About Black Rock Falls
Black Rock Falls is a named waterfall in Santa Clara County, California, located about 4.7 miles northeast of Day Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Loma Prieta 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°04′56″ N, 121°48′03″ W (37.08222, -121.80083). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Swanson Canyon (valley, 0.5 mi), Nibbs Knob (summit, 0.7 mi), and Alec Canyon (valley, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Upper Falls, 0.2 miles to the southwest.
Weather at Black Rock Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Black Rock Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Black Rock Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Black Rock Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Swanson Canyon — valley, 0.5 mi
- Nibbs Knob — summit, 0.7 mi
- Alec Canyon — valley, 0.9 mi
- Alec Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Lands End — summit, 1.4 mi
- Croy Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.08222, -121.80083. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Black Rock Falls
- Castle Rock Falls, CA20 mi northwest
- Berry Creek Falls, CA26 mi west
- Silver Falls, CA27 mi west
- Golden Falls, CA27 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Black Rock Falls located?
Black Rock Falls is in Santa Clara County, California, about 4.7 miles northeast of Day Valley. Its coordinates are 37.08222, -121.80083 (37°04′56″ N, 121°48′03″ W).
What town is closest to Black Rock Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Day Valley, CA, about 4.7 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Black Rock Falls?
The closest is Upper Falls (0.2 mi southwest). Others within reach include Basin Falls (0.3 mi), Triple Falls (0.5 mi), and Uvas Falls (0.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Black Rock Falls?
Black Rock Falls appears on the USGS Loma Prieta 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.