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The Topa Flyers Web Site Guide was compiled in the 1990s
Some of the info may be out-dated, but it still contains good info including the
site maps
Copied from: http://topaflyers.com/site_guide/siteguide.html
Launch
There are two launches on different sections of the ridge. The first, Lower Bates, is a SSW facing cliff launch in a slot between bushes about 50 above a strip of beach. The wind is frequently somewhat cross and turbulent at this launch. The other launch, Upper Bates, is a gentler (about 1:1) south facing grassy slope about 300 feet above the beach a few hundred yards west of the lower launch. While this launch tolerates a broader range of wind conditions, it is set back 100 - 200 feet from the beach with power lines and railroad tracks immediately below on the way out to the beach. Both launches have plenty of set up area adjacent to parking.
Landing
The nominal LZ for Bates is the beach below launch. The beach is essentially unrestricted, but has the usual problem of wandering spectators to be avoided. In addition, the beach can become quite narrow during high tide conditions. Make sure to check out the width of the beach before committing to a landing at this beach.
Vehicles
Any. Paved road to lower launch. The paved road to the upper launch ends a few hundred feet before the set up area and crosses a high berm onto a large dirt parking lot. Vehicles with low ground clearance may need to be parked and pilots hike the last bit in.
Regulation
The site is not officially regulated, but this may be changing. During 1993, the extensive use of the site for paragliding training led to some conflicts with local police. Hang Gliding is OK for the moment, but landing on the beach may lead to a citation. Check with the Topa Flyers for current info. In any case Intermediate level skills (and windy cliff launching techniques) are required to fly this site.
Conditions
This site is soarable in westerly pre/post-frontal conditions - often the same as are good in Santa Barbara. Frequently Bates will appear too calm on arrival but will suddenly improve. Because of the local topography the wind conditions may change abruptly in the region of Bates, so look for wind lines on the ocean moving in toward shore indicating such a boundary is about to pass. It is frequently possible to transition from the Bates ridge to the main Rincon Ridge in back and head XC east southest toward Ventura. The first 1.5 miles of this flight are DEVOID OF LZs (i.e the side of a cliff, the freeway or the surf). Unless you are experienced at this site you should not try to make this jump with less than 700 - 800 feet altitude. Once beyond this first section there are a variety of small LZs near the freeway.
Directions
For Lower Bates take 101 to the Bates Road exit in Carpinteria. Go south to the edge of the gated community and turn right into the parking lot. Launch is at the cliff across the lawn from the parking area. For Upper Bates go one exit further NW to the Rte. 150 exit and go south until the road ends in a T. Go left for a few hundred yards and the road will end in cul-de-sac. Launch is across the large dirt lot to the right.
Launch
Two moderate grassy slope launches facing NW about 700 ft. above LZ at sea level. Lower launch may produce substantial rotor in strong conditions. Windy cliff wire launch is appropriate in soarable air.
Landing
1-2 acre grammar school recreation field available after school hours ( after 3 PM weekdays ). Watch out for running kids. If more than about 1000-1500 ft. over launch is achieved, a good LZ on the beach is available. Ask locals which sections of beach are open for landing.
Vehicles
Any but heavy duty 2WD recommended for last quarter mile of steep dirt road.
Regulation
none but Hang 3 recommended. Caution: Flying this site is quasi-legal. Vehicles riding to launch may be ticketed. Ask a local for protocol before flying
Conditions
Ridge soarable in 15+ mph NW winds. In pre and post-frontal conditions, a lee wave sometimes sets up allowing for 3000 to 6000 ft. altitude gains in a lift band several miles wide. Avoid getting behind the ridge in wave soaring conditions unless you want to land back here - penetration may be difficult.
Directions
Take 101 to California St. exit in Ventura. Head northeast (away from the beach). Proceed one block past Main St. and look for town hall. Turn up steep road immediately northwest of town hall and follow it until you reach the entrance to a shooting range. Immediately before entering, turn right up rutted dirt road. After 50 feet, the road bends left and improves. Follow it to the top to reach launch.
