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. Maple Falls–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint, 8 sights 0.9 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

2. 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

3. 6 mile trail loop 2.6 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

4. Aptos Creek Road–Big Stump Gap Trail, 5 sights 2.7 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

5. Olive Springs–Big Stump Gap Trail, 3 sights 2.7 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

6. Sand Point Overlook–Big Slide Trail, 5 sights 2.7 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

7. Land of Medicine Buddha & 6 mile trail loop 2.7 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

8. 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

9. Trout Gulch Trail 3.2 mi away

   Leave by 6:10 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:10 PM
   2. Sunset7:33 PM
   3. Head back7:48 PM
   4. At your car8:35 PM
   5. Dark8:00 PM

   Back at your car by 8:35 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.9 mi to the viewpoint · 570 ft climb · 109 min of walking

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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