Black Star Canyon’s Past
I went on a mountain bike ride and hike in Black Star Canyon. I parked at the trailhead, and road on up the wide flat road, to see how far I would climb into the hills.
I stopped for a moment 3 miles in, at the official trailhead for Black Star Falls.
You might guess this sign is leading to the falls, but you would be wrong.
The falls is actually down the hill to the left, and if you plan on hiking to them, it takes about 6 hours roundtrip from the trailhead, as you will be climbing, hopping, jumping, and hopefully not thumping, most of the way.
I would continue up the steep fire road, Black Star Canyon Road, to my left.
Legends of Black Star
According to local legends, Black Star Canyon has had more than its fair share of tragedies. It is known in the paranormal community to have an energy vortex of sorts, possibly linked to the large amount of limestone in the canyon.
Mysterious Events
There have been a series of fated events which took place here. In addition, everything from strange beings, to sasquatches, ghosts, and ufo’s have reportedly been seen here.
Well this place is a little bit spooky, but also a scenic beautiful place to explore in the mountains.
I happened to pass a small hillside filled with poppies.
I would climb about 5 miles up the road, towards the Mariposa Reserve.
Black Star Canyon is home to the site of an Indian Village, that is located within the Mariposa Reserve.
I finally arrived at the Indian Village, which sits above Black Star Falls.
You reach it via a single track trail off to the right, through a grove of Oak trees.
10,000 Years
Tribes have resided here for about 10,000 years. It is a significant historic site, filled with morteros carved into the granite rocks, amongst the oaks. Their inhabitance here in this canyon eventually came to an end after missionaries arrived, and genocide ensued.
It is evidence of being an outdoor kitchen where acorns were ground into flour for acorn bread.
There are several species of oak here, some with acorns, and others with lichen covered branches.
It’s easily a place you could enjoy an afternoon, sitting on the rocks, listening to the sounds of nature. You can even hear water flowing to the falls in the distance.
The Mariposa Reserve, is located within a beautiful valley, complete with a flowing stream, flocked by oaks, and sycamores. As you hike along the may spot wildlife grazing in the meadow.
It’s early spring, and the social trail has not yet become overgrown.
There was a an area of leafy marsh plants.
The valley has a flowing stream, and was very lush during this time of year. After a short hike around the reserve, I headed back to the oak grove where I started, and headed back down the road.
A Checkered Past
All of this beauty, sits just above the Black Star Canyon Falls, which is where a fated massacre took place. It’s hard to believe such a beautiful and peaceful place has a past marked by tragedy.
The Shoshone
In 1831 a rancher named William Wolfskill, had an altercation with Shoshone natives involving his stolen horses. The thieves were purportedly caught red handed, feasting on the horses flesh deep in Black Star Canyon, somewhere near the falls. A shootout ensued, and this tragedy would forever scar Black Star Canyon.
More Tragedies
As time passed, there would be several more fatalities in the area of Black Star Canyon. There would be deaths due to shootouts over unpaid debts, tragic mudslides, rockslides, and car crashes. Supposedly a school bus may have crashed here, killing the driver, and all its passengers. Stories like this remain urban legends, in the absence of any concrete proof.
Myths and Legends
There are no shortage of stories, myths, and legends associated with Black Star Canyon. To this day, strange occurrences continue to happen. Visitors frequently hear noises, and voices. Some think this place is haunted, and believe it to be a magnet for tragedies.
You can read more about the legends of Black Star here.
Search and Rescue
Search and rescue teams can frequently be seen here, conducting air rescues, around Black Star Canyon falls, as hikers get in over their head, potentially stumbling on the slippery boulders. Mountain Bikers can sometimes need assistance, wiping out while heading downhill on the steep and twisting mountain road.
Adventure Seekers
Black Star Canyon remains a magnet for adventure seekers, in spite of all that has happened here.
Black Star Canyon Road
The wide, flat, sometimes rutted road leading to Black Star Canyon Falls, draws a crowd, especially on weekends.
Beeks Place
Some take the road further on to the Mariposa Reserve, or the ridge line where a mysterious old homestead sits called Beeks Place.
A Popular Place to Visit
Whether it’s waterfalls, wildflowers, history, or mystery, Black Star Canyon continues to be a magnet to visitors.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2021 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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