How long is Black Star Canyon Falls trail?

The Black Star Canyon Falls Trail is an out-and-back hike of 7 miles total. About two-thirds of the hike is on a dirt road, and the other third is a scramble up Black Star Canyon.

How hard is it to hike the Black Star Canyon?

Black Star Canyon is a moderate hike that is doable for all levels of hiker. I've seen people of all shapes, sizes, and ages doing this hike.

Does Black Star Canyon have a waterfall?

Yes, a waterfall at the end of the hike includes an abandoned mine shaft in its face.

Do you need an adventure pass for Black Star Canyon?

No, parking for Black Star Canyon is free along Black Star Canyon Road.

How long is Black Star Canyon hike round trip?

Expect to take 4-5 hours on the Black Star Canyon hike. It's not a long distance, but your speed on the last mile to the falls will be much slower as it includes scrambles and a back-and-forth over the creek.

Why is it called Black Star Canyon?

Black Star Canyon is named after the Black Star Mine that dug for coal here starting in the 1870s. The coal was said to be some of the finest ever mined in the USA.

Are there mountain lions at Black Star Canyon?

You'll see a mountain lion warning sign at the start of the hike, but mountain lion sightings are extremely rare, and encounters are even rarer. If you see a mountain lion, don't run away but instead make noise, jump around, and scare it away.

Hikes In and Around Orange County

How to Hike Black Star Canyon Falls

7 miles - Moderate Effort
4-5 Hours (Total)
Can Get Very Busy
820 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 1,630 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

what does this mean?

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.

In this Guide:

How to Get to the Black Star Canyon Trail
Black Star Canyon Falls Trail Maps
Turn by Turn Hike Directions & Video
Black Star Canyon's Haunted History

Quick Links: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (May 2023)

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?

Black Star Canyon Falls Location — The Black Star Canyon Falls hike starts in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, about an hour from downtown LA in Orange County, CA.

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

Black Star Canyon Falls Parking Lot — Park alongside the road in the long parking areas. Parking gets full with hikers and mountain bikers.

Black Star Canyon Falls Parking — Park on either side of the road.

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

Gear Recommendations

Black Star Canyon Falls Sratched Leg — It's easy to scratch your legs when climbing the boulders and rocks. Long pants or leggings are better than shorts to protect your legs from rocks and plants.

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.

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Osprey Stratos and Sirrus 24 Daypack ( Amazon | Sirrus REI | Stratos REI )
Garmin Mini 2 Satellite Communicator ( Amazon | REI )
Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles ( REI | Amazon )
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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

Black Star Canyon Falls 3d Map — You can break the hike up into two sections. The purple line shows the first part of the hike, approximately 2.5 miles rolling on dirt country roads closed to traffic. Then you hop off the road (yellow line) and hike up Black Star Creek for a mile. The section along the creek is slow going and involves some steep sections and minor scrambles.

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Free Nav Tools: GaiaGPS - AllTrails

Guides to Help You Navigate

How To Use the AllTrails App (Beginners)

How To Read a Topographic Map

Hike Brief

Black Star Canyon Falls Mine Entrance — When you get to the falls, you'll see a tunnel, one of several explorations at Black Star Mines

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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Black Star Canyon Directions 1 — Hike through the gate at the end of the parking area.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 1 — You'll be walking down a dirt road for the first 2.5 or so.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 3 — Avoid the gate on the right that says "Black Star Canyon" and continue straight on the road.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 4 — At the bottom of the hill, bear right.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 5 — Follow the peaceful and mellow road.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 7 — There's private property alongside the road. Keep straight on the main road and avoid any side roads or driveways.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 6 — You'll leave Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park and enter Cleveland National Forest.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 8 — The road section has a few bridges to cross.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 9 — This is the important turn. At about 2.5 miles, look for the sign and trail into the trees to the right. The road continues left and uphill.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 10 — There's a nice big sign at the entrance to the smaller trail.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 11 — Once you turn off the road you'll go downhill. At the bottom, make the left to hike up along the creek.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 13 — Hike upstream. The going is slower here than on the road. You'll cross over the stream multiple times.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 14 — Look for paths a few feet away from the banks of stream for an easier path.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 12 — Shortly after 3 miles the trail goes sharply uphill through the boulders. You'll have to pick your way through. Just take your time.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 15 — Towards the end, when the boulders seem massive and impassable, look for a steep dirt trail on the left.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 17 — Sometimes there will be a rope to assist with the steeper parts.

Black Star Canyon Falls Hike Directions 16 — And after about 3.5 miles you'll reach Black Star Canyon Falls!

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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Beeks Place Hike From Black Star Canyon

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Whiting Ranch Hiking: Red Rock Canyon

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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