How to Hike Black Star Canyon Falls

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00:00 Getting There
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02:57 Hike Directions
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Hiking to Black Star Canyon Falls in Orange County, California is a breathtaking experience that every adventure enthusiast should consider. The trail is surrounded by beautiful scenery and offers a challenging yet rewarding hike. With a distance of approximately 6.4 miles and an elevation gain of 700 feet, the trail is perfect for intermediate-level hikers. The hike takes about 3 hours to complete and is best experienced during the cooler months of the year. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, oak trees, and California condors.
Black Star Canyon Falls is a stunning natural wonder that adds to the allure of the hike. The waterfall drops from a height of approximately 65 feet, creating a picturesque scene that is perfect for photography enthusiasts. The waterfall flows year-round, but the best time to visit is during the rainy season when the waterfall is at its fullest. The falls are also a popular spot for swimming, but visitors should exercise caution as the water can be cold and the rocks slippery.
Visitors should come prepared for the hike, as the trail can be challenging at times. Proper hiking gear, including comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water, is essential. Visitors should also be aware that the trail can be narrow and rocky in some areas, so it is important to watch your step. The trail is also dog-friendly, so visitors can bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
Overall, hiking to Black Star Canyon Falls in Orange County, California is a must-see experience for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors. With its stunning scenery, challenging trail, and beautiful waterfall, the hike offers a unique and unforgettable adventure. By following proper hiking protocols and coming prepared, visitors can enjoy a safe and memorable hike to one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Southern California.

[@DeitritusFillamore]

I did this with some friends and two guys got stuck in the small cave at the falls. Good times!

[@rudya.pinedo656]

Immediately to the right of the waterfall is a steep hill with lots of climbing and rope to help get up it. But if you can climb it, it will lead you to the top of the waterfall and an alternative way to get back

[@arjunbhattacherjee]

Done this hike..however the waterfall was dry..boulder climbing at its finest…loved the experience..

[@vipnetworker]

Thank you for a phenomenal video! I went to Black Star Trail yesterday with my aunt who is 68 years old. I surprised her knowing she likes to hike, likes rivers, and likes waterfalls. I did ZERO research before going, which was a mistake. I assumed it was a walking trail that lead to a waterfall, lol... nope. I wish I had seen this video first. We got 3 miles (or so) in, to the part where the sign says waterfall right or turn left for the trail to continue up. The first 3 miles was very easy, just dirt roads, some mud because it rained the night before. When we go to that sign, it was a little tricky going down to where you have to cross the water for the first time. She made it down to the water okay, but she was a little worried to cross the water. There were 3 places to cross there. Two involved stepping on rocks with moving water around them. You could do it and not get wet, but it was slippery and you could fall, get wet, even twist an ankle pretty easy. The third option was very calm water, almost still, and very shallow. I thought it was maybe 2 inches deep and I could just walk across and only the bottoms of my shoes would get wet... I was wrong. My whole foot submerged under water, it went up to about my ankle, but was very easy to cross there. Zero chance of a fall or twisted ankle. Unfortunately, we did not prepare to get wet. We had no idea this was going to be the case. We also saw people coming and going and asked them what to expect. They all said basically the same thing. That was the point it was going to get more and more difficult and it would take another 45 minutes to reach the falls. I was fine to continue. I am 45 and in good shape. She is 68, but does Orange Theory Fitness twice a week and and Pilates twice a week, so she is in good shape for her age, but she was afraid and the last thing I wanted was for her to twist an ankle and be that far away... So, we turned back. She was still very happy we went. She loved the walk, all the beautiful views of rollling hills and the creek. We also saw a peacock along the way! One of the home owners has a peacock, it usually stays I. Their property off the trail, but occasionally gets interested in the people and comes over to the trail to say hi. It was VERY friendly and social. It was a pretty amazing surprise. My aunt loved it and so did the many kids we saw who were walking around the time we were. We might try it again later, but I will make sure she has hiking boots to protect her ankles and bring some dry socks and a towel for when we finish the wet parts, so she can be more comfortable. Half the people coming back told her she can easily do it, the other half told her it is scary and hard and she shouldn't try. Anyway, this is my first time seeing one of your videos and it is fantastic. I look forward to seeing more. What an outstanding resource.

