Hang Gliding & Paragliding
Hang Gliding and Paragliding has become one of the fastest growing adventure sports in Utah. It is so popular, the state designated the famed site “The Point” as a Flight Park State Recreation Area. Commuters experience various hang gliders taking flight off I-15. The Point, however, is not the only launching site. In Utah County alone, there are three additional sites. The following list is all Utah County opportunities to hang glide or paraglide.
The Point-North Side
The North Side of The Point of The Mountain Flight Park is located just off of I-15 at 5 Steep Mountain Drive, Draper, Utah, United States, 84020.You must be a current rated pilot of USHGA and a member of the UHGPGA to fly this site.Recommended Radio frequency for visiting pilots: 151.955
The Point-South Side
The South Side of The Point of The Mountain Flight Park is located just off of I-15 via the frontage road to Bluffdale. You must be a current rated pilot of USHGA and a member of the UHGPGA to fly this site.Recommended Radio frequency for visiting pilots: 151.955
Camels
Location: Above Springville, Utah - 2 hours from Salt Lake City
Altitude: 7800'
Vertical: 3500'
Description: Not used very often due to the "gnarly" dirt road and distance from Salt Lake. Some cross-country potential. Good for newer mountain flying and thermal ling pilots. Some of the first paragliding cross- country flights were done from here.
Inspiration Point
Location: above Orem UT - 1 hour South of Salt Lake City - Exit 275
Altitude: 6700'
Vertical: 1800'
Description: The most used site after the Point of the Mountain. Paved road to launch. This LZ and the one at Grandeur can only be used when school is not in session. Good cross-country potential. Very consistent thermal ling conditions. Climbs to 15,500 ft on the better days. Used by newer thermal ling and cross-country pilots. Can turn into a very advanced site.
West Mountain
Location: 1 1/2 hours south of Salt Lake City on south edge of Utah Lake - Springville Exit 265
Altitude: 6900'
Vertical: 2300'
Description: This site requires some caution but can be good for new mountain flying pilots. The LZ is huge and everywhere! Can be good thermalling, poor cross-country potential. Weird air potential is high if any wind above 8 or strong thermal conditions. There is also a North launch on the other side of the mountain facing Utah Lake.
Information Courtesy of Utah Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association, www.uhgpga.org.