Big Sur - Lower Hike and Fly

Spot info

Spot details

PPG friendly
Not marked
Authorization
Not marked
Club / contract
Not marked
Launch faces
NW
Forecast point
Ready
Access notes
Los Padres National Forest hike-and-fly launch. The source describes following the road/trail behind the fire station, taking the Loop Trail fork after roughly half a mile, then hiking the ridge when the trail becomes overgrown.
Site rules
  • Use the lower published takeoff position; the tempting position above the trail has a tree on pilot's left that can obstruct launch.
  • The source documents NW use in roughly 6-8 mph cycles and warns of sink on the lee side in NW flow.
  • This is a remote, undeveloped hike-and-fly launch; confirm trail, fire, and landing conditions before committing.
Launch directions
NW
Direction notes
The source reports successful NW use; no broader launch sector is published.
Safety notes
  • Small trees must be cleared after takeoff, and a tree on pilot's left makes the higher setup hazardous.
  • Bad sink is documented on the lee side in NW flow.
  • The overgrown, remote approach requires route-finding and a current landing/retrieval plan.
Additional notes
The July 2026 source update reports limited but real use, including an hour-plus ridge-soaring flight; Prewitt remains the preferred alternative when vehicle access is available.
Map pin (exact launch)
The cited source publishes a coordinate for this specific takeoff face; it is treated as an exact launch pin.

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Airspace status