The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
The Advocate Tree–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint Loop, 3 sights
1.3 mi · ▲ 227 ft · 33 min
The Advocate Tree–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint Loop, 3 sights is a 1.3-mile loop in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park near Monte Toyon, CA. The route passes Aptos Rancho Viewpoint and The Advocate Tree. It is mostly level, with 227 ft of elevation gain. It scores 29/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
The Advocate Tree–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint Loop, 3 sights
1.3 mi · ▲ 227 ft · 33 min
Elevation 68–235 ft
Loop · The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Trailhead: Aptos Creek Road · 36.99041, -121.90639
Weather Aug 4: sunrise 6:16 AM · sunset 8:13 PM
Dogs allowed on leash · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start at the trailhead, heading SW.
- 100 ftSharp left onto Aptos Rancho Trail, heading SE.
- 0.1 miPass Aptos Rancho Viewpoint.
- 0.1 miSharp right onto Old Growth Loop Trail, heading SW.
- 0.2 miTurn left onto The Advocate Tree Spur Trail, heading W.
- 150 ftReach The Advocate Tree, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 150 ftBear left onto Old Growth Loop Trail, heading SE.
- 50 ftTurn left, heading SE.
- 0.2 miContinue straight onto Oak Ridge Trail, heading NW.
- 250 ftBear right, heading E.
- 350 ftTurn left, heading SE.
- 350 ftContinue straight onto Terrace Trail Connection, heading E.
- 0.2 miBear right onto Terrace Trail, heading N.
- 0.2 miSharp right onto Aptos Rancho Trail, heading N.
- 0.1 miTurn left, heading S.
- 50 ftThe loop closes back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.6 mi in (~16 min). Leave by 7:37 PM for the 8:13 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:45 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Car visible from the viewpoint
Good to know
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Parking lot at the trailhead
Other ways to reach this destination
More from Aptos Creek Road Trailhead
- Vienna Woods Trail 2 mi · ▲ 331 ft
- Aptos Creek Road & Aptos Rancho Trail 3.1 mi · ▲ 413 ft
- Aptos Creek Fire Road–Aptos Creek Road, 3 sights 5.9 mi · ▲ 549 ft
- Aptos Creek Road–Aptos Rancho Trail, 3 sights 7 mi · ▲ 976 ft
- Land of Medicine Buddha–6 mile trail loop, 3 sights 12.6 mi · ▲ 1,937 ft
- Sand Point Overlook–Aptos Rancho Trail, 5 sights 13.5 mi · ▲ 2,392 ft
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