Black Star Canyon is found in the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County, California. The area features a popular hike to a seasonal waterfall, but it may be most famous for spectral rumors and stories that have endured throughout history. From the early-1800s massacre of Indigenous Tongva people to rumors of contemporary cult activity, there’s much more to Black Star Canyon than it seems.
Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating hiking area, which you can reach in about an hour from Downtown L.A.
Ghosts of Black Star Canyon
The Black Star Canyon area has a haunting reputation based on a blend of real tragic events and paranormal folklore.
Most ghostly rumors trace back to a violent confrontation between the Indigenous Tongva people and white fur trappers in 1831. The story goes that William Wolfskill led a group of men to massacre the native people, whom they accused of horse theft, and some believe that the spirits of the murdered Tongva people still wander the canyon. Hikers and ghost hunters have heard disembodied chanting and war cries, according to Connect Paranormal.
Some visitors also report seeing the ghost of James Gregg, who was shot and killed by Thomas and Henry Hungerford at Hidden Ranch in 1899 over an unsettled monetary dispute. Other stories mention the Mexican legend of “La Llorona,” a weeping woman from Latin American folklore said to haunt bodies of water in search of her children. Then there’s the rumor of cult activity in the 1980s, stemming from so-called ritual bonfires and occult activities.
Reported phenomena include sudden temperature drops, disembodied voices, phantom apparitions, and rocks thrown from the darkness. While skeptics point to natural noises and sensations from the canyon’s unique acoustics, ghost hunters and visitors maintain that it’s caused by paranormal activity.
If you’re interested in learning more about the legends, history, and paranormal activity of Black Star Canyon, Haunted OC hosts spooky ghost tours hosted by naturalist Joel Robinson.
Visiting Black Star Canyon
Whether you’re a ghost hunter or a skeptic, Black Star Canyon offers a wonderful blend of natural scenery, including dramatic red rock faces, geologic formations, and an elusive 65-foot waterfall. Many visitors take the trail at 13333 Black Star Canyon Road, which leads to a 7-mile round-trip hike along a fire road and rocky creek bed.
The Black Star Canyon Falls are at their peak flow during and after the rainy season, which is from late winter to early spring. The hike can also be a bit of a challenge due to muddy and slippery conditions during this time, so plan accordingly.
You can learn more about Black Star Canyon from the following agencies.
- OC Parks manages the Irvine Ranch Open Space, which includes the lower part of the canyon.
- The US Forest Service manages the Cleveland National Forest, which includes the upper part of the canyon and Black Star Canyon Falls