Sunset hikes near Blue Hills, ca

A short walk out, the whole show, and back at your car before dark. Times are estimates at a relaxed pace; give yourself extra buffer, especially with kids or in a group.

1. Lyme Disease Rock–Lake Ranch Reservoir, 4 sights 4.9 mi away

   Be there by 6:48 PM

   1. Be there6:48 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Dark7:34 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:34 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

2. Black Mountain–Upper High Meadow Viewpoint, 7 sights 4.9 mi away

   Leave by 3:35 PM

   1. Leave trailhead3:35 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car9:37 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 9:37 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   5.1 mi to the viewpoint · 2280 ft climb · 328 min of walking

3. Summit Rock–Lookout Tower, 3 summits 5.7 mi away

   Be there by 6:48 PM

   1. Be there6:48 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Dark7:34 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:34 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

4. Castle Rock–Balancing Rock, 4 cliffs 5.8 mi away

   Be there by 6:48 PM

   1. Be there6:48 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Dark7:34 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:34 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

5. Castle Rock Falls–Saratoga Gap Viewpoint, 5 cliffs 5.8 mi away

   Be there by 6:48 PM

   1. Be there6:48 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Dark7:34 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:34 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

6. Shady Rock–Platypus, 6 rocks 5.8 mi away

   Be there by 6:48 PM

   1. Be there6:48 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Dark7:34 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:34 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

7. Hash Boulder–Parking Lot Rock, 4 rocks 5.8 mi away

   Be there by 6:48 PM

   1. Be there6:48 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Dark7:34 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:34 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

8. Upper High Meadow Viewpoint–Bella Vista Trail, 5 sights 5.8 mi away

   Leave by 5:25 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:25 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car8:37 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 8:37 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.6 mi to the viewpoint · 720 ft climb · 157 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

9. Parking Lot Rock–Ridge Trail, 3 sights 5.9 mi away

   Leave by 6:45 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:45 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car7:30 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 7:30 PM — 5 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 10 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

10. Ridge Trail & Saratoga Gap Trail 5.9 mi away

    Leave by 6:40 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:40 PM
    2. Sunset7:08 PM
    3. Head back7:23 PM
    4. At your car7:35 PM
    5. Dark7:34 PM

    Back at your car by 7:35 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    0.3 mi to the viewpoint · 20 min of walking

11. Goat Rock–Lookout Tower, 5 sights 6 mi away

    Be there by 6:48 PM

    1. Be there6:48 PM
    2. Sunset7:08 PM
    3. Dark7:34 PM

    Your car is right there — dark at 7:34 PM.

    The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

12. Goat Rock Overlook & Service Road Trail via Ridge Trail 6 mi away

    Be there by 6:48 PM

    1. Be there6:48 PM
    2. Sunset7:08 PM
    3. Dark7:34 PM

    Your car is right there — dark at 7:34 PM.

    The viewpoint is right at the trailhead