Henninger Flats – No Safe Local LZ

Henninger Flats sits on the trail above Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel foothills north of Pasadena, California. The 752 m launch faces SE through W. This site is 'open for now' but has no safe local LZ — anywhere that looks landable is off-limits due to private property, and pushing it would jeopardise the site. Cross-country flying is essentially the only sensible option. High transmission lines require you to have height above launch AND to hook into a thermal quickly — otherwise you may end up on the wrong side of them. When crossing, always fly over the towers, not the mid-span of the wires, to guarantee you have enough height. Bring local guidance before flying — this is not a site to guess your way into.

Launch & conditions

Take-off is on the trail up to Henninger Flats out of the Eaton Canyon Wash, on the last leg heading west-ish as you near the campground. Beyond launch you must clear high transmission lines. Standard SoCal punch is present in midsummer — treat afternoon conditions with caution.

Getting there & local rules

Park at the last pull-out on North Altadena Drive at the corner of Midwick and Roosevelt. Hike down into the wash and trek directly across; from the car park you should be able to see a smaller switch-backing trail on the far side of the canyon, marked by a sign. Alternatively, follow the obvious trail back into Eaton Canyon and branch off near the bridge to the Mt Wilson Toll Rd (an extra 15–20 minutes). Landing is out in the wash below — the further out from the canyon you fly, the sandier and more open it gets. Figure-eights at the far end where the wash turns toward the dam area (over the high transmission lines) give plenty of options for a final leg on west-wind days; south-wind days are trickier.

Local rules & hazards

There is no safe local landing zone — any 'good-looking' spot is on private property and landing there puts the site at risk. XC flying is the only sensible option, and pilots should get a briefing from a local before showing up. Aircraft and helicopters are frequent in the area, so keep good vigilance.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Henninger Flats – No Safe Local LZ, 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 Henninger Flats – No Safe Local LZ with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.