Sunset hikes near Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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. Salsipuedes-Pajaro Cycleway 26.7 mi away

   Leave by 6:57 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:57 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car8:03 PM
   5. Dark7:59 PM

   Back at your car by 8:03 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 32 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

2. Point Santa Cruz–2222 Beach, 3 beaches 28.3 mi away

   Leave by 7:12 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:12 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Head back7:49 PM
   4. At your car7:51 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 7:51 PM — 10 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 4 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

3. 2222 Beach & West Cliff Multipurpose Cycleway 28.4 mi away

   Leave by 7:12 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:12 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Head back7:49 PM
   4. At your car7:51 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 7:51 PM — 10 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 4 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

4. Sharpe Overlook & 2222 Beach via West Cliff Multipurpose Cycleway 28.4 mi away

   Leave by 7:12 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:12 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Head back7:49 PM
   4. At your car7:51 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 7:51 PM — 10 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 4 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

5. Natural Bridges Rock Arch–Natural Bridges State Beach Viewpoint, 4 viewpoints 28.6 mi away

   Leave by 6:43 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:43 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Head back7:49 PM
   4. At your car8:19 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 8:19 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.2 mi to the viewpoint · 61 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

6. Maple Falls–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint, 8 sights 29.4 mi away

   Leave by 5:25 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:25 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car9:19 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 9:19 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   3.5 mi to the viewpoint · 770 ft climb · 199 min of walking

7. Ocean View–Strawberry Beach, 5 beaches 29.6 mi away

   Leave by 7:12 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:12 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Head back7:49 PM
   4. At your car7:51 PM
   5. Dark8:01 PM

   Back at your car by 7:51 PM — 10 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 4 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

8. Wilder Ranch State Park Beach–Fern Grotto Beach, 4 beaches 29.6 mi away

   Leave by 6:59 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:59 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Head back7:49 PM
   4. At your car8:05 PM
   5. Dark8:01 PM

   Back at your car by 8:05 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.6 mi to the viewpoint · 31 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

9. Wilder Ranch–Aloe Vera Forts, 8 beaches 29.6 mi away

   Leave by 7:13 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:13 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Head back7:49 PM
   4. At your car7:51 PM
   5. Dark8:01 PM

   Back at your car by 7:51 PM — 10 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 4 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

10. Arboretum Pond & Prairie View Trail 29.8 mi away

    Leave by 6:35 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:35 PM
    2. Sunset7:34 PM
    3. Head back7:49 PM
    4. At your car8:32 PM
    5. Dark8:01 PM

    Back at your car by 8:32 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.5 mi to the viewpoint · 100 ft climb · 82 min of walking

11. Upper Quarry–Camper Park, 7 sights 29.8 mi away

    Leave by 6:03 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:03 PM
    2. Sunset7:34 PM
    3. Head back7:49 PM
    4. At your car8:48 PM
    5. Dark8:00 PM

    Back at your car by 8:48 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    2.4 mi to the viewpoint · 410 ft climb · 130 min of walking

12. Prairie View Trail–UCSC Connector/Cave Gulch, 3 sights 29.8 mi away

    Leave by 7:11 PM

    1. Leave trailhead7:11 PM
    2. Sunset7:34 PM
    3. Head back7:49 PM
    4. At your car7:53 PM
    5. Dark8:01 PM

    Back at your car by 7:53 PM — 8 min before dark.

    0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 7 min of walking