A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, California

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Bayview Trail

Hike Route

Bayview Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.47 mi
+459 ft
Knobcone Point + Black Rock Falls Hike via Contour Trail

Hike Route

Knobcone Point + Black Rock Falls Hike via Contour Trail

Views
moderate
3.61 mi
+1,203 ft
Alec Canyon + Triple Falls Trail

Hike Route

Alec Canyon + Triple Falls Trail

Views
easy
3.61 mi
+1,198 ft
Waterfall Loop Nature Trail

Hike Route

Waterfall Loop Nature Trail

Dogs Allowed
moderate
1.18 mi
+362 ft
Merry-Go-Round Loop

Hike Route

Merry-Go-Round Loop

Birding
moderate
3.91 mi
+853 ft
La Corona Trail Hike

Hike Route

La Corona Trail Hike

Dogs Allowed
easy
2.78 mi
+326 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Harvey Bear Ranch Hike

Hike Route

Harvey Bear Ranch Hike

Birding
moderate
10.54 mi
+1,524 ft
Henry Coe (Jackson Field, Wasno Ridge, Bowl Trail)

Hike Route

Henry Coe (Jackson Field, Wasno Ridge, Bowl Trail)

Birding
strenuous
15.65 mi
+2,968 ft
Mount Sizer via "The Shortcut"

Hike Route

Mount Sizer via "The Shortcut"

Lake
extreme
14.99 mi
+4,203 ft
Skyline to the Sea Trail

Hike Route

Skyline to the Sea Trail

River/Creek
moderate
24.47 mi
+2,436 ft
State Park Trifecta

Hike Route

State Park Trifecta

Birding
moderate
26.56 mi
+5,303 ft
Skyline to the Sea Trail: Saratoga Gap to Big Basin Headquarters

Hike Route

Skyline to the Sea Trail: Saratoga Gap to Big Basin Headquarters

Views
extreme
14.83 mi
+1,668 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Merry-Go-Round to Sprig Trail Loop

Hike Route

Merry-Go-Round to Sprig Trail Loop

Birding
moderate
8.45 mi
+2,087 ft
Tour of Rancho Canada del Oro

Hike Route

Tour of Rancho Canada del Oro

River/Creek
moderate
7.94 mi
+1,650 ft
Mount Umunhum Summit and Back

Hike Route

Mount Umunhum Summit and Back

Birding
moderate
7.86 mi
+1,200 ft
Almaden Quicksilver County Park Historic Trail

Hike Route

Almaden Quicksilver County Park Historic Trail

Dogs Allowed
moderate
6.62 mi
+1,420 ft
Quicksilver History Loop

Hike Route

Quicksilver History Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
6.8 mi
+1,358 ft
Rancho San Vicente Loop

Hike Route

Rancho San Vicente Loop

Birding
moderate
8.24 mi
+1,035 ft