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. Ridge Loop–Wilder Ridge Loop, 3 sights 2.9 mi away

   Leave by 7:45 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:45 PM
   2. Sunset8:14 PM
   3. Head back8:29 PM
   4. At your car8:36 PM
   5. Dark8:42 PM

   Back at your car by 8:36 PM — 6 min before dark.

   0.3 mi to the viewpoint · 15 min of walking

2. Overlook–Horseman's Trail, 3 sights 3 mi away

   Be there by 7:54 PM

   1. Be there7:54 PM
   2. Sunset8:14 PM
   3. Dark8:42 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 8:42 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

3. Barking Dogs 3.1 mi away

   Leave by 7:51 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:51 PM
   2. Sunset8:14 PM
   3. Head back8:29 PM
   4. At your car8:31 PM
   5. Dark8:42 PM

   Back at your car by 8:31 PM — 12 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 5 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

4. Wilder Ranch–Aloe Vera Forts, 8 beaches 3.2 mi away

   Leave by 7:43 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:43 PM
   2. Sunset8:14 PM
   3. Head back8:29 PM
   4. At your car8:40 PM
   5. Dark8:42 PM

   Back at your car by 8:40 PM — 2 min before dark.

   0.4 mi to the viewpoint · 21 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

5. Ocean View–Strawberry Beach, 5 beaches 3.4 mi away

   Leave by 7:43 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:43 PM
   2. Sunset8:14 PM
   3. Head back8:29 PM
   4. At your car8:40 PM
   5. Dark8:42 PM

   Back at your car by 8:40 PM — 2 min before dark.

   0.4 mi to the viewpoint · 21 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

6. Eagle Viewpoint–Baldwin Loop, 3 sights 3.4 mi away

   Leave by 7:49 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:49 PM
   2. Sunset8:14 PM
   3. Head back8:29 PM
   4. At your car8:32 PM
   5. Dark8:42 PM

   Back at your car by 8:32 PM — 10 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 60 ft climb · 8 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

7. Wilder Ranch State Park Beach–Fern Grotto Beach, 4 beaches 3.2 mi away

   Leave by 7:14 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:14 PM
   2. Sunset8:14 PM
   3. Head back8:29 PM
   4. At your car9:09 PM
   5. Dark8:42 PM

   Back at your car by 9:09 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.6 mi to the viewpoint · 79 min of walking

8. Dimeo Lane & Eucalyptus Loop 2.7 mi away

   Leave by 7:14 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:14 PM
   2. Sunset8:14 PM
   3. Head back8:29 PM
   4. At your car9:02 PM
   5. Dark8:42 PM

   Back at your car by 9:02 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.3 mi to the viewpoint · 280 ft climb · 74 min of walking

9. Point Santa Cruz–2222 Beach, 3 beaches 2.6 mi away

   Leave by 7:46 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:46 PM
   2. Sunset8:13 PM
   3. Head back8:28 PM
   4. At your car8:36 PM
   5. Dark8:42 PM

   Back at your car by 8:36 PM — 6 min before dark.

   0.3 mi to the viewpoint · 14 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

10. 2222 Beach & West Cliff Multipurpose Cycleway 2.6 mi away

    Leave by 7:46 PM

    1. Leave trailhead7:46 PM
    2. Sunset8:13 PM
    3. Head back8:28 PM
    4. At your car8:36 PM
    5. Dark8:42 PM

    Back at your car by 8:36 PM — 6 min before dark.

    0.3 mi to the viewpoint · 14 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

11. Natural Bridges Rock Arch–Natural Bridges State Beach Viewpoint, 4 viewpoints 2.7 mi away

    Leave by 7:31 PM

    1. Leave trailhead7:31 PM
    2. Sunset8:13 PM
    3. Head back8:28 PM
    4. At your car8:50 PM
    5. Dark8:42 PM

    Back at your car by 8:50 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    0.9 mi to the viewpoint · 43 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

12. Sharpe Overlook & 2222 Beach via West Cliff Multipurpose Cycleway 2.7 mi away

    Leave by 7:46 PM

    1. Leave trailhead7:46 PM
    2. Sunset8:13 PM
    3. Head back8:28 PM
    4. At your car8:36 PM
    5. Dark8:42 PM

    Back at your car by 8:36 PM — 6 min before dark.

    0.3 mi to the viewpoint · 14 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

Show longer hikes too