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–Big Stump Gap Trail, 5 sights 0 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

2. Sand Point Overlook–Big Slide Trail, 5 sights 0 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

3. Land of Medicine Buddha & 6 mile trail loop 0 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

4. 6 mile trail loop 0.3 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

5. Maple Falls–Aptos Rancho Viewpoint, 8 sights 0.3 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

6. Olive Springs–Big Stump Gap Trail, 3 sights 0.3 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

7. Aptos Creek Road 0.8 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

8. Aptos Creek Fire Road & Trout Gulch Trail 0.9 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. Five Finger Falls–Olive Springs, 6 sights 2.7 mi away

   Leave by 5:32 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:32 PM
   2. Sunset7:09 PM
   3. Head back7:24 PM
   4. At your car8:17 PM
   5. Dark7:35 PM

   Back at your car by 8:17 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

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

10. Deer Valley Road & Rusk Grade 2.8 mi away

    Leave by 6:46 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:46 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 · 4 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

11. Lone Tree Prairie–Olive Springs, 6 sights 2.8 mi away

    Leave by 5:31 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:31 PM
    2. Sunset7:09 PM
    3. Head back7:24 PM
    4. At your car8:18 PM
    5. Dark7:35 PM

    Back at your car by 8:18 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 2.8 mi away

    Leave by 5:31 PM

    1. Leave trailhead5:31 PM
    2. Sunset7:09 PM
    3. Head back7:24 PM
    4. At your car8:18 PM
    5. Dark7:35 PM

    Back at your car by 8:18 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

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