[@JasonRaneses]

I went here recently for the first time with much anticipation. The amount of graffiti was bad, but moreover the etiquette of many people on the trail. If you are really interested in spots that the Instagram crowd doesn’t frequent, definitely get out into deeper parts of the CNF.

[@Alanace92]

I’m doing this hike next week, going to go from wrightwood to mount baldy first this upcoming Monday, can’t wait!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Surprised to hear that there were that many people at the waterfall on a Wednesday morning. However, keep in mind that a lot of people are on Spring Break right now, so that might account for the mid-week crowds somewhat. Looks like a really nice hike! Definitely on the must-do list!

[@Hikingguy]

This is a popular hike, I've been here tons of times and always people. If you leave at sunrise you can have it to yourself usually but people start piling in as the day goes on. It's a popular hike.

[@tquist61]

Fantastic video! I did this hike a few years ago in June - the waterfall was dry, but it was still worth it - such beautiful scenery. I would caution that there was an abundance of poison oak along the trail once you leave the dirt road, so be careful with that.

[@osbogosley]

This was my playground in the early 1970's. I rappelled down the falls at least 100 times.

[@calinaturelover5729]

Make I ask if you have had any knee surgeries? I worked my way up to this hike 12 mos after knee surgery. And reinjured knee after this hike. Had to have another knee surgery. Thinking my hiking days are over. :( maybe flat forest roads.

[@osbogosley]

@@calinaturelover5729 No, I still have the same knees. Maybe my cycling days were good for them.

[@VivianInTheOC]

Excellent video 👍👍

[@dragonlo6514]

Nice location, now on the list..thank you

[@ervinslens]

Fantastic video friend, shots are just great. Beautiful narration 👌

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!

[@jakecantrell7807]

this looks like such a nice hike

[@jeffalbillar7625]

There is absolutely no shade for a very long ways.

[@andrews7911]

It will be busy with Ortega closed this weekend. Go early beat the traffic. I do not mind the road walk, it acts as a good warm up and like you said there is still cool stuff to see. Dairy Queen falls fits, there was a big black cow last time i was there. Good fun but hard to get past the spray paint and trash, such a shame.

[@markvincent522]

These videos make me miss California terribly. I'm a Wyoming native, but I've lived in California off and on and spent many winters working in the Central Valley. There are reasons why so many people live in California, and stuff like this is one of them. The rest of the country seems ignorant to that fact. No hate here--California raised me, and I'm better for it.

[@Hikingguy]

Ha yea I always have a laugh when I hear people complain about CA. After living on the east coast for much of my life, I love it, it's paradise for the outdoors.

[@lilianm7151]

The hike is like a zoo on the weekend with tons of inexperienced folks, such a drag.

[@dutchvanderlindeplan]

Great vid! Should I worry about ticks while I’m here?

[@Hikingguy]

You should check for them afterwards - I've never had a problem here though.

[@alkanawellness]

I hike a few times a year and your website ALWAYS pops up and has been invaluable for me. Thank you for your service!😹🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@brianlarsen9952]

Ive hiked to the falls once. Now i follow the road up to the upper valley. I love Blackstar Canyon. Folks, stay out of the private property.

[@rolfathan]

I do not understand people who put dog poop in plastic bags, then leave it in nature. Just leave the poop without the plastic? Kick some dirt on the poop? Baffles me.

[@vipnetworker]

The majority of the population of the world is shockingly stupid. I don’t understand how 80% of them even function in life. This is why we still have wars. No intelligent species would have war.

[@RobertJuradoMaestro]

I know... Might as well leave it with no bag and degrade by itself

[@vipnetworker]

The absolute epitome of stupidity. I was there yesterday, counted at least 5 blue plastic bags of dog poop.

[@x0x0x-ux1uc]

hey! planning to do this trek coming Thursday but it's predicted to rain. For a bunch of novice hikers, would you recommend doing the route then?

[@Hikingguy]

It will be fine in the rain. Just go slow and be sure of your footing when going on the rocky sections.

[@Hikingguy]

Who's seen any paranormal activity here?

