Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Black Star Canyon Trail

    4.4 (393 reviews)

    Black Star Canyon Trail Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Black Star Canyon Trail

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Becky C.

    Came here on a Saturday in November an the weather was perfect. I think this hike is actually pretty hard after the flat 3 miles of dirt road. I think it might be a mile maybe more of walking through rocks, trees, and crossing the small stream which was super fun! Our small dachshund was able to clear most of the obstacles and only needed help on some very tall rocks. I would recommend wearing the right shoes because I wore like regular running shoes shoes and it was kinda slippery at the end.

    The road to the waterfall
    Bazil D.

    Good trail, better to go after rain, the road runs along the river, rocky, slippery, you can get dirty, better to wear pants, takes 4 hours there and back. Beautiful views, difficulty 3 out of 5. Calculate your time so that you can return before dark.

    One thousand percent suggest if you're hiking in a group of 4-5 people at 2am in the morning. Bring mace and some sort of self defense equipment for safety. Came here on 4/8/26 and we ran into two mountain lions about 3 hours into the trail where it leads more into the small river aspect of it. Overall it's a well known and chill experience, some reworking of the trails need to be redone to make it easier to maneuver as it'll require you to cross through water.

    The falls, duh.
    Cory G.

    This is a great hike, the people you encounter are always very friendly. I've never encountered any snakes, or mountain lions, I feel like the people leaving those reviews are locals that are trying to discourage people from using the trail. This is a very challenging trail though. It's tough for adults and challenging for children. It's a 4.5 hour hike and almost 7miles round trip. There's no bathrooms or facilities and if you get hurt, you'll have to be airlifted out and insurance doesn't cover the ($5000) cost. Wear good waterproof hiking boots in the wet season, you'll need them, and prepare to be sore after the hike it's a good one! Besides that happy hiking!

    Channary V.

    Went to this challenge find trail yesterday, and it was so so much fun! We crossed the streams, climbed the rocks, and dived in the waterfall. Though it was a challenging trail, we had a so much fun getting our shoes wet. This is an advanced level trail, considering the rock climbing's, bushy path and the length of it to reach the waterfall (3hr one way). I'm surprised to see some parents bringing their 3-5 years old children to this trail AND reached the waterfall, even me as an adult coming back feeling 'beaten up' lol I guess kids enjoy the water stream and climbing rocks as much as adults. The water fall is alright, but I heard it was a lot of water right after the rain last week, I should've hiked earlier. TIP, be prepared to bring extra water, snacks are essential, proper hiking boots (water resistant) are recommended if you don't wanna get your feet wet, and have a good night sleep the night before. It's not a beginner level trail, but worth the efforts if you prepare well! We will sure be back the next time after rain!

    Martin L.

    Second time on this trail, first was during college over a decade ago and forgot how difficult it got towards the waterfall but very doable if you take your time. The first 2.5 miles was very boring as it just a fire road that takes you to the start of the canyon trail. Once you start crossing the stream and climbing over boulders of all sizes is where the adventure begins. I did the hike in hokas but at some section where it was steep and loose I'd wish i had hiking shoes with deeper treads and grip b/c I was slipping and sliding. Def recommend bringing at least 2L of water on a hot day or filtration system. It was roughly 7 miles round trip for our trip and around 4-5 hours with short breaks.

    Alani M.

    Parked near the entrance on dirt. 3 hour walk for almost 6 miles round trip. We did not make it to the waterfall. Starts with a sand walkway that felt about half a mile. Then small incline around and through the hills. Good amount of shady areas. Then we made it to the fork. We decided to go right to the waterfall. We only went in 0.3 miles. But it was fun going through the rocks by the river. We brought our dog. We turned around when we found out it might be another hour plus going to the small waterfall. But overall we enjoyed the hike. We got to see the peacock. Lovely during fall.

    Beware, snakes! 4/28/2024
    Lily T.

