Lake Elizabeth

Lake Elizabeth is a small local hill north of Los Angeles, launching from the ridge across from the lake it's named for. Only the south-facing side works here — wind needs to come from the south, sometimes swinging southwest, for the site to fly at all. It's a modest, low-key spot rather than a serious mountain site: quick to fly, easy to repeat, and popular enough with passersby that pilots often draw a small crowd of onlookers on launch. Getting there is straightforward — off Highway 14 or Lake Hughes Road, about an hour from downtown LA, following a dirt road on the north side up to the top. Most pilots land right at the base of the hill; the alternative is flying further to the parking area by the lake or the beach, though that route crosses power lines on the way in, so keep them in view on approach. It's the kind of site locals fly casually and often, rather than a serious cross-country venue.

Launch & conditions

Launch is on the south-facing ridge only, directly across from the lake — south wind works best, with a southwest component also flyable.

Getting there & local rules

Off Highway 14 or Lake Hughes Road, about an hour from downtown LA — take the dirt road on the north side of the road up to the top.

Local rules & hazards

Most pilots land at the base of the hill; flying on to the parking area by the lake or beach is an option but crosses power lines on the way in, so keep them in sight during the approach.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Lake Elizabeth, 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 Lake Elizabeth with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.