Sunset hikes near Rio Del Mar, 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. Aptos Creek Road 2.3 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

2. The Advocate Tree & Old Growth Loop Trail 1.2 mi away

   Leave by 6:59 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:59 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car8:04 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 8:04 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.5 mi to the viewpoint · 60 ft climb · 30 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

3. Vienna Woods Trail 1.6 mi away

   Leave by 6:40 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:40 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car8:15 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 8:15 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.0 mi to the viewpoint · 310 ft climb · 61 min of walking

4. Aptos Creek Fire Road–Aptos Creek Road, 3 sights 2.6 mi away

   Be there by 7:13 PM

   1. Be there7:13 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

5. Fern Flat Road–Haines Ranch Road, 3 sights 4.8 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

6. Fern Flat Road–Haines Ranch Road, 3 sights 4.8 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

7. Amaya Creek Road & Olive Springs Quarry Road 6.6 mi away

   Leave by 6:48 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:48 PM
   2. Sunset7:34 PM
   3. Head back7:49 PM
   4. At your car7:58 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 7:58 PM — 2 min before dark.

   0.4 mi to the viewpoint · 540 ft climb · 35 min of walking

8. Buzzard Lagoon Spur 6.9 mi away

   Be there by 7:12 PM

   1. Be there7:12 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

9. Cusack's Trail 7.5 mi away

   Leave by 7:02 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:02 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car7:56 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 7:56 PM — 4 min before dark.

   0.3 mi to the viewpoint · 130 ft climb · 18 min of walking

10. AJ's Point of View–Eagle In Tree (rest stop), 3 viewpoints 7.9 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

11. Eagle In Tree (rest stop) via Byrne Trail 7.9 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. Fire Road SA31 8.6 mi away

    Leave by 7:12 PM

    1. Leave trailhead7:12 PM
    2. Sunset7:33 PM
    3. Head back7:48 PM
    4. At your car7:49 PM
    5. Dark8:00 PM

    Back at your car by 7:49 PM — 10 min before dark.

    0.0 mi to the viewpoint · 2 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

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