I waited for a good weather window to hike Mailbox Peak when there would be a view. Sunday’s forecast called for partly cloudy/ sun starting at 4:00pm, and I realized the only way to enjoy the views was to do a sunset hike.

I left at 3:00pm from the new trailhead. The switchbacks were clear and dry until the 3.8 mile mark. There was some slush and ice covering the trail. Microspikes and trekking poles helped, but I wouldn’t say they are required. They definitely made the stretch easier.

Arrived at the start of the final rocky alpine climb at 5:20pm and made it to the summit at 5:50pm just in time to see the clouds part. Only a few people at the top, most had already descended. Made it back to the trailhead at 8:30pm as the sun was setting.

Overall Time: 5.5 hours

Total Distance: 10.3 miles

The biggest takeaway for me: we can get wrapped up in wanting to beat the crowds, get a premier parking spot and get the best view by being the first one on the trail, but you can also have it all by being the last. Food for thought… ????