inside than outside on hot days, so drink before you start. The only restrooms in the statue are down in the lobby, next to the water fountains. Stop there first.

Yes, if they are at least 42 inches (1.1 m) tall and can climb the stairs on their own. No one can be carried. That height lets children hold the railings on the spiral, and the Park Service suggests placing a child between two adults when possible.

Anyone under 18 must be with an adult, with one adult for every four children, and each child needs their own Crown ticket and wristband.

Four things: water in a clear plastic bottle, your phone, a camera without its bag, and any medicine you need. Bags of any kind, keys, pens, umbrellas, tripods, and food and drinks other than water must go in a locker. Keep your photo ID on you: it is checked when you enter the monument.

The lockers are on Liberty Island, next to the second security check at the monument entrance, so a day bag can come with you on the ferry. They take a 25-cent deposit, in quarters only, and change machines take $1 and $5 bills. Each locker is about 12 × 12 × 18 inches (30 × 30 × 46 cm) and is rented for two hours.

Ten minutes, in groups of up to 10. Before you start up, you hand your wristband to the ranger at the top of the pedestal. Inside the Crown, 25 windows look out over New York Harbor.

Your ticket also includes the pedestal observation deck, which you can walk all the way around. For the rest of the day, from Will Call to the ferry, see our step-by-step visit guide.