This was my first time doing Mailbox Peak and my original plan was to the old trail up and new trail down, but I wasn't feeling super prepared so I decided to take the "easier" option of doing the new trail both ways. I wouldn't consider it easy by any stretch of the imagination though, you're still going up 4000 ft!
On a cool fall Thursday there was plenty of parking even at 10am. I passed maybe 15 other people on the trail. I am a pretty fast hiker and it took me 4.5 hrs with a quick break at the top.
It seems like the new trail gets bad rap, it is long and grueling but I found it to be a really fun trail. There are a few decent views on the way up and you actually get to look around at dense fern-covered forest instead of your footing.
The trail is amazing condition, it does get a bit steeper and rockier as you go up, especially as you hit the boulder field section. Save your wind for this last 1/4 mile section, it's steep and rocky. The views from the top are well worth it though!
I think next time I will go for the old trail, but I have no regrets exploring this option.
Comments
BlueGoat on Mailbox Peak
I did the old trail several times in my younger days, but always take the new, longer, but more gradual trail now.
Posted by:
BlueGoat on Oct 27, 2025 02:46 PM