Whitaker Peak

Whitaker Peak Flying Site, Castaic, CA USA (34.5757°N, 118.7097°W)
Whitaker usually has very good lift, landing is semi-difficult, and retrieval can be a problem ... but the amount of lift more than makes up for it.
Directions from Los Angeles area: With GPS Coordinates
	Take Interstate 5 North Exit on Templin Hwy (north Castaic Lake area) Make a left turn at the stop sign Go under the freeway, when the road comes to a dead end, make a right This road has two lanes in each side, when the road turns into a one lane road ... keep watching to your left for a small signboard of Whitaker Peak Park Immediately turn left at the sign into the park, the road will fork immediately, make a left, and always stay left on all forked PAVED roads while going up the mountain. After going up this "paved" road for about 10 minutes, there will be a clearing just as you cross to the west side of the ridge and the road will level out a bit and there will be a dirt road to your left (note: this is were the road is blocked) Just walk along the dirt road, and if anyone is flying, you will be able to see from this fork. We fly F3F from the north end of the fenced area, and MoM from the top of the peak. Click here for Map
Additional Data on Whitaker from Bill DelHagen:
	The traditional flying spot is at the small knob in quadrant 32, lower RH corner of full map, and it is labeled 3361 (feet).. At the clearing, the paved road turns 90 deg. to the right. That is where we will have to park. It is about 0.4 miles to the knob. which is both the pits and the left-end turn. Right side turn (long course) is back along the road about 200 yards. Be aware that individuals are supposed to have an Adventure Pass which is $5 per day or $30 per year. However this covers a whole vehicle, so apparent carpooling could save some bucks. Passes are available at Big 5, Sport Chalet, REI and the USFS. CSR has put on races there for years w/o any official sanction, cost or approval. Rangers were always friendly and never hassled us for group permits or the Pass. Officially, we did not exist since we caused no visible damage, shot at no one, did not camp or start fires, and never applied for any permits. Hence when the environmentalists caused grief for the USFS, it was easy to close the road and show that "the environment" was protected. So much for history. If the wind flow in general is on-shore, this hill will work. If over 10 mph, it's ballast time!
Forest Service Pass information
	Another thing to keep in mind is that you are supposed to have a Forest Service pass. Information about the Adventure pass follows. I found this information on the Forest Service web site: http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/angeles/index.html BTW; It doesn't say how much it will cost you if you get caught without a pass... Who needs to purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass? All Forest visitors are required to display the Pass in their vehicles when parked for recreation purposes on these four southern California National Forrests You won't need a Pass while parked at places where a site-specific fee is already charged (such as ski resorts or fee campgrounds.) You also don't need a Pass when you are traveling through the Forest but not stopping, when you are parked at your residence or at an organization camp in its permitted area, or are in an area covered by a Special Use Permit. A Pass is not required for people stopping for information at Ranger Stations, Visitor Centers and other Forest Service offices, or for Off-Highway Vehicles (green sticker.) Volunteers and educational institutions are exempt, but require an Administrative Pass issued by a local Forest Service office. How much does a Pass cost, and where may I get mine? * Daily Pass ---- $5.00 * Annual Pass - $30.00 (good for one year from the month of purchase)
Where to Purchase a Pass
	`Check this link to find a place near you to purchase a pass: http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/angeles/html/adventurepass/adventurepass.html Or you can stop in Castaic on the way up to Whitaker Peak and pick a pass at one of these places:` `Castaic` `7-Eleven -- #26945 27680 Lake Hughes Rd .--* D A -- 91384 ph# 661-257-0381` `Calver Co. -- 31642 Castaic Rd. --* D A -- 91384 -- ph# 661-257-2800` `Castaic Unocal 76 -- 31786 The Old Road --* D A -- 91384 ph# 661-257-2497` `Gallion's Castaic Corner -- 31515 Old Ridge Route --* D A J 91310 -- ph# 661-257-3523` `Jay's Shell - Castaic -- 31428 Old Ridge Route -- D A -- 91384 ph# 661-257-5724` `Rainbow Market -- 31719 The Old Road -- D A -- 91384 ph# 661-295-0604 * D = Daily Pass * A = Annual Pass * J = Secondary Vehicle Pass - Hang Tag`

Whitaker Peak Slope Site Information

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