Sunset hikes near Monterey, 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 23.1 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 26 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 26.1 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 26.1 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. Maple Falls–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint, 8 sights 26.3 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

6. Natural Bridges Rock Arch–Natural Bridges State Beach Viewpoint, 4 viewpoints 26.3 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. Sand Point Overlook–Aptos Rancho Trail, 5 sights 27 mi away

   Leave by 5:45 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:45 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car8:59 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 8:59 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.8 mi to the viewpoint · 700 ft climb · 160 min of walking

8. Land of Medicine Buddha–6 mile trail loop, 3 sights 27 mi away

   Leave by 5:46 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:46 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car8:58 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 8:58 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.8 mi to the viewpoint · 660 ft climb · 158 min of walking

9. Vanoni Road 27.3 mi away

   Leave by 6:51 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:51 PM
   2. Sunset7:32 PM
   3. Head back7:47 PM
   4. At your car8:05 PM
   5. Dark7:59 PM

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

   0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 110 ft climb · 39 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

10. Thompsons Grove via Whitehurst Road 27.3 mi away

    Leave by 5:13 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:13 PM
    2. Sunset7:32 PM
    3. Head back7:47 PM
    4. At your car9:32 PM
    5. Dark7:59 PM

    Back at your car by 9:32 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    4.0 mi to the viewpoint · 770 ft climb · 224 min of walking

11. Vienna Woods Trail via Aptos Creek Road 27.5 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

12. Ocean View–Strawberry Beach, 5 beaches 27.6 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