Launch
South side is a smooth unobstructed 45 degree dirt ramp at 7000 ft. Launch is into a bowl, both sides of which are typically thermal generators. Thermal cycles generally make south side launchable, but prevailing winds that are cross or over the back can make it pretty trashy in the south side bowl. South launch is about a 4 to 1 glide from LZ 3000 ft. below, but since terrain slopes off very gradually in that direction, the LZ may be unmakeable in low performance gliders in strong headwinds or sink. This is occasionally true even for high performance gliders. The North side launch is a small path cut through brush and trees at 5500 ft. with obstructions on both sides. North launch is typically used only in ridge soaring conditions or when thermals are too weak to overcome north wind. When the wind is strong enough to necessitate the use of this launch, it is typically pretty turbulent at launch. Also, the first useable LZ's are again about a 4 to 1 glide out (2000 ft. below launch) and may be difficult to penetrate to in ridge soarable headwinds. Several smaller ridges parallel to the main launch spine are between launch and the north LZ's and tend to generate moderate lee-side rotors in ridge soaring conditions.
Landing
The primary south side LZ's are a 150 ft. by 200 ft. dirt turn-out from highway 33 and a large but brush strewn field also adjacent to 33 but about half a mile northwest. Both LZ's lie near a riverbed cut through a canyon between two ridges. The wind typically funnels northwest or southeast (parallel to the canyon), but both LZ's may be thermally on soarable days. The primary north side LZs are a large fenced field (with a wind-sock) in back of the Ozena ranger station and a large field at the corner of 33 and Lockwood Valley Rd. Many other north side LZ's exist, however. All along 33 north of Ozena is landable in fields or the creek bed just west of the road. Also many fields along Lockwood Valley Rd. paralleling the launch ridge 1 to 2 miles north of the ridge are landable, though some contain power lines.
Vehicles
Any - paved or smooth dirt road to launch. May be impassable in winter due to snow.
Regulation
none but Hang 3 recommended for south launch, hang 4 for north side
Conditions
Most sunny days spring through fall should be at least scratchable. Figure a typical summer day is good for 9 - 11 K (MSL) with 12+ on the better days. Ideally look for unstable days with tropical moisture being drawn up from the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal conditions are almost irrelevant as this place makes its own weather. Strong north winds are typically bad and stable high pressure can be rather unexciting. On moist days arrive early enough to launch by 11 or 12 to avoid over-development.
Directions
From Ventura area: Take 101 to 33. Follow 33 north to traffic light at route 150. Take 150 one block west and turn right at gas station onto La Luna Ave. Follow this road until it ends and go left on 33 again. Follow road forever (~ 25 miles) and turn right at the summit of 33 onto Pine Mountain Rd. just before 33 starts the descent into Ozena. Launch is 100 yards past gate where the road turns to dirt.
Launch
Primary launches are two dirt ramps cleared from the side of the hill facing SW and W. The launches are at about 600 ft. (MSL and AGL), just below a cleared set-up area at the summit of the hill, and are about a 1 : 1 glide to the standard LZ. Both launches are without significant obstructions, but may have brush close by on both sides.
Landing
The main LZ is in the stream bed just south of the bridge on Lewis Ave. on the west side of the hill. The LZ is quite long (about 1/4 mile) but only about 60 - 100 feet wide and is generally sand or soft dirt, but may be muddy near the stream. Large high tension lines are at the far south end of the LZ, but are sufficiently far away that they should not be a factor in any reasonable approach. Other flat fields surround the hill on all sides, but are mostly cultivated and not useable for landing.
Vehicles
4WD recommended, but rugged two wheeler with ground clearance may work if the road is dry. Road is moderately rutted and fairly steep dirt.
Regulation
IMPORTANT: Flying at this site requires notification of Pt. Mugu tower, whose airspace is being penetrated. It is required that all pilots call (805) 989-7677 and inform the tower before flying. Though there is no formal rating requirement for flying this site, a minimum of Hang 2 is recommended.
Conditions
The hill is basically isolated from any other high terrain and has distinct south, west and north faces. Each face is ridge soarable in the appropriate winds, but the face adjacent to any soarable face may become a rotor-sinkhole in ridge soaring conditions. On unstable days, sufficient thermal activity may be present to get up and jump about a mile east into the Santa Monica mountains and head XC from there. Doing so, however, involves crossing over the Camarillo State Hospital (Asylum) which is not a good place to land. Call Camarillo Airport ATIS (805) 484-3351 for current weather conditions.
Directions
Take the 101 freeway into the Camarillo area and exit at Las Posas Rd. heading toward the coast. Follow this road for 3 or 4 miles until the first stop sign at Lewis Ave. Turn left on Lewis and the site is the hill directly ahead. In about half a mile you will pass over a bridge at the LZ. Past the bridge bear left and go another 100 to 200 yards and turn right at gate. Follow dirt road around the side of the hill until you reach dirt track on your right heading to the top.
