Piedrahita – Pena Negra

Peña Negra is the main Sierra de Gredos launch above Piedrahíta — usable on about 90% of good flyable days. NW-facing at 1,909 m ASL with 900 m to the valley floor. There's a car park and a bar (out of service and vandalised since 2001). The takeoff is split by the road into two sections. In nil wind, the lower takeoff (below the road) works better because it's steeper and less prone to katabatic wind, which hits the upper takeoff first. With a few km/h of wind, use the upper takeoff. There's a fence at the rear — never risk being dragged back on a failed takeoff.

Launch & conditions

Altitude 1,909 m ASL, 900 m top to bottom, NW orientation. Split by the road: nil wind → lower takeoff (steeper, less katabatic-prone); a few km/h wind → upper takeoff. Fence at the rear of the upper — never risk being dragged back on a failed launch.

Getting there & local rules

Tarmac road linking Piedrahíta to the Peña Negra pass.

Local rules & hazards

Important airspace restrictions from about 64 km east. On strong easterly forecasts the site can APPEAR fine at takeoff because of shielding from the mountains — but out in the valley the wind can be strong and turbulent.

Check conditions before you fly

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