This paragliding site, located at an altitude of 1825 meters with a height difference of 760 meters, is rarely used but offers good cross-country potential. The long glide to landing options in the valley can be challenging, and there is limited information available. Launch The south side launch features a smooth, unobstructed 45-degree dirt ramp at 7000 feet. This launch area is situated in a bowl, which typically generates thermals on both sides. While thermal cycles generally make the south side launchable, prevailing winds that are cross or over the back can create turbulent conditions. The south launch requires about a 4 to 1 glide ratio to reach the landing zone (LZ) 3000 feet below. However, due to the gradual slope of the terrain, reaching the LZ can be difficult for low-performance gliders in strong headwinds or sink, and occasionally even for high-performance gliders. The north side launch is a small path cut through brush and trees at 5500 feet, with obstructions on both sides. This launch is typically used only in ridge soaring conditions or when thermals are too weak to overcome the north wind. When the wind is strong enough to necessitate the use of this launch, it can be turbulent. The first usable LZs are about a 4 to 1 glide out (2000 feet below launch) and may be difficult to reach in ridge soarable headwinds. Several smaller ridges parallel to the main launch spine generate moderate lee-side rotors in ridge soaring conditions. Landing The primary south side LZs include a 150 ft. by 200 ft. dirt turnout from Highway 33 and a large, brush-strewn field about half a mile northwest, both near a riverbed cut through a canyon between two ridges. The wind typically funnels northwest or southeast, but both LZs may experience thermal activity on soarable days. The primary north side LZs are a large fenced field with a windsock behind the Ozena ranger station and a large field at the corner of Highway 33 and Lockwood Valley Road. Numerous other north side LZs exist along Highway 33 north of Ozena, including fields and creek beds just west of the road. Fields along Lockwood Valley Road, paralleling the launch ridge 1 to 2 miles north, are also landable, though some contain power lines. Vehicles Any vehicle can access the launch via paved or smooth dirt roads, though the roads may be impassable in winter due to snow. Regulation There are no specific regulations, but a Hang 3 rating is recommended for the south launch and a Hang 4 rating for the north side. Conditions Most sunny days from spring through fall should be at least scratchable. Typical summer days can reach altitudes of 9,000 to 11,000 feet MSL, with 12,000+ feet on better days. Ideal conditions include unstable days with tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal conditions are almost irrelevant as this site generates its own weather. Strong north winds are typically unfavorable, and stable high pressure can result in unexciting conditions. On moist days, it is advisable to launch by 11 or 12 to avoid overdevelopment. Directions From the Ventura area, take Highway 101 to Highway 33. Follow Highway 33 north to the traffic light at Route 150. Take Route 150 one block west and turn right at the gas station onto La Luna Avenue. Follow this road until it ends and turn left onto Highway 33 again. Continue on this road for approximately 25 miles and turn right at the summit of Highway 33 onto Pine Mountain Road, just before Highway 33 starts descending into Ozena. The launch is 100 yards past the gate where the road turns to dirt. For more detailed information, visit [Topa Flyers Site Guide](https://topaflyers.com/site_guide/siteguide.html#pine).