High Lonesome (HLF)

• Wind directionSE (135°) → SW (225°)
• Ideal speed5–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 18

No authoritative source publishes explicit wind numbers for High Lonesome (HLF). Arc inferred from the paraglidingEarth orientation hint (E, SE, S, SW, W), which describes a broadly south-facing launch on Cow Ridge in the Dry Fork Valley near De Beque, western Colorado (~8182 ft MSL). Ideal core is the SE-S-SW window (135-225 deg) straight onto the slope; E and W (90-135, 225-270) are cross/edge and marginal. The original High Lonesome flight park is reported CLOSED per RMHPA; flying now occurs as tandem operations through The High Lonesome Ranch (private land, permission/access required) launching from Cow Ridge. This is a high-elevation thermic mountain site: rocky faces and uneven heating generate strong thermal columns, so expect punchy thermals and possible overdevelopment midday. High density altitude (~8200 ft) means true airspeed is well above indicated wind, so keep base wind conservative (5-12 mph ideal, ~15 mph max, gusts under ~18 mph). Best windows are morning and late afternoon/evening glass-off; avoid midday strong valley/up-canyon winds and leeside rotor off Horse Mountain / surrounding cliffs. Treat as an intermediate+ mountain site; confirm current access status and conditions with The High Lonesome Ranch or RMHPA before flying. Speed and gust values are conservative estimates, not from a published site guide.