    Read recent reviews to see if there is actually water at the waterfall. If the season is dry, no waterfall or just a trickle of water. Beware of snakes! See photos dated 4/28/2024. Free dirt parking just at the head of the trail. Trial starts off on a wide dirt path with no shade (2miles). Then, the fun begins... As soon as you get to the start of the trail (road splits but there is clear metal sign at the start of Black Star Canyon to the right), there will be lots of tree shade. Youll criss cross back & forth along the creek and you WILL be bouldering. If you don't have waterproof shoes, be prepared to get wet. Bring enough water for a 4 hour hike (round trip). Fun hike & not for the weak.

    Grace C.

    Finally got to check this hike off my bucket list. 7.5 miles, 4.5 hours with a leisure lunch break at the falls. Plenty of parking and lots of people at the waterfall. Lots of green foliage, stream crossings, and boulder climbing. Pro Tip: -There is no restroom at the parking lot nor on trail. Only a few places to go off trail (and please not near the stream) if you need to go. - Don't bring your trekking poles unless you can pack them away. There are steeper sections w ropes, but you might not need to use them. -Wear shoes w good traction. -Watch out for poison oak along the trail! For more socal adventures: @grace.loves.adventures

    Entrance and views
    Vladimir C.

    Nice hike. Heavy on the mountain bike scene some cross country runners, dog walkers and families. Challenge to get to the top but an easy steady nature walk with some elevation change.

    Juanwen C.

    It's a great adventure hiking trail. Make sure you have the right gears especially the raining season: 1. long pants- prevent the startch from the plants 2.gloves because you will have to touch the muddy rocks at some points 3. Slip Resistance Hiking shoes:water prove shoes 4. Spare socks, shoes. Your socks and shoes will get wet at some points, but since you still have to walk 2 miles back after the fall his, so it's better have changing clothes sigh you 5. Come early make sure you can back to the fall trail sign before sunset. It can be very dangerous to hike up and down in the rocky 6. If your body especially your angles are not good, please stay away from the fall trail. It can be dangerous. The first 2 miles is walking on the flat ground then you will see black start canyon falls sign, then you will start your adventure for 2 miles: climbing on the rocks, stepping in the water. It be challenging and dangerous if you didn't

    One of the feral peacocks on the trail
    Jessica S.

    Following the directions to the address found on any website will only get you part of the way there. If your map tells you "you have arrived" after you've just turned down the last street, don't believe it. Follow the road about a 1/4 of a mile more until you reach the end of the line. You'll see a ton of cars and a "Road Ends" sign; that's the start of the trek. Also, if you're looking for a "traditional" hike - where you ascend a small mountain or very large hill for an opportunity to sit at a summit with glorious views all around, you should probably look for an alternate spot. This isn't a hike so much as a long, dusty walk that eventually leads to a dry and rocky riverbed, which is overrun with poison oak, trash and graffiti (not necessarily in that order). There is very little shade on your first approach - it's literally a long, flat stretch of dirt road that eventually winds its way to the path that leads to Black Star Falls. I'm sure the "falls" are pretty in the rainy season, but in the middle of June those "falls" are more of a "trickle". And really, the sheer amount of graffiti on just about every rock face from the second you climb down into the rock bed is astounding. I mean, it takes effort, I guess - clambering up and over rocks with the intent to deface, but it's really not cool, in my opinion. You do get a bit of a reprieve from the heat, down in the river bed. It's not exactly cool down there, but you've got shaded spots and it's not as blazing as the rest of the trail. Be careful of the shifting rocks and the stagnant water (there's a small pool on the right of the path about halfway in that was just teeming with all kinds of little nasties). And be especially aware of the poison oak before heading in. There are some paths that are overgrown with the stuff. The climb to get to the falls isn't difficult, but it requires a bit of patience and some planning. Check the rocks, make sure they're not slippery, test your footing before you commit to try to hoist yourself up. We spent maybe a minute gazing at the trickle, then thought about climbing up to the caves that are said to be behind the waterfall, before realizing we're too old for that nonsense. The trek out was less challenging than the one in, but I definitely felt it in my knees. My old, tired knees. One more thing - this seems to be a popular biking spot, and most of the bikers that were out that day did not have any kind of noise-maker to let us know they were behind us, and coming up fast. Also, there's a pretty peacock that's way too comfortable with humans that will make noise and follow you down the path (or maybe that was just us). He was pretty, but we had nothing to offer him, and he grew weary of our inability to feed him after a while.

