Sunset hikes near Polaris, 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. Elizabethtown Meadows Trail Loop 3.2 mi away

   Leave by 6:09 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:09 PM
   2. Sunset7:02 PM
   3. Head back7:17 PM
   4. At your car7:57 PM
   5. Dark7:29 PM

   Back at your car by 7:57 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.3 mi to the viewpoint · 73 min of walking

2. Boca Hill & Prosser Creek Reservoir 2.8 mi away

   Leave by 5:35 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:35 PM
   2. Sunset7:03 PM
   3. Head back7:18 PM
   4. At your car8:00 PM
   5. Dark7:29 PM

   Back at your car by 8:00 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.8 mi to the viewpoint · 810 ft climb · 110 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

3. Glenshire Pond 2.4 mi away

   Leave by 6:40 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:40 PM
   2. Sunset7:02 PM
   3. Head back7:17 PM
   4. At your car7:22 PM
   5. Dark7:29 PM

   Back at your car by 7:22 PM — 7 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 8 min of walking

4. Martis Creek Lake via Matt's Trail 1.3 mi away

   Leave by 6:09 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:09 PM
   2. Sunset7:02 PM
   3. Head back7:17 PM
   4. At your car7:54 PM
   5. Dark7:29 PM

   Back at your car by 7:54 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.1 mi to the viewpoint · 240 ft climb · 69 min of walking

5. Lake Ella–Martis Creek Lake, 4 sights 1.4 mi away

   Leave by 6:18 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:18 PM
   2. Sunset7:02 PM
   3. Head back7:17 PM
   4. At your car7:40 PM
   5. Dark7:29 PM

   Back at your car by 7:40 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 210 ft climb · 47 min of walking

6. Matt's Trail 2 mi away

   Leave by 5:59 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:59 PM
   2. Sunset7:02 PM
   3. Head back7:17 PM
   4. At your car8:02 PM
   5. Dark7:29 PM

   Back at your car by 8:02 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.7 mi to the viewpoint · 100 ft climb · 89 min of walking

7. Matt's Trail & Sawmill Road via Martis Valley Trail 2 mi away

   Leave by 5:44 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:44 PM
   2. Sunset7:02 PM
   3. Head back7:17 PM
   4. At your car8:17 PM
   5. Dark7:29 PM

   Back at your car by 8:17 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.3 mi to the viewpoint · 80 ft climb · 117 min of walking

8. Matt's Trail & Sawmill Road 2 mi away

   Leave by 6:00 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:00 PM
   2. Sunset7:02 PM
   3. Head back7:17 PM
   4. At your car8:00 PM
   5. Dark7:29 PM

   Back at your car by 8:00 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.6 mi to the viewpoint · 130 ft climb · 85 min of walking

9. Chipmunk–KB Trail, 3 sights 4.2 mi away

   Leave by 5:36 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:36 PM
   2. Sunset7:02 PM
   3. Head back7:17 PM
   4. At your car7:58 PM
   5. Dark7:29 PM

   Back at your car by 7:58 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.7 mi to the viewpoint · 870 ft climb · 108 min of walking

10. California Tahoe Conservancy Beach–Moon Dunes Beach, 3 beaches 4.2 mi away

    Leave by 5:36 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:36 PM
    2. Sunset7:02 PM
    3. Head back7:17 PM
    4. At your car7:58 PM
    5. Dark7:29 PM

    Back at your car by 7:58 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.7 mi to the viewpoint · 870 ft climb · 108 min of walking

11. Moon Dunes Beach–Lake Ridge Trail, 3 sights 4.2 mi away

    Leave by 5:36 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:36 PM
    2. Sunset7:02 PM
    3. Head back7:17 PM
    4. At your car7:57 PM
    5. Dark7:29 PM

    Back at your car by 7:57 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.6 mi to the viewpoint · 870 ft climb · 106 min of walking

12. Tahoe Rim Trail 4.5 mi away

    Leave by 5:47 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:47 PM
    2. Sunset7:02 PM
    3. Head back7:17 PM
    4. At your car7:49 PM
    5. Dark7:29 PM

    Back at your car by 7:49 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.3 mi to the viewpoint · 770 ft climb · 86 min of walking