The United States is a country of 50 states in the North American continent. The northwest contains Alaska and Hawaii. Major Atlantic Coast cities include New York and Washington, DC. Other notable cities include Chicago, known for its influential architecture, and Los Angeles, renowned for its filmmaking. The country’s varying terrain and weather patterns make it an appealing destination for paragliding. Below are some of the best places to fly from a paraglider.
Paragliding in Sedona Red Rocks
For those looking for a fun and adventurous activity, parachute flying is a great way to spend your vacation. Paragliding offers you the chance to enjoy the stunning landscape of Sedona from above, but it is not for the faint of heart. Sedona is one of the top adventure spots in the country during the dry season. Sedona is home to equal parts hang gliders and paragliders, and you’ll be sure to see both types of flying in this beautiful area.
Good Springs, located near Sedona, is a popular destination for people who want to try out desert thermal flying. This location has an incredible flight record of 62 miles. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of mountains and lakes in a single flight. Take-off is relatively easy, and you’ll find it easier than you think, with a choice of two takeoff points. You’ll want to ensure you’re properly trained before you go, as some parts of the desert are very steep, and you’ll need a guide to get the hang of it.
Paragliding in Jean Ridge Dry Bed
If you have ever dreamed of experiencing the freedom and beauty of paragliding, you should consider the beautiful region of the Mojave Desert, USA. Located outside Las Vegas, the Jean Ridge Dry Bed has two main launch sites – the North and South Launch. Its ridge is over one mile long and is an ideal setting for powered flight. It is accessible only by dirt roads, so you should bring a four-wheel drive vehicle.
The area is a pristine one-mile-long bed with dozens of paragliding spots. Despite its daunting terrain, this area is known for its ideal climate and excellent geography. Several world events have been held here, and the site has hosted several world championships. The area has excellent infrastructure, including service restaurants, and has hosted the Paragliding World Cup.
Paragliding in Glenwood Springs
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, paragliding in Glenwood Springs, USA, might be just the ticket. This soaring experience over the rocky mountains offers an unobstructed view of Mt. Sopris, a 13,000-foot peak hazy with clouds. You’ll also see sprawling cattle ranches and several deer and elk. The Roaring Fork River offers Gold-medal fishing. The city itself is laid out like a miniature carpet of green.
To get the most out of your paragliding experience, you should book a tandem flight with a professional paragliding instructor. While paragliding can be a frightening activity for some, the experience is a life-changing one. Glenwood Springs offers numerous landing sites and plenty of opportunities for guests to learn how to fly and land safely. No previous knowledge or skill is necessary, but you should be in decent shape.
Paragliding in Good Springs
The most popular paragliding spots in the US are in the southwest, so you can enjoy the scenery and explore the area from a new perspective. Lookout Mountain is an excellent location for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area. The mountain has many paragliding opportunities, and its staff will provide all the instruction and equipment needed. The weather is conducive for paragliding in the summer, but if you’d prefer a colder location, you can find several hot spots in Canada.
For an exceptional sky experience, consider visiting Goodsprings, a small town outside Las Vegas. The region has some of the best desert thermal flying; you can even try setting a world record from the top. The town’s two takeoff sites allow for easy takeoff, and you can fly for as long as 15 minutes. Goodspring is best visited during spring and fall and in the early morning during summer.
Point of the Mountain Salt Lake City
If you’re looking for the best place to go paragliding in the USA, Utah’s Point of the Mountain is a top destination. Just a half hour from Salt Lake City, this site offers 3,000 feet of vertical and two separate flying sites on the mountain’s North and South sides. There are also 270 degrees of launching directions to accommodate as many pilots as possible.
This Utah paragliding spot has consistent flying conditions throughout the year despite its proximity to the Salt Lake City International Airport. Despite the high altitude, the slope is easy to navigate and offers ample room for beginner pilots to fly without fear of colliding with objects. In addition, the area is zoned for paragliding and hang gliding, so there’s a low risk of hitting another thing while flying. Besides its proximity to downtown Salt Lake City, this Utah location also offers a variety of lodging options for pilots.
Paragliding in Sun Valley
The Sun Valley, USA, has several options if you’re looking for the perfect place to take your first tandem flight. Located at 9,000 feet, Sun Valley Resort has multiple launch sites designed for specific wind directions. Most launch sites are near ski lifts, and the landing zone is close to the base. The flight itself is roughly three and a half miles long. After landing, pilots descend three to five hundred feet.
The Sun Valley Paragliding Center offers tandem flights from Sunvale Resort and other locations. The facility provides instruction and equipment sales and offers services ranging from aerial weddings to in-flight photography. You can also take a guided trip abroad through a local company. A complete list of the facilities and services is available at the Paragliding Center in Sun Valley. For those unsure if paragliding suits them, try a tandem flight with a professional.
Paragliding in Hawaii
In a recent incident, the Honolulu Fire Department rescued an injured paraglider near Makai Research Pier. The man, who was in his late sixties, suffered severe injuries during the jump. The firefighters found the male in critical condition after he crashed into a mountain near the pier. Paragliding is one of the most exciting activities on the island of Hawaii. This is a great way to see Hawaii from a different perspective.
There are several places to get instruction for paragliding in Hawaii. One company offers tandem instruction on Oahu, while another specializes in solo flying. The Hawaii Paragliding Association focuses primarily on Maui, but you can also find some good sites there. One popular blog shows pictures of flying over the island. You may want to contact a certified instructor to ensure the flight is safe and fun.
Paragliding in Tiger Mountain
Located only 4 miles east of Bellevue, Washington, Tiger Mountain is a popular destination for pilots looking to harness the power of the wind and sun to fly. Its two-thousand-foot launch provides a breathtaking view of Puget Sound. Tiger Mountain is one of the top paragliding locations in the US. Read on to learn more about what makes this location great for pilots.
First, you will need paragliding equipment. This can run several thousand dollars for the complete kit. The kit includes a glider, harness, reserve parachute, helmet, and variometer to measure your rate of climb or descent in the air. You can rent paragliding equipment at Tiger Mountain with instructions. Remember to keep your equipment maintained before the season starts. If you are a beginner, have your solo certification before taking the plunge.
Paragliding in Torrey Pines in La Jolla
You can fly your paraglider at the private airport of Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, located 11 nautical miles north of San Diego’s central business district. This is the perfect place to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. If you want to go high, you’ll enjoy this activity. The city-owned private airport has plenty of parking and a smooth runway.
This is the place to go if you’ve always wanted to try hang gliding or paragliding. The Torrey Pines Gliderport is one of the oldest and most popular places for paragliding and other outdoor activities. If you’ve always wanted to experience paragliding, you can make your dream a reality at this free attraction. The Torrey Pines Gliderport also offers tandem flights and lessons. You can also enjoy sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments at the Cliffhanger Cafe.
Paragliding in Walt’s Point Owens Valley
The takeoff and landing areas at Walt’s Point in the Owens Valley are nearly 9,000 feet above sea level and offer fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. The Owens Valley has many Thermals to ride, making it an excellent paragliding destination. Early morning and late evening are the most popular times for paragliding. It is advisable to bring sunscreen, and several schools offer beginners lessons.
Hang glider pilots have been making the journey from the early seventies to the mid-nineties in this region. Before the flat-land flying sites of Texas and Florida emerged, Walt’s Point was a hot spot for long flights. Those seeking long flights are still flocking to this scenic location. Its spectacular vistas make it a popular destination for beginners and advanced pilots.
