Loja poniente

Loja Poniente sits above Loja, in Granada province, Spain, at around 1,186 m, and its reputation rests on one specific quality: an outstanding evening glass-off in summer that makes it one of the region's best spots for late-afternoon flying into a proper sunset. The takeoff is large and well kept, with top-landing available, and it also serves as a winch-launch and hike-and-fly site. Getting there is via a decent dirt road out of Loja, signposted 'Sierra Gorda' — though the actual entrance can be tricky to find on a first visit, so it helps to go with someone who already knows it. Loja Poniente sees wind mainly from the west and northwest. Landing has real choice: Venta del Rayo is large and considered ideal for less experienced pilots, visible from launch with windsocks on its south side, and there are two further landing zones — one in Loja itself, one near the highway — for those who need an alternative. A day with wind from the south is a no-fly signal here, and a southwesterly on final approach can turn strong and turbulent, so treat that direction with real caution on landing.

Launch & conditions

Large, well-maintained takeoff with top-landing available; also set up for winch launching.

Getting there & local rules

Reached via a dirt road out of Loja signposted 'Sierra Gorda' — the entrance itself is easy to miss on a first visit, so go with someone who knows the way if you can.

Local rules & hazards

Don't fly in southerly wind. A southwesterly on final approach can turn strong and turbulent, so treat that direction with caution when landing.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Loja poniente, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Loja poniente with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.