Launch
Launch is a smooth moderately steep dirt/rock ramp at the edge of an overlook turn-out on a mountain road. The launch is at about 3500 ft. MSL and faces west into a canyon running roughly north-south. Power lines are strung across the south end of the launch canyon well below launch altitude. These lines are about a 2 : 1 glide from launch and are usually not a significant obstacle, but care should be taken not to scratch too low before crossing them. The launch is roughly a 4 : 1 glide to the primary LZs (heading south over the power lines).
Landing
The standard LZs for this site are at Parma park and consist of two separate upsloped grassy fields. The lower Parma LZ slopes up to the south and is somewhat wider and more forgiving than the alternative upper Parma field. Upper Parma, however, slopes upward to the west and is more suitable in west winds. The upper LZ, however, is relatively small (requiring solid hang 3 landing skills) and scattered with occasional boulders. Approach is unobstructed but must be made over a canyon which is frequently a sink-hole.
Vehicles
Any. Paved public road to launch
Regulation
Informally regulated by the Santa Barbara Hang Gliding Club. Requires intermediate rating. For updated information call Ken DeRussy at the Hang Glider Emporium (805) 965-3733
Conditions
The site is at its best in pre or post-frontal unstable air and thus winter and spring are the prime soaring seasons. In the summer, the marine inversion tends to predominate making flights usually pretty scratchy. On good unstable days, XC flights following the coast range east toward Ventura are frequently possible.
Directions
Call the Hang Glider Emporium.
Launch
All of these launches are up on the crest of the Santa Ynez mountains above Santa Barbara at about 3700 MSL. The Brotherhood is a short grassy slope facing either north or south, but the north facing launch is cleaner. This site is usually used only if the Eliminator is unlaunchable so the south facing launch is rarely used. The north launch heads out into a whole lot of unretrievable terrain, so unless you get up IMMEDIATELY it is necessary to dive through a gap about 100 feet below and a couple of hundred yards east of launch over to the south side of the mountain. If you lose more than about 40 feet before going for the gap, you'll either have to get up or have a long wilderness experience. Once over the back there is typically a moderate rotor to fly through until one makes it out near the Eliminator launch to the south. The Back of the Rack is another alternative launch facing southeast off the side of the road a mile or so east of the Brotherhood. The are two launches - one faces more southerly and has more set up room but has some brushy obstructions about 25 feet below and in front of launch. The other faces more east and is obstruction free, but involves launching from the side of a narrow road with no shoulder. Both launches face down into a canyon between Westmont Peak and the "thermal factory" ridge above the Eliminator launch and appear to be a long ( 5+ : 1 ) glide over unlandable terrain before clearing the ridge to the LZs.
Landing
These launches use the same Parma Park LZs as the Eliminator described above.
Vehicles
Any. Paved public road to launch
Regulation
Unregulated, but Parma Park should be considered at least an intermediate LZ. These launches have the potential to get the unexperienced pilot in trouble and should be first flown under the guidance of a local. Solid intermediate or advanced skill levels are recommended.
Conditions
The sites are good during the same time of year as the Eliminator, but require somewhat different conditions for launch. The Brotherhood is good in moderate north to northwest winds and Back of the Rack in winds too east for the Eliminator.
Directions
Call members of the Topa Flyers Hang Gliding Club.
Launch
Several launches are available with launch directions ranging from east to south. The most commonly used launches are as follows: Chief's Peak, a relatively flat (maybe 2 - 3 : 1) smooth south facing rocky slope at about 4800ft. MSL toward the northeast end of the range; The Back Ridge - a much steeper (1:1) series of south-southeast facing rock and dirt launches with mildly obstructed running room at 5100 ft. MSL about a mile west of Chief's; and Nordhoff Ridge a steep unrestricted east-southeast facing dirt slope at 4400 ft. MSL another 2 or so miles west of the Back Ridge. Typically launches at both Chief's and the Back Ridge are a lot more comfortable with a few mph of breeze - Chief's due to its flat slope and the Back Ridge due to its restricted running room. Nordhoff is a more reasonable light to dead wind launch. Chief's and the Back Ridge are both a reasonably easy (about 4:1) glide to the nominal LZ across the valley in Upper Ojai. Particularly, from the Back Ridge though, it's best to work out onto the front spines as getting low back in the launch canyon can make any reasonable LZ difficult to reach. Nordhoff Ridge, being a few miles down the range from the other two launches uses different nominal LZs. The bailout from Nordhoff isn't visible from launch, but is a long straight dirt strip on the far side of the knoll directly out from (and about a 1:1) glide from launch. An alternative LZ that is usually makeable (but is a comfortable glide with a thousand feet of extra altitude - your mileage may vary) is the large field at Nordhoff High School just north of the northernmost intersection between 150 and 33 which has the advantage of being a very convenient retrieve.
