Paragliding Big Black, CA

Big Black is a stunning mountain paragliding site located north of Ramona, halfway to Palomar, nestled among Penny Pines. It is flyable in conditions similar to Horse and Palomar, including post and prefrontal conditions, convergence, and summer glass-offs. Big Black can handle more north winds than Horse, making it a preferred choice when the convergence line is deep over Santa Ysabel, or when Horse and Laguna are overdeveloped. This site offers excellent flying and cross-country (XC) potential, but XC flights require advanced skills as landing within a 5-mile radius is prohibited. The valley is very buoyant during summer evening glass-offs. However, there are flight number restrictions, a tight launch for paragliders, and a long 35-40 minute drive up. The launch, situated among pines, can be tricky for paragliders but straightforward for hang gliders. Landing in the valley below is strictly forbidden as it is owned by the City of San Diego. Pilots must land at the Cross Roads LZ on the mountain, which is not visible from the launch but is an easy glide out. This site is limited to intermediate pilots or those with higher ratings as required by USHPA. Big Black is open to SDHGPA members under a Forest Service special-use permit with restrictions. Pilots must have a minimum H3/P3 rating with very good kiting skills. The best conditions are 5-12 mph winds from SW to NW. The best times to fly are early afternoon during winter and evening glass-offs during summer. The launch orientation is west-facing, and the site supports ridge, thermal, and convergence flying, as well as XC flights. Access to the launch requires a high-clearance 2WD or 4WD vehicle and a gate key, which must be coordinated with the site representative. The launch altitude is 3,950 ft, and the landing zone altitude is 1,630 ft. The Ramona airport is 8 miles from the landing area and 10 miles from the launch. Strict site protocols must be followed, including limiting the number of people and vehicles, coordinating gate key use, and ensuring all vehicles display a current SDHGPA Vehicle ID/Gate Pass. No commercial flight activity or instruction is permitted. Landing is only allowed at the Cross Roads LZ, and the gate must be locked after passing through. For soaring, pilots have 2,320 ft above the LZ. The house thermals are out front, and thermal flying out front is generally more productive than ridge soaring. Cross-country routes include flying big triangles, with primary routes requiring advanced skills and tenacity due to the lack of landing zones within a 5-mile radius. For more information, visit the San Diego Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association's website: [SDHGPA Big Black](https://www.sdhgpa.com/big-black.html). Directions for those coming from San Diego North County or further north: From I-15, take 78 East to West Haverford Rd East, then to Pamo Road North. The best place to park is up the road from the actual Cross Roads, keeping in mind that the Cross Roads is the landing zone. Please respect the site protocols and restrictions to maintain access and good relations with the Forest Service and local authorities.