Sunset hikes near Port Watsonvile, 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 5.6 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. Maple Falls–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint, 8 sights 7.7 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

3. Fern Flat Road–Haines Ranch Road, 3 sights 8.4 mi away

   Be there by 7:13 PM

   1. Be there7:13 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Dark8:00 PM

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

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

4. Fern Flat Road–Haines Ranch Road, 3 sights 8.7 mi away

   Leave by 7:05 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:05 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car7:55 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 7:55 PM — 5 min before dark.

   0.3 mi to the viewpoint · 70 ft climb · 16 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

5. Aptos Creek Road 8.8 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

6. 6 mile trail loop 9.1 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

7. Aptos Creek Road–Big Stump Gap Trail, 5 sights 9.2 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

8. Olive Springs–Big Stump Gap Trail, 3 sights 9.2 mi away

   Leave by 6:14 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:14 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car8:30 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 8:30 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.7 mi to the viewpoint · 610 ft climb · 101 min of walking

9. Sand Point Overlook–Big Slide Trail, 5 sights 9.2 mi away

   Leave by 6:00 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:00 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car8:45 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 8:45 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.3 mi to the viewpoint · 630 ft climb · 131 min of walking

10. Land of Medicine Buddha & 6 mile trail loop 9.2 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

11. Eagle In Tree (rest stop) via Byrne Trail 9.2 mi away

    Leave by 6:30 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:30 PM
    2. Sunset7:33 PM
    3. Head back7:48 PM
    4. At your car8:20 PM
    5. Dark7:59 PM

    Back at your car by 8:20 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.2 mi to the viewpoint · 450 ft climb · 75 min of walking

12. AJ's Point of View–Eagle In Tree (rest stop), 3 viewpoints 9.3 mi away

    Leave by 6:34 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:34 PM
    2. Sunset7:33 PM
    3. Head back7:48 PM
    4. At your car8:11 PM
    5. Dark7:59 PM

    Back at your car by 8:11 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.0 mi to the viewpoint · 530 ft climb · 62 min of walking