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. Aptos Creek Road 0.1 mi away

   Be there by 6:48 PM

   1. Be there6:48 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Dark7:34 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:34 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

2. Aptos Creek Road–Big Stump Gap Trail, 5 sights 0.4 mi away

   Leave by 4:43 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:43 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car9:27 PM
   5. Dark7:33 PM

   Back at your car by 9:27 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   4.3 mi to the viewpoint · 660 ft climb · 249 min of walking

3. 6 mile trail loop 0.4 mi away

   Leave by 5:35 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:35 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car8:21 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 8:21 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.2 mi to the viewpoint · 640 ft climb · 132 min of walking

4. Maple Falls–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint, 8 sights 0.4 mi away

   Leave by 4:59 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:59 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car8:53 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 8:53 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

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

5. Olive Springs–Big Stump Gap Trail, 3 sights 0.4 mi away

   Leave by 5:48 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:48 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car8:04 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 8:04 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 0.4 mi away

   Leave by 5:34 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:34 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car8:19 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 8:19 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 0.4 mi away

   Leave by 5:31 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:31 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car8:21 PM
   5. Dark7:34 PM

   Back at your car by 8:21 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 1.7 mi away

   Leave by 6:44 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:44 PM
   2. Sunset7:08 PM
   3. Head back7:23 PM
   4. At your car7:25 PM
   5. Dark7:33 PM

   Back at your car by 7:25 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 mi away

   Leave by 6:27 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:27 PM
   2. Sunset7:07 PM
   3. Head back7:22 PM
   4. At your car7:35 PM
   5. Dark7:33 PM

   Back at your car by 7:35 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

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

10. Five Finger Falls–Olive Springs, 6 sights 3.4 mi away

    Leave by 5:30 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:30 PM
    2. Sunset7:08 PM
    3. Head back7:23 PM
    4. At your car8:16 PM
    5. Dark7:34 PM

    Back at your car by 8:16 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    2.1 mi to the viewpoint · 880 ft climb · 130 min of walking

11. Lone Tree Prairie–Olive Springs, 6 sights 3.4 mi away

    Leave by 5:29 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:29 PM
    2. Sunset7:08 PM
    3. Head back7:23 PM
    4. At your car8:16 PM
    5. Dark7:34 PM

    Back at your car by 8:16 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    2.1 mi to the viewpoint · 910 ft climb · 132 min of walking

12. Santa Rosalia Mountain–Olive Springs, 6 sights 3.4 mi away

    Leave by 5:30 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:30 PM
    2. Sunset7:08 PM
    3. Head back7:23 PM
    4. At your car8:16 PM
    5. Dark7:34 PM

    Back at your car by 8:16 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    2.1 mi to the viewpoint · 890 ft climb · 131 min of walking