Santiago Peak

• Wind directionSSW (202°) → WSW (248°)
• Ideal speed6–14 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

Santiago Peak (the higher summit of "Saddleback" in the Santa Ana Mtns, Cleveland National Forest, ~5,600-5,689 ft MSL). Faces the LA/coastal basin to the SW, so it works on the afternoon onshore sea breeze. Ideal arc is roughly S-SW-W (~200-250 deg) blowing up the southwest-facing flank; marginal/cross into the S and W edges. Best time is midday to early afternoon once the sea breeze fills in and combines with thermal cycles - pilots historically reported good launch cycles and soarable, occasionally cloud-base conditions. CAVEATS/HAZARDS: this is a marginal "curiosity" launch rather than a prime site - localized ridge lift is weak and there are many better launches nearby. Strong wind creates a wake/rotor in the lee behind the ridge; avoid flying down low behind the divide. The summit is covered in radio/antenna towers and guy wires (American Tower, Crown Castle) - significant obstruction hazard near launch. Access is via the long graded Main Divide / Maple Springs gravel road (high-clearance), or long hikes (Holy Jim ~15.8 mi); Cleveland NF land. No on-site wind station - nearest forecast/telemetry via Windfinder "Santiago Peak". Keep gusts under ~20 mph for PG. These numbers are INFERRED from site orientation and general coastal-mountain sea-breeze behavior, not from an explicit club/USHPA site guide.