    Lindsay D.

    Parking area is right at the start of the trailhead. You see a sign that says black star canyon trail. First two miles of the trail are on a large fire road. Then you hit another sign that says black star canyon with an arrow point down what looks like stairs in dirt going toward the stream. Now this is where the fun and difficulty level get crazy. Make sure you wear shoes with good tread, long sleeve shirt and long pants. Many parts of the trail are overgrown and there is a ton of poison Ivy and poison oak on the path. Had a little trouble finding the trail at times. Lots of rock climbing then you hit a few areas where you have rope to help you get up steep areas. Lots of small little waterfalls leading to the grand finale.

    Waterfall

    See all

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T P.
    34
    1096
    1387

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Loved this one a moderate hike with the waterfall, easy to make friends at and people hanging out around the water

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lily T.
    384
    579
    4972

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 24
    Thanks 7
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tori N.
    5
    61
    72

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 4
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ne T.
    0
    147
    740

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Katie T.
    373
    68
    7

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 3
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam L.
    491
    586
    1312

    7 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Best place to take your well trained dogs for a hike! very beautiful wildlife and nature

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 23
    Thanks 1
    Love this 19
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Luyi Z.
    862
    54
    249

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - Black Star Canyon Trail

    Are there restrooms along the way?

    Never encountered one.

    Has anyone see mountain lion? Is it safe to hike alone in weekday? Thanks

    I have been there multiple times and have seen a mountain lion twice. It was very early in the morning like 5/6am. Going alone should be fine but maybe later in the morning when it gets busier.

    Is it still dry right now because it rained last tuesday?

    Hello as of today the waterfall is dry.

    Is the waterfall flowing still or is it dried up?

    Hi there! As of today the waterfall is dry.

    Will you see mountain lions or any other wildlife that may attack?

    I'm sure there are mountain lions out there although I didn't see any when I went.

    Where is the park and is there free parking?

    Is the waterfall flowing now?

    Hello there are a few small areas of water but the waterfall is dry as of today.

    Does anyone know if this trail is a decent spot to watch meteor showers? We have always gone to top of the world in NP, but the cops have ruined the experience lately. Pointing their vehicle search lights up pressure people to go home.

    Black Star will most likely be the best spot to see the meteor shower. As far as light pollution goes Black Star is the darkest area nearby unless you go down to Camp Pendleton or up to San Bernardino. FYI the height of tonight's meteor shower is… Read more

    Are there bathrooms available?

    Hi there! No there isn't :(

    Is this trail capable for kids around 6 years old?

    The first few miles are all flat and appropriate for kids. I think anything further than that would be challenging. There is a little rock climbing and we had to cross a small creek a couple times.

    Someone hike at night here, how is it?

    I have done the night hike 8 times. Most nights were peaceful, quiet without incident. Once in a while we find kids out there causing trouble like lighting fireworks, scribbling KKK symbols, lighting tires on fire, jumping out at people on the trail… Read more

    How many miles round trip to the waterfall?

    It was about 8 miles.

    Does anyone know if the trail is closed due to virus?

    It's open. I was there a week ago.. :) Have fun and be safe. There's lots of bees and poison oak.

    Anyone know if the parking is open?

    It is as of Aug 2 2020

    Is BSC trail close due to COVID?

    Yes, all trails are closed. But definitely give it a try when it opens back up! Very good but challenging hike.

    Anyone go recently? Is there any water or is it dried up?

    There is some water. I wouldn't necessarily say for swimming purposes but there is water. The smaller waterfall does have water trickling down as well.

    I drive an old car, is the drive to the parking area requires a climb? I'm afraid my car might hesitate.