[@itanimulli1111]

You mentioned a Santiago Sam. Never been here but plan to. In Hemet on a road known as Bautista rd ,my friend and I took this less traveled dirt road to get back to Beaumont. I had to go pee so I went off another side road and walked out of view. As I walked I was constantly looking down making sure not to step on any snakes. And boom right in front of me lay 17 inch foot tracks of what looks to be what are known as Bigfoot tracks. These tracks had indentation of details in the dirt not like as if it was stamped by a wooden track maker of any sort. Not only that but these tracks were in the middle of nowhere in a secluded area. I went back the following day which was an almost two hour drive and did a cast on a footprint that I now have. I talked to a park ranger two weeks after that incident in Idyllwild. He was talking to my and and after his conversation I showed him pictures of my tracks. He was very impressed. I asked him if there’s anything to this and he told me this. There are two Bigfoot out in these here mountains. One that walks around the town dancing and waving and willing to take pictures……and the other one that roams these mountains….that one’s definitely real. I looked at him and was waiting for a laugh and a just kidding but this gentleman was 100% serious. After that went looking on a BFRO site and discovered a story a man wrote in and it was followed with the mention of a local paper that published a story of Bigfoot tracks on that same road some years ago. What are the odds.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

​@@itanimulli1111that's pretty trippy. There have been many reports of Sasquatch sightings in Southern California. "Mattsquatch presents" talks about idylwild a lot in his videos.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

​@@itanimulli1111hwy, would you be willing to post a photo of your prints in the community section of your channel? I really want to see it.

[@greencurl1814]

is there any area near the falls to get into

[@barbaradugan7461]

Hi, I want to ask you a question. I am 61 years old, an avid hiker, but have bad knees. I did Ice Box Canyon in Red Rock Conservation Area, Nevada a few days ago, and I could not make it to the falls. The rocks were too big. The water too deep. Would you say this is an easier waterfall hike than that one? I really want to see it. Thanks.

[@Hikingguy]

It's similar but probably a little easier. And the water will be way lower than Ice Box now. This year has much more snow and moisture and all the creeks are pretty intense.

[@calinaturelover5729]

I have had 3 meniscus tear knee surgeries Feb 2022 was last one. I slowly rehabbed knee. Did this hike Feb 2023. You scramble across stream several times and lots of uneven surfaces and large boulders to scramble over. I tore my meniscus again after this hike had surgery #4 two mos ago. If you have knee issues I do not recommend this hike. Many other hikes with waterfalls less wear and tear on your body.

[@vipnetworker]

How difficult is it to get to the waterfall? I want to bring my 68 year old aunt. She is in good shape, but I don’t want her to get hurt if there is difficult rock climbing, boulders, etc. For reference, she does Orange Theory Fitness twice a week (a pretty rigorous weights/cardio class) and Pilates twice a week, so… she isn’t a feeble grandma, but she is 68, she is about 4 foot 10, and anything scary or with heights will freak her out, lol. I want her to enjoy it, not be afraid.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for posting your report - glad you still had fun. And I would give it a try, it's not dangerous or anything. If you feel uncomfortable, just turn around. Still a nice area to spend time in.

[@tesla845]

I'll be more afraid of human than animals or spirits. I pray and admire nature that changes the environment perception.

[@wildfoxtrail]

No it's definitely not haunted, rescue helicopters do come regularly because of people doing dumb things or a simple ankle rolling etc combination of swift water rescues with helicopter aid. I've seen it all! Come hands free. Yes allow 4-5 hours. I have seen people show up at 8pm! I let them know I didn't recommend it.

[@Hikingguy]

Have you seen them bring a helicopter to the falls? I would think the trees are too dense to get a hoist down but they can do some amazing things

[@debsmostexcellentadventure5353]

I really enjoyed this with my hot chocolate ☕fan debs xx.......

[@larrykay6606]

I hate when people bag their dog crap but then leave the bag. I'd rather have them just leave their dog's crap on the side of the trail instead of adding the extra plastic bag trash!

[@Hikingguy]

Yea I never got that either. Would be easier to carry a trowel and just quickly bury it than bag it.

[@scottjorgenson8539]

What is it with near-urban hikes in Southern California? They're all tagged with graffiti and littered. Who would want to visit that? Its a shame, as outdoor SoCal would be so nice otherwise. As it is, it's much worse there than anywhere else I've seen... living here in the Bay Area, its nowhere near as bad despite us having 7 million people or so.