🎉🥾 HAPPY NEW YEAR, HIKING FRIENDS!! 🥾🎉
I’m kicking off 2026 the only way that feels right — on the trail 🌿
On Saturday, January 3rd, I’m heading out to Black Star Canyon for Wilderness Access Day, and honestly… I don’t want to do this New Year hike alone.
Would anyone like to join me?! 🥰
This is a special OC Parks access day and the canyon is ONLY open until 2:00 PM, so we’ll be meeting at 8:00 AM to get a solid, challenging hike in and start the year strong.
This will be an adventurous, moderate-to-hard hike — expect long mileage, elevation gain, rocky terrain, uneven footing, and possible stream crossings depending on conditions.
⚠️ PLEASE READ:
This is NOT a beginner hike and we will NOT be doing any easy trails.
We’ll be taking the more challenging route at a steady pace.
There will be no sweeper (unless someone volunteers), so please only come if you’re comfortable staying with the group.
You’ll get a little bit of everything out here — sunny open stretches, cooler canyon sections, rocky terrain, and that rugged Black Star vibe. It’s a great way to reset, move your body, and start the year with intention.
Also — Black Star is known for poison oak, so please stay alert and know what it looks like.
⏰ MEETUP DETAILS
(Subject to change depending on weather or access conditions)
START TIME: 8:00 AM — please be on time! (We will wait 10 mins for you - please rsvp so I know who to wait for)
We’ll start hiking shortly after meeting so we can be out by 2:00 PM.
If you’re running late or can’t find us, message me. (DM FOR MY NUMBER)
📍 PARKING & MEETING LOCATION:
Baker Canyon Staging Area – Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Meeting Spot: At the main staging area / trailhead gate
🚗 Parking is limited — carpooling strongly encouraged.
WHAT IS HIGHLY SUGGESTED TO BRING
💧 WATER, WATER, WATER!!!!!
🥨 Snacks / electrolytes
(Chapstick if you’re weird like me 😄)
Sun protection
Hiking shoes with good grip
Optional: Trekking poles
DISCLAIMER (a.k.a. the not-so-fun but necessary part)
I have not done this exact hike before, and I am definitely not a professional guide, ranger, medic, wilderness wizard, or secret trail expert. I’m just a hiker who likes good views, fresh air, and starting the year outdoors.
By choosing to join this hike, you’re agreeing that you are responsible for you — your pace, your footing, your choices, and yes… your water intake.
Hiking is awesome, but it also comes with built-in risks: uneven terrain, rocks, roots, poison oak, weather surprises, wildlife encounters, gravity doing gravity things, etc. Please come prepared, know your limits, and hike within them.
By participating, you agree to assume all risks and to hold harmless the hike organizer, and fellow hikers for any injuries, mishaps, or “well that escalated quickly” moments that may occur.
Let’s use common sense, look out for each other, and make sure our New Year hike ends with smiles and not emergency stories. 🥾😄
✨ New year. Fresh air. Strong start.
Hope to see some of you out there — let’s kick off 2026 on the trail 🌿🥾
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Tustin, Meetups in Tustin.