Landing
The main LZ for Chief's Peak and the Back Ridge is a large series of grass fields (near but NOT including a soccer field - an easily recognizable green landmark from the air) in Upper Ojai. The ground near the soccer field is flat, but is gently sloped to the east and west. The useable LZ here is enormous and the wind is almost always out of the west - allowing for an easy long landing corridor parallel to the field. The bail-out LZ for Nordhoff is a dirt strip maybe 150 - 200 ft wide but more than a quarter mile long facing southwest away from the mountain. Landing is pretty unrestricted, but there is a power line that crosses the field about a third of the way down its length. The Nordhoff High School LZ is several hundred yards both long and wide, flat and unobstructed - but is bordered by houses, phone/power lines and crowded roads on several sides. These shouldn't present any problem for a Hang II or above pilot, but be aware of them on approach.
Vehicles
Ostensibly, the road to launch is open only to 4WD vehicles. In practice, many 2WD vehicles with reasonable ground clearance and enough power/low gearing to climb steep hills should be able to make it to the launches when the roads are dry. The road to the launches is generally steep but smooth dirt with few obstructions and is reached through a locked gate at the Rose Valley campground.
Regulation
Informally regulated by the Topa Flyers. Recommended ratings are a minimum of Hang II with high altitude experience (and a more experienced pilot present) for the Chief's Peak or Nordhoff launches and a minimum of Hang 3 for the Back Ridge. A permit from the USFS must be obtained to get through a locked gate on the road to launch. Call the Ojai district ranger station at 805 646-4348 for more information and to obtain a permit. Plan in advance as they are closed on the weekend.
Conditions
Usually at least scratchable, but good soaring conditions generally require that the marine inversion that lives in the Ojai Valley be driven out by a weather front or an easterly wind off the desert. Frontal soarability with good road access makes this a good wintertime choice. The Nordhoff launch, in particular, can sometimes yield really good convergence conditions in a Santa Ana (northeast) wind condition that shuts down everything else. In these conditions it may be possible to track west down the range and make the glide out to the Carpinteria/Santa Barbara area.
Directions
Take 33 north out of Ojai up through Wheeler gorge and turn off at the Rose Valley cut-off. Follow this road about 1 - 2 miles and turn right at the signs for the Rose Valley campground. Drive through the locked gate at the far end end of the campground up the steep one-vehicle-wide road to launch. Follow the road directly to get to the Chief's Peak or Back Ridge launches. Ask a local which turn-offs to take to get to the Nordhoff launch.
Launch
Steep unobstructed dirt ramp facing west / southwest off the side of Cerro Noroeste Rd. heading up Mt. Abel. Launch is at 7200 ft. MSL and is about a 2 or 3 : 1 glide to the primary L.Z. As of August 1989, the launch had been sufficiently cleared of brush and obstructions to make it reasonably straightforward in straight-in conditions. As the site is seldom flown, check to see that the launch is reasonably clear when you arrive. A spine projects out from the mountain to the right of launch possibly making for hazardous rotor conditions when the wind is crossing from the north.
Landing
The primary LZ is an enormous meadow about a mile due west from launch and at about 5000 ft. MSL. Unfortunately no roads lead to this meadow and landing there requires about a 1.5 mile hike out to the east end of Apache Canyon Rd. There are makeable LZs at Apache Canyon Rd. if you leave direct from launch in a high performance glider and encounter no headwinds or sink. For the prudent pilot, however, it's basically get up quick at launch or prepare for a long walk. The terrain between launch and the LZ (and between the LZ and the road) is unlandable forest. Good LZs over the back next to the main road in Pine Mt. Club are there if you can get 1K over launch.
Vehicles
Any. Paved public road to launch
Regulation
None. Hang 2 skills with altitude experience are sufficient for both launch and landing, but pilots should be well aware of the glide capabilities of their gliders since the penalty for an out landing at this site is rather high.
Conditions
Best on the same sort of unstable summer days that are good at Pine. Try to get up and track over to Pinos. A saving thermal sometimes lives at the edge of the main LZ.