    The drive up to hiking area is the mildest of inclines. However-you will be wise to note that the road is unpaved. That can slow you down and adds a bit of stress to any automobile not designed for off-road. It's totally doable-but if your car has… Read more

    Is the trail to the waterfall well marked? I'm afraid to get lost going by myself instead of with a group

    You get to a point where you have to go off the dirt road and into the stream. From there, just follow along the stream.

    Es seguro este lugar.?

    Totalmente-- pero solo he ido durante el día . En la noche no se.

    Is there phone signal up there?

    On and off along the trail.

    View All 41 Questions

    Review Highlights - Black Star Canyon Trail

    Make sure you bring lots of water and snacks because you're going to be walking for many hours.

    Mentioned in 20 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 8,271 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Santiago Oaks Regional Park - Tarantula on deer

    Santiago Oaks Regional Park

    4.6(349 reviews)
    6.9 mi

    The trails and views are AMAZING! We peddle from home into Irvine Park, then into the " OAKS"…read more A must 2-3 times a week See you out there!!

    I was invited to this place by IG reels that showcased the circular stepping stones that perhaps…read moredefine this place, at least to people who have not been there. As I waited for my turn across the stepping stones, I realized that they had the capacity to only hold one person/group across. Meaning that I could not go north and others south, as an awkward dance of who goes first would occur. As I stepped on the stones, I was careful, I did not feel like I would take a false step and splash into the water that held tadpoles. Still I wanted to be young and skip and cartwheel- with carefree innocence- across these, like I imagined Finn and Sawyer would do. Why? I just feel they both embody youthful movement and limber legs. On my way back, after I experienced the park for about 80 minutes, it was my turn to wait while a woman and her dog named (Pepper- a joke I think because it had white fur) crossed. I saw the woman wrestle a bit with her dog, they were having a tug of war via leash, not a rope. Eventually, she let Pepper of her leash. The dog played in the water, splashing like Sawyer would do. When Pepper crossed the path via water and not circular steps, she did that thing that dogs do when they are damp. The dog's drying ritual splashed me with water. But seeing Pepper and her owner negotiate some pond time was worth the annoyance. As I walked, I regretted my choice to have not come earlier. The Spring sun made every step less joyful. And this place does not have much paths arched with trees that give treasured shade. In fact, in terms of natural beauty this place does not offer much. Meaning that its areas were not lush, there were no patches of green to lie in, it was a rough and brown park. I decided to make a point to find color on the walk to remind myself that even in the brow-ness of a day color exists. As my pictures show the pops of color were minimal. For instance, there were those famous mustard yellow flowers that are ready to bloom. I also clipped a picture of a sole violet flower amidst basic green and common brown. It looked like a sea urchin, the flower head. Seeing it in the moment reminded me that spirit exists because lavender it is the color of spirit according to some. And without spirit, nature is hollow because spirit makes a day in nature peaceful and reinvigorating. I also clipped a small patch (about 8 ) orange flowers, flimsy, but present in rebellion- a spark amidst the drab colors that can be comfortable described as muted. As I walked I also saw bugs that I thought were crickets. They looked like crickets but then the crickets flew. And I thought, is this how crickets jump? But then I decided they were not crickets because these animals were flyings, they had wings. Then I thought what insect is this? And then I remembered the Flash- the show from the CW. One of his major enemies, I think in Season 5 was Cicada and I thought this insect must be that. The sound that the villain made in the show was the sound that these insects were making. I took a video of it, maybe another can identify it. The park is big, like big big. I think I would need several visists to get the whole scape. I took an easy route and it was easy, the signs did not lie. I tried a difficult one the mountain goat one and it was a sweat but I did it, at least some of it. The heat was really tuckering me out. I then took another path with steps, and I crossed a bridge and I wanted to continue, but, like I said to exhaustion, the sun, the heat, made me want to run back to my car, not literally of course. This park is great, and I did not explore. It is more for trails and sweat not really for Spring joy.

