- Ride Details
- Distance: 16 miles
- Summit Elevation: 3028′
- Total Ascent: 2400′
- Time: 2-4 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Black Star Canyon is probably the most accessible and popular mountain biking and hiking trail in the Santa Ana Mountains. The rich history of the canyon starts with the Indians, Spanish Settlers, Miners and others that lived and worked in the area. You’ll see bits and pieces of things that they left behind on your ride (wikipedia).
Most people ride the canyon as an out-and-back to the KSOX Doppler Radar Tower (“the Ball”) that is visible from miles away. The ride is interesting enough ride to attract seasoned cyclists, but straightforward enough for an intrepid beginner.
The trail starts at the Black Star Canyon Trailhead (directions) at the gate at the end of the paved Black Star Canyon Road. It can be busy on weekends, but your can park pretty much anywhere along the paved part of the road. There are no bathrooms in the area and no water to make sure to bring plenty of your own.
The trail is dirt and wide enough that you’ll occasionally see official vehicles, but you won’t find off-road vehicles and motorcycles (as you might in other parts of the Santa Ana Mountains). The first two miles or so are a fairly easy climb until you reach the hairpin turn at the trailhead for the Black Star Canyon Falls. The trail to the seasonal falls is only for hikers.
In the spring, the first four miles of the trail can be filled with wildflowers. The more rain in the winter season, the more flowers you’ll see in the spring.
The next two miles are a steady grade and will gets your legs working. At about four miles up, you’ll find a sign for the Mariposa Reserve. This marks about half of the ride up. It’s a great place for a break and a few pictures of the view.
The 800-acre Mariposa Reserve is a habitat reservere representing the best grassland and sycamore savanna in the north end of the Cleveland National Forest. It includes chaparral, coastal sage scrub, valley needle grass, sycamore riparian woodland, coast live oak riparian forests, and rock cliffs and outcroppings.
At about seven and a half miles up, you’ll reach a gate. Walk your bike under or around the gate, ride about 100 yards and then make a hard right up towards the doppler ball. After the turn, you’ll see Beeks Place on your right, the ruin of a cabin built in the 1930’s by Joe Beek (wikipedia). Stop and explore if you have the time, but the best views are a little higher up.
The last bit of trail to the ball can reach a 20% grade so there is no shame in walking a bit of it but the view from the top is worth the effort. You can see virtually all of Orange County on most days. If it’s really clear, you’ll be treated to views of Catalina and the Long Beach Harbor.
The ride down is great fun. There’s only one short climb on the return so it’s all smiles. It’s wide and steep enough that you’ll pick up lots of speed. Pay attention to ruts and might appear suddenly and, as always, ride safely.