Skip to main content
Donate

Orange County to Open Black Star Canyon to Public For First Time

By Zach Behrens
July 22, 2011
Support Provided By
At Black Star Canyon | Photo via Orange County Parks

Orange County's stock of open space grew significantly last summer when the Irvine Company gifted 20,000 acres of undeveloped land. Of that, about 2,000 acres make up Black Star Canyon.

Adjacent to Irvine Lake in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, the park is only open by guided tour except for Saturday when county officials will celebrate the gift's one-year anniversary by allowing self-guided access for the first time.

Three trails will be available between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

  • Red Rocks Trail: A flat 2 to 2.5-mile out-and-back hike on a double-track trail. This family-friendly walk includes a view point for looking at the red rocks.
  • Baker Canyon Loop: Slightly more challenging, this 3-mile hike traverses a single-track trail, which is off limits to bikers, and ranch roads, and offers an overlook viewpoint.
  • Black Star Canyon: A strenuous 15-mile trek to the Cleveland National Forest and back, partially along a paved road and a double-track trail.

Like the nearby Limestone Canyon, which features a "mini Grand Canyon," open access days are limited. More such days at Black Star have yet to be planned, but a spokesperson said there will be more in the future. A listing of all group events at Orange County's new open space parks can be found here.

To get to Black Star Canyon, take Santiago Canyon Road to Silverado Road (north). Turn onto Black Star Canyon Road after a quarter-mile. Here's a map of the area.

For the record: An earlier version of this post referred to the land as Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park. It is just Black Star Canyon.

Say hello: "Like" SoCal Wanderer on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to talk about latest in outdoors with other enthusiasts.

Support Provided By
Read More
In “Obet and Del’s: The Coffee Shop Changing the Game in Hollywood” host Rosey Alvero sits down to talk with coffee shop owner Heather Knox.

Sip, Snack and Stroll Your Way Through Thai Town and East Hollywood (But First, Coffee)

Explore Thai Town and East Hollywood with all of its delicious, boozy and vintage offerings. But before you start wandering, charge up with a coffee from Obet & Del's, a neighborhood coffee haven serving up café drinks inspired by Southeast Asian culture.
By Sandi Hemmerlein
In "The Tree Yoga Cooperative: Find Wellness in South LA" host Rosey Alvero takes a yoga class.

Find Flow, Practice Mindfulness and Engage in Self-Care at These South L.A. Hidden Gems

The Tree Yoga Collective is providing a self-care resource to its South Los Angeles community with a focus on equitable access to mindfulness, meditation, and flow. Here are some other South L.A. hidden gems for fostering inner peace, too — including a healthy dose of nature, plant-based cuisine and caffeine.
By Sandi Hemmerlein
In "Babes of Wellness: Working Out for Health and Community in Compton" host Rosey Alvero lifts weights in the gym's "Swole Babes" class.

Get 'Swole' at Babes of Wellness, Plus Other Ways to Nourish Your Mind and Body in Compton

SoCal Wanderer host Rosey Alvero takes you to Babes of Wellness, an inclusive gym for women in Compton — where you can discover other ways of finding strength and power by feeding your body and mind.
By Sandi Hemmerlein