Sunset hikes

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 0.1 mi away

   Leave by 5:00 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:00 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car8:54 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 8:54 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   3.5 mi to the viewpoint · 770 ft climb · 199 min of walking

2. Aptos Creek Road 1.1 mi away

   Be there by 6:49 PM

   1. Be there6:49 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Dark7:35 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:35 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

3. 6 mile trail loop 1.4 mi away

   Leave by 5:36 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:36 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car8:23 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 8:23 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 1.5 mi away

   Leave by 4:45 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:45 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car9:28 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 9:28 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 1.5 mi away

   Leave by 5:49 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:49 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car8:05 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 8:05 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 1.5 mi away

   Leave by 5:35 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:35 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car8:21 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 8:21 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 1.5 mi away

   Leave by 5:33 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:33 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car8:23 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 8:23 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.3 mi to the viewpoint · 680 ft climb · 135 min of walking

8. Aptos Creek Fire Road & Trout Gulch Trail 2.9 mi away

   Leave by 6:45 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:45 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car7:26 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 7:26 PM — 9 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 60 ft climb · 6 min of walking

9. Deer Valley Road & Rusk Grade 3.1 mi away

   Leave by 6:29 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:29 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car7:36 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 7:36 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.5 mi to the viewpoint · 270 ft climb · 32 min of walking

10. The Advocate Tree & Old Growth Loop Trail 0 mi away

    Leave by 6:34 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:34 PM
    2. Sunset7:09 PM
    3. Head back7:24 PM
    4. At your car7:39 PM
    5. Dark7:35 PM

    Back at your car by 7:39 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

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

11. Vienna Woods Trail 0.4 mi away

    Leave by 6:15 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:15 PM
    2. Sunset7:09 PM
    3. Head back7:24 PM
    4. At your car7:51 PM
    5. Dark7:35 PM

    Back at your car by 7:51 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

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

12. Aptos Creek Fire Road–Aptos Creek Road, 3 sights 1.4 mi away

    Be there by 6:49 PM

    1. Be there6:49 PM
    2. Sunset7:09 PM
    3. Dark7:35 PM

    Your car is right there — dark at 7:35 PM.

    The viewpoint is right at the trailhead