How to Hike Black Star Canyon Falls

The Black Star Canyon Falls hike is a local classic. You'll hike through mellow country roads and then cut down into the dramatic (and maybe haunted?) canyon along Black Star Creek. The scramble up along the creek is challenging but doable by almost anyone. This guide has everything you need to navigate the hike safely and get to the falls.

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Where Is The Black Star Canyon Trail?

Here's the trailhead address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676, USA.

There's no permit or fee to park here and no facilities such as a bathroom or water fill.

Gear Recommendations

• Seven miles is a relatively long hike, and this area can get very hot in the summer. Take at least 1L of water or 2L if it's hot out. Don't drink water from the stream unless you treat it with a water filter.
• I wear trail runners with an excellent grip to make my way up the streams and rock. You can usually hop over the stream without getting wet.
• Cellphone coverage is sketchy along the hike. If you have a satellite communicator, bring it along if you need help.
• Some folks use trekking poles to help with the stream crossings, but they can be a hassle when climbing some of the larger boulders. Be prepared to stow them for parts where using your hands makes more sense.

My Latest Gear Picks

As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My December 2023 Top Gear Picks

Can dogs hike to Black Star Canyon Falls?

I've seen plenty of people with dogs on this hike, but they'll have to get up and down steep rock sections. They should be comfortable jumping up and down, or you should be prepared to carry and lift them. Because of sharp rocks, many folks put booties on their dogs for the hike.

Black Star Canyon Falls Trail Maps

Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Hike Brief

• Is Black Star Canyon haunted?
  • The first horror story dates back to the 1830s when the native Tongva peoples who lived in the area were allegedly massacred for stealing horses. The man behind the massacre was William Wolfskill, who became one of the wealthiest men in America, credited with starting the citrus industry. You can see evidence of the Tongva on the nearby hike to Beeks Place.
  • In the 1890s, the nearby Hidden Ranch was the scene of the murder of James Gregg.
  • Since then, there have been stories about ghosts, forest creatures called the Black Star Waddlers and even the bigfoot legend of Santiago Sam.
• Black Star Canyon is named after the Black Star Mine, which opened in the 1870s to mine coal. According to a newspaper in 1877 "the coal was unanimously pronounced to be the best ever seen in California. It burned freely with no unpleasant odor and left no unburut substance. The ashes were as fine and soft as the ashes from a cigar."

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions

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From here, just turn around and go back the way you came.

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.

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