    Photos
    Santiago Oaks Regional Park - In the visitor center!

    In the visitor center!

    Santiago Oaks Regional Park - Beautiful trails throughout!

    Beautiful trails throughout!

    Santiago Oaks Regional Park - Walking across the creek.

    See all

    Walking across the creek.

    Peters Canyon Hike - 1st timer here w Powee Dowee. Started @ 11:15 finished at 12:37 p.m. 9,031 steps 2.04.26

    Peters Canyon Hike

    4.4(386 reviews)
    5.2 mi

    Great place for a hike. There is hardly any shade though so best to go early in the am, or early…read moreevening, or cloudy day. You will get a great workout. You can park at the start of the park where gps takes you or I start on the back side. You can go for 4mile along the top route &/or the hike around the lake. You choose. When there's rain, it's beautiful to see the surroundings. Otherwise, it's a little dry. I've seen it all. Been hiking this for year. SYOY!

    Review 30/365 day challenge 2.04.26…read more Finally made it here to PC for a late morning hike w my hiking Gfren Pow. She's a regular here and been coming. Have told mee several times she loves this hike and it's a good hike where it's a bit more busier than other hiking trails that you feel safe to go to. Started the hike a little late morning around 11:15 a.m. and finished right before 12:40 p.m. A little over 4 miles. We went to a much easier hike trail. Where it was much shading area until you enter the hiking trail and then it was full of sun. Luckily it was a bit breezy so wasn't too fully hot. There's different areas to park, some where it's free of charge and they have the main parking where supposedly have av actual public restroom for $ 3. We parked near some residential area. Right before entering the entrance where the trail started, there was about 5 porter potties available. As all hikes there are warning signs of Rattlesnakes, poison ivy, mountain lions etc. Located in Tustin borderline of Orange. Not too far from Irvine Regional park off Jamboree. Will definitely return to hike here and check out the different trails.

    Photos
    Peters Canyon Hike - Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26

    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26

    Peters Canyon Hike - Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26

    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26

    Peters Canyon Hike - Family memories

    See all

    Family memories

    Hillcrest Park - Sunset view overlooking Hillcrest Park stairs and city lights

    Hillcrest Park

    4.4(163 reviews)
    16.1 mi

    Hillcrest Park in Fullerton--specifically the stairs--is no joke, but that's exactly why we love…read moreit. We went early in the morning around 7:00 AM, and it was already packed. Parking was very limited at that time, so plan ahead if you're going early. Clearly, a lot of people know this is the spot for a serious workout. The stairs themselves are brutal in the best way possible. After about three rounds, my legs were completely done--but it's such an effective workout. This place really gets your cardio in fast, and you feel accomplished every time you finish a round. The views along the way make it even more worth it. We also came back later in the day around 5:30 PM. It starts to get a bit dark around that time, so that's something to keep in mind, but it's still a great experience and totally worth it. Overall, if you're looking for a challenging, fun, and effective outdoor workout, Hillcrest Park stairs deliver every time. Just be ready for sore legs and limited parking during peak hours.

    I recently discovered the "Hillcrest Stairs" just in time to start the New Year 2026! The stairs…read moreare not easy for people who, like me, are not used to climbing them. There are 400+ steps to climb up and down. The steps are made of timber but could be wet and slippery from early morning dew, so I feel that a late morning trek is better when the stairs are dry. On my second visit, I went around 6 PM. Although the stairs are well lit, I just did not feel safe. I found myself alone at one point and looking behind me, checking if someone is coming out of the dark bushes. Maybe it's just me... But overall, if you would like to hit your 10K steps and/or your target heart rate, this is a fun way to go!

    Photos
    Hillcrest Park - My daughter (center) and a few of her friends are ready for the prom

    My daughter (center) and a few of her friends are ready for the prom

    Hillcrest Park - First maternity photo shoot

    First maternity photo shoot

    Hillcrest Park - Great location for pictures!!

    See all

    Great location for pictures!!

    Black Star Canyon Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...