Laguna

• Wind directionNE (45°) → E (90°)
• Ideal speed4–8 mph
• Upper limits≤ 12 mph base · gusts ≤ 17

East-facing escarpment site near Mount Laguna, San Diego. SDHGPA site guide gives explicit numbers: Upper Launch ideal direction 45-90 deg (NE-E); PG ideal ~7 mph (min 4, max ~10) with ~5 mph gusts; HG ideal ~8 mph (max ~12). Lower Cliff Launch works 50-90 deg, HG max ~14 mph. Marginal arc extends toward N (~0-45) and SE (~90-135) per orientation hint, but the site is best straight E. Known as "mini Owens Valley" — excellent XC site (100+ mi possible), thermal/convergence flying, best pre/post-monsoon. HAZARDS: conditions change very fast on this large escarpment; nearest LZ is a 45-min drive to the desert floor so a dedicated driver is required; afternoons often blow down (W blow-down/rotor); Santa Ana conditions can bring extremely strong E winds (up to ~70 mph) with little warning; upper PG launch sits in a recess making launches tricky with burnt manzanita blow-back hazards. Summer is turbulent. BEST TIME: late morning to early afternoon (winter), convergence days preferred. RATING/ACCESS: H3+/P4 (or P3+ with supervision); mini-wings M2. Sensitive permit site — must fly accompanied by an active SDHGPA member with full site briefing; SDHGPA + USHPA membership required.