Directions
Take I-5 to the Frazier Park exit. Proceed several miles (past Frazier Park and Lake of the Woods) until the turn off for Pine Mt. Club. Turn right and go past town until Cerro Noroeste Rd. Turn left and follow the road up till launch. The easiest way from launch to the LZ is to head out to Lockwood Valley road then go north on 33 till Apache Canyon Rd. (pilots who land there will try to convince you to take the "short-cut" via Quatal Canyon Rd., however.)
Launch
Launch is a steep smooth grass/dirt slope facing north immediately in front of a microwave antenna station at about 4500 ft. MSL. Launch is sufficiently steep and unobstructed that everything from dead wind to windy cliff wire conditions are reasonable. Though the launch is quite forgiving, launch timing can be very critical at this site. Optimal launch at this site usually occurs as a sea breeze / land breeze convergence passes. This means that conditions can rapidly change from laminar (and fairly thermally inactive) upslope flow to unlaunchable downwind conditions. This change can occur in less than 5 minutes on some days and over several hours on others. Watching the locals is very helpful in deciding when to go. Since the convergence typically passes by around noon, it is adviseable to arrive early and be set up and ready to launch by 11 A.M.
Landing
All LZs within a glide of launch are basically illegal. (Really sounds inviting). There are, however, a couple of fields near the main highway about a 3 - 4 : 1 glide from launch that are acceptable bail outs. As long as you break down quick and try to hide your glider amongst the trees, no one should bother you. These fields are flat grassy and reasonably unobstructed. Under no circumstances should you land at or near the ranch at the east end of the valley below launch. The owners REALLY don't like hang glider pilots and could conceivably get the site shut down if they get sufficiently pissed at us. Once out into the next valley eastward (about 10 miles away), however, lots of big landing field with no legal hassles are to be found.
Vehicles
Any, reasonably smooth dirt road to launch
Regulation
None, but since the site is sensitive it is urged that new pilots talk to local before flying. Hang 3 recommended
Conditions
Best on spring days when its blowing North at Pine. Most days in the March - May range seem soarable. Instability and a high cloud base are of course best. Later in the season and in the summer the convergence usually passes through too early to be useful.
Directions
Take route 101 north to route 166 in Santa Maria. Proceed east about 30 miles on 166 until Miranda Pines Rd. Follow Miranda Pines Rd. uphill about 5 miles and stop at the microwave tower.
Launch
Launch is a southwest facing moderately flat grassy slope that is mostly unobstructed though low scrub exists on both sides of the path. Launch is on a knoll at 1700 ft. MSL facing out into a canyon running roughly two miles south to the designated LZ at a glideslope of about 4 or 5 to 1. The walls of the canyon are a few hundred feet higher than launch, so launchable cycles may exist even when prevailing upper level wind is cross. On weak days launch condition may be completely dead wind - necessitating an aggressive flat slope launch.
Landing
The designated LZ is a field on Trancas Canyon Road just north of the Pacific Coast Highway. Landing is only permitted in the unfenced portion of the field. This part of the field is quite large (several acres) but generally slopes downward toward the beach - leading to an unfortunate conflict between landing uphill and landing into the wind when the usual sea breeze is blowing. The slope is slight enough so that it's a judgment call. More than 10 mph probably warrants a long low downhill approach, less than 5 would similarly suggest a light downwinder up the side of the hill. In variable winds, uphill is probably the safest call. NOTE: The site exists in heavily populated and regulated environment, so only land in the designated LZ. In particular, don't land on the beach or you stand a good chance of being ticketed and endangering the site.
Vehicles
Rugged 2WD or 4WD. Road is rutted dirt but not particularly steep. Passenger cars could make it up but would get pretty well jarred around.
Regulation
Regulated by the Malibu Hang Gliding Club. Daily or Annual permit must be purchased before flying and kept in pilot's possession. Hang 3 required (and is appropriate for the LZ). Contact Windsports Int'l at (818) 988-0111 for current info.
Conditions
Best on spring days with pre or post-frontal instability - much like Mt. Tam or the Santa Barbara coastal sites. A good site when cloud bases are too low for Santa Barbara. If thermals go more than about 1500 to 2000 ft over launch, XC attempts back into the Santa Monica mountains are reasonable.
Directions
Take the Pacific Coast Highway about two miles west of Pt. Dume to reach Trancas Canyon Road (and the LZ). To reach launch go about two miles east on PCH to Busch Rd. Turn inland and follow the road until it turns to dirt. Continue up dirt road another two or three miles to launch.
This is an instructional site for beginners. Please contact Ventura County Hang Gliding for details.