Horse Canyon, located 30 minutes south of Laguna, is a frequently used paragliding site known for its thermal soaring and potential for good cross-country (XC) flights. The site allows for toplanding, but pilots should be cautious of parked cars. The launch altitude is 4400 ft, and the landing zone (LZ) is at 3300 ft, with a distance of 1.3 miles between them.
Horse Canyon is particularly popular during the winter, although it is flyable year-round. Summer months can be turbulent until early evening, and the turbulence in the primary LZs should not be underestimated. The site is characterized by a steep ridge and a recessed launch ramp, which can be challenging, especially with moderate to strong west winds that create a strong mechanical rotor.
There are two main modes of flying at Horse Canyon: typical site flying in thermals and convergence XC flying. Site flying is straightforward, with thermals available on both sides of the canyon. However, XC flying requires a thorough site briefing from a local pilot due to the challenging terrain, including densely vegetated areas and deep canyons.
Horse Canyon is suitable for low airtime pilots in the evening when the wind remains S or SW, as the LZ is visible throughout the flight, and the valley is buoyant during evening glass-offs. The best conditions for flying are 5-10 mph winds from the S-SW. It is crucial not to launch in winds crossing more than 30 degrees from the right (W-NW) due to the dangerous mechanical rotor.
The site is in general class E airspace but is under a direct approach and traffic vector just to the south, ranging from 8000-12000 ft MSL. Pilots should avoid lingering at these elevations and perform 360-degree turns to increase visibility to approaching aircraft.
For more detailed information, including site protocols and weather conditions, visit the following links:
- [Horse Canyon XC Info](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/931/horse-canyon-pine-valley)
- [San Diego XC League](https://www.socalxcleague.com/sites/san_diego)
- [Weather Station](https://holfuy.com/en/weather/581)
- [SDHGPA Horse Canyon](https://www.sdhgpa.com/horse.html)
For a visual overview, check out this [YouTube video](
Click to watch video
).
Always ensure you have the current USHPA membership and follow the recommended operating limitations for your rating. The local club, SDHGPA, maintains a weather station on launch, which can be accessed for real-time conditions.
