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    Black Star Canyon Trail

    4.4 (394 reviews)

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    You'll be crossing this stream back and forth a lot if there's running water, some months in the year I heard it's dry
    Linda C.

    This hike is tough but rewarding, with a mix of scrambling and even some rope climbs near the top. Gloves make a big difference, personally I wouldn't do it without them, mostly because I don't like dirty hands (especially if you plan on snacking). We wore gloves and brought wet wipes, which made everything easy to manage. Expect multiple stream crossings unless it's all dried up. Waterproof boots are a smart choice unless you don't mind wet feet. Bring a pair of extra socks to change too in case your feet get soaked. Poison ivy is everywhere, so wear long sleeves and pants if you're not confident about dodging it. Long pants will also offer protection when you're climbing rocks. The trail is also muddy in places, and my white socks got permanently stained even after multiple washes (even with bleach) so wear clothes you don't mind beating up. There's no cell service (at least with AT&T), so plan accordingly. I carried a small backpack with water, snacks, and room to pack out my trash. A PB&J halfway through really hit the spot. It took us about 5 hours with plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery, which is absolutely beautiful. Definitely not a stroll in the park but worth it once you get to the waterfall. Dont make immediate plans after this. You'd probably want to shower first.

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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.

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    9 months ago

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

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

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    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.

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    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

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    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.

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    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

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    Peters Canyon Hike - Family memories

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

    Hillcrest Park

    4.4(165 reviews)
    16.1 mi

    My family and I met several of my daughter's high school classmates at this park to take photos…read morebefore they departed for their prom. The big deal here is to take photos adjacent to the large water fountain. This is an extremely popular photo location, as over 100 students here in formal wear from various high schools. The park itself was very clean and well-maintained, with numerous areas for visitors to take photos. Parking is available in one of the numerous parking lots surrounding the park.

    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.

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

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    Hillcrest Park - Great location for pictures!!

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    Great location for pictures!!

    Carbon Canyon Regional Park - Squirrelly came to visit :)

    Carbon Canyon Regional Park

    4.4(357 reviews)
    14.2 mi

    I looked for walking spots in the Brea area and this park popped up. There was a bit of a line to…read moreget in on Memorial Day and the cost for parking on a holiday was $7. The display also showed $5 for weekends and $3 midweek. We wanted to do the Redwood trail and were directed to parking lot A. The park is big and beautifully landscaped with a pond and various picnic areas that can be rented in advance. There is enough space to set up all kinds of games. We brought a picnic lunch and sat on a bench that was perfectly situated alone amongst the desert plants. After lunch, we followed the signs for the Redwood Grove Trail which was labeled as easy and is a 1.5 miles dirt trail to the Redwood trees. When you arrive you'll see a small Redwood forest with the history of the trees displayed before you enter. A really beautiful and peaceful spot to relax for a bit. On our way back we decided to take the Creek Trail to see where it would lead us. I was hoping to see water at the end of this trail. But, we only saw a bunch of rocks at one point that may be filled with water if it rains. The end of this trail did lead us to a beautiful butterfly garden and the opposite end of the park. We made the walk back and stopped at the pond. There appeared to be other trails surrounding the park and a trail that leads to the Carbon Canyon Dam.

    Review 36/365 Day Challenge…read more This is a pretty big regional park with a big Lake. Seen guest fishing at the lake. Have a few playgrounds along w some gazebo available with picnic tables under the gazebo. It's a pretty nice clean park. With lots of trees, shadings and a great walking cemented sidewalk. You can walk from Carbon Canyon Park to go see the beautiful Redwoods. Lots of tennis courts available at this park. There is a parking fee since it's a regional park.

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    Carbon Canyon Regional Park - Redwoods!!

    Redwoods!!

    Carbon Canyon Regional Park - Family Photos 2023

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    Carbon Canyon Regional Park - Fun in the sun :) my baby girl she makes me so proud

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    Fun in the sun :) my baby girl she makes me so proud

    Black Star Canyon Trail - hiking - Updated June 2026

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