Black Star Canyon has a bad reputation due to Satanic cult gatherings and murders that took place there. Some people call it the creepiest and most haunted place in California. Black Star Canyon is located in eastern Orange County. It serves as a watershed of the Santa Ana River. The best time to visit the canyon is during the cooler winter period and spring when waterfalls are the most impressive.
The Native American tribe—Tongva-Gabrieliño—used to stay in the canyon during the summer to escape the heat. In 1831 the tribe fought with American and Mexican settlers, and many of its members were killed, which caused some stories about ghosts. According to a story by early settler J.E. "Judge" Pleasants, an armed conflict between a group of Tongva Indians and American fur trappers, led by William Wolfskill, turned into bloodshed, and just a few Native Americans managed to escape the massacre.
According to some accounts, the spirits of Mexican settlers still wonder in the canyon. Another local ghost is “La Llorona”—a woman who murdered her children and killed herself.
In the '80s, the canyon was frequented by a Satanic cult that burned bonfires and performed rituals.
Practical info
What is the history behind the Black Star Canyon?
With a history dating back to the 1800s, Black Star Canyon has been a site of conflict and bloodshed. Tongva-Gabrieliño tribes and American settlers fought here. Later on, there were numerous reports of cult activities, murders, and paranormal encounters. Today, it is renowned as one of California's most haunted locations, with a dark past adding to the intrigue that surrounds it. Show more
What are the best months to visit the canyon?
When aiming to visit Black Star Canyon, the best time would likely be between November and May. During these months, the waterfall is flowing, and the temperature for hiking is more pleasant. Should you visit during the summer season, it can be dry and hot, with fewer opportunities to appreciate the region's natural beauty or the flowing waters. Show more
How did Black Star Canyon get its bad reputation?
Many believe Black Star Canyon earned its bad reputation due to the Tongva-Gabrieliño tribe's massacre, the paranormal events that allegedly continue to occur, and the activities of a Satanic cult. Not only do stories of apparitions and lingering spirits abound, but the legend of 'La Llorona' – a woman who murdered her children before taking her own life- adds to the mystique of the sinister canyon. Show more
Who were the Tongva-Gabrieliño tribe and what was their role at Black Star Canyon?
In Black Star Canyon, the Tongva-Gabrieliño tribe sought relief from summer heat, though their history dates back to an 1831 battle with Mexican and American settlers. The clash resulted in several deaths and provided the fertile ground for supernatural legends that continue to circulate. Nowadays, it is said that the tribe's ghosts still roam the canyon, and some visitors report eerie encounters with apparitions. Show more
What are some of the ghost stories associated with the Black Star Canyon?
The ghostly tales of Black Star Canyon range from sightings of apparitions of the Tongva-Gabrieliño tribe to witness accounts of artifacts left behind from Satanic cult activity. Mexican settlers also figure in some of the lore, as does the infamous ghost of La Llorona – a woman believed to haunt the canyon after killing her children and herself. Visitors to the area have reported finding candles, drawings, and other ghostly artifacts. Show more
