Sunset hikes near Live Oak, 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. Point Santa Cruz–2222 Beach, 3 beaches 3.5 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

2. 2222 Beach & West Cliff Multipurpose Cycleway 3.5 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. Sharpe Overlook & 2222 Beach via West Cliff Multipurpose Cycleway 3.6 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. Dark8:00 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. Land of Medicine Buddha & 6 mile trail loop 3.7 mi away

   Leave by 5:57 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:57 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car8:47 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 8:47 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.3 mi to the viewpoint · 680 ft climb · 135 min of walking

5. Prairie Viewpoint–Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench, 9 sights 3.9 mi away

   Leave by 4:55 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:55 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Head back7:49 PM
   4. At your car9:37 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

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

   4.4 mi to the viewpoint · 1040 ft climb · 247 min of walking

6. Natural Bridges Rock Arch–Natural Bridges State Beach Viewpoint, 4 viewpoints 4.5 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

7. Horse Trough Spring–Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench, 11 sights 4.6 mi away

   Leave by 4:59 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:59 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Head back7:49 PM
   4. At your car9:47 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 9:47 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   4.5 mi to the viewpoint · 820 ft climb · 253 min of walking

8. Aptos Creek Road 4.7 mi away

   Be there by 7:14 PM

   1. Be there7:14 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Dark8:00 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 8:00 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

9. Maple Falls–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint, 8 sights 5.1 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

10. Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench–Broncos, 6 sights 5.1 mi away

    Leave by 6:06 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:06 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 · 330 ft climb · 127 min of walking

11. 6 mile trail loop 5.1 mi away

    Leave by 6:01 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:01 PM
    2. Sunset7:33 PM
    3. Head back7:48 PM
    4. At your car8:47 PM
    5. Dark8:00 PM

    Back at your car by 8:47 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    2.2 mi to the viewpoint · 640 ft climb · 132 min of walking

12. Aptos Creek Road–Big Stump Gap Trail, 5 sights 5.1 mi away

    Leave by 5:09 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:09 PM
    2. Sunset7:33 PM
    3. Head back7:48 PM
    4. At your car9:53 PM
    5. Dark8:00 PM

    Back at your car by 9:53 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    4.3 mi to the viewpoint · 660 ft climb · 249 min of walking