AMBLEWAY Wildest hikes

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Maple Falls–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint, 8 sights

15.6 mi · ▲ 2,854 ft · 6 hr 38 min

Maple Falls–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint, 8 sights is a 15.6-mile out-and-back in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park near Aptos, CA. The route passes Aptos Rancho Viewpoint before reaching Maple Falls at the turnaround, 7.8 miles in. It climbs 2,854 ft, with sections as steep as 22% grade. It scores 70/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.

Elevation

0 mi52 – 1,148 ft · steepest grade: 22%16.7 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Aptos Rancho Trail 36.98061, -121.90601
Nearest town Aptos, CA
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Directions

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Maple Falls–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint, 8 sights

15.6 mi · ▲ 2,854 ft · 6 hr 38 min

Elevation 54–1,149 ft

Out & Back · The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Trailhead: Aptos Rancho Trail · 36.98061, -121.90601

Weather Aug 4: sunrise 6:16 AM · sunset 8:13 PM

No dogs on part of this route · Transit-accessible: Soquel Drive & State Park Drive stop 214 m from the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start on Aptos Rancho Trail, heading NE.
  2. 0.5 miPass Aptos Rancho Viewpoint.
  3. 0.7 miContinue straight onto Aptos Creek Road, heading N.
  4. 250 ftBear right onto Aptos Rancho Trail, heading N.
  5. 200 ftTurn left, heading N.
  6. 50 ftBear left, heading NW.
  7. 350 ftTurn left onto Aptos Creek Road, heading N.
  8. 0.4 miBear left onto West Ridge Trail, heading N.
  9. 3.7 miBear right onto Ridge Connection Trail, heading N.
  10. 0.4 miBear left onto Big Stump Gap Trail, heading SE.
  11. 150 ftContinue straight onto Ridge Connection Trail, heading E.
  12. 0.4 miSharp left onto Loma Prieta Grade, heading SE.
  13. 1.2 miTurn left onto Bridge Creek Trail, heading W.
  14. 0.5 miReach Maple Falls, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  15. 0.5 miTurn right onto Loma Prieta Grade, heading SW.
  16. 1.2 miSharp right onto Ridge Connection Trail, heading S.
  17. 0.4 miContinue straight onto Big Stump Gap Trail, heading S.
  18. 150 ftBear right onto Ridge Connection Trail, heading S.
  19. 0.4 miBear left onto West Ridge Trail, heading NW.
  20. 3.7 miBear right onto Aptos Creek Road, heading NW.
  21. 0.4 miTurn right onto Aptos Rancho Trail, heading SE.
  22. 350 ftTurn left, heading E.
  23. 50 ftBear right, heading E.
  24. 50 ftTurn right, heading E.
  25. 250 ftBear left onto Aptos Creek Road, heading SE.
  26. 200 ftContinue straight onto Aptos Rancho Trail, heading SE.
  27. 0.8 miTurn right, heading S.
  28. 500 ftArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Trail map, photos and weather for this hike: www.ambleway.com/hikes/maple-falls-aptos-rancho-viewpoint-out-back-25-km-ef82

Trail surface

5% dirt95% unspecified

Weather

Sunrise 6:16 AMSunset 8:13 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 4.2 mi in (~129 min). Leave by 5:43 PM for the 8:13 PM sunset. Back at your car by 10:18 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • No dogs on part of this route
  • Transit-accessible: Soquel Drive & State Park Drive stop 214 m from the trailhead
  • Parking lot at the trailhead

More from Aptos Rancho Trail Trailhead

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