Paragliding in Arizona is one of the most rewarding things a flight loving beginner or a paragliding enthusiast can do. There are many mountains and canyons, which mixed with suitable cumulus clouds and high elevation creates excellent thermals for paragliding. There are even some good paragliding locations in the desert. It’s no wonder that Arizona attracts paragliding enthusiasts from nearby states such as California, and has its own cult following with locals.
Apache Maid
Apache Maid is located in the Coconino National Forest, near Flagstaff. The steep hills offer some excellent paragliding with great views. It’s recommended however, that this is a spot for intermediate to advanced paragliders and not for beginners. This is due to the strong thermals and strong winds which can change suddenly, giving novice paragliding pilots a shock. It’s also got a steep drop-off. However, this also provides a challenge for pilots who need it, and creates a sense of achievement.
Box Canyon
Box Canyon is located only a 40 minute drive south of Tucson, on the western side of the Santa Rita Mountains. Great conditions can be found all year round, however pilots should really look for northwest winds. Great thermals conditions can be found around midday.
There are three launch areas at Box Canyon. The lower launch is an 800’ hike above the landing zone. The middle launch is west facing and the highest launch is on Alazurra Peak.
Pilots should come prepared, especially in the event that they have to land earlier than expected. There are many cliffs and steep valleys below the launch areas. These have little to no cell phone reception. The vegetation can easily tear a paraglider wing and rattlesnakes have been spotted in the area. Due to the frequent hot weather it’s also a good idea to carry sufficient water in case you have to walk for longer than expected.
Humboldt
Humboldt is a great paragliding location for beginners or those seeking some pleasant and easily accessible paragliding. It’s located in the Dewey-Humboldt town and doesn’t have the rocky terrain, strong winds or extreme heat which some of the other locations in Arizona, such as Box Canyon can offer. Pilots can soar over the Dewey-Humboldt town.
Miller Canyon
Miller Canyon is located two hours south of Tucson, close to the southern border of Arizona on the east side of Huachuca mountains. It has a reputation and is often talked up by locals and paragliders in Arizona, but don’t get caught up in the hype unless you’re experienced. The winds can be strong and unpredictable. It’s a great place to paraglide with views of the nearby canyons and desert. At the landing site there is a camping ground and a bar.
Common wind patterns are light south-easterly winds in the morning, changing to stronger north-westerly winds in the afternoon. The best launching conditions are light south-east winds.
Mingus
The Arizona Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association describe Mingus Mountain as the “AZHPA’s premier flying site”. But really it’s more than that, it’s regarded by many as one of the best paragliding sites in the United States. It features two cliff launches – one is a purpose built concrete launch ramp, the second is a grass launch ramp. There are plenty of great XC opportunities here, paragliding in a north west and east directions.
The best time to launch is midday/early afternoon, as the winds can switch west later in the day. There are nearby camping and toilet facilities.
Oatman
This is one of those hidden gems that you’ll love. There is a south launch which is great for ridge soaring or for catching onto some thermals. There is also a north launch facing a small valley. There are some great mountain views to be had when paragliding here. Pilots at both launches should be careful for cross winds when launching. There are also a number of telecommunications antennas near the north launch and power lines near the landing zone. Also look out for high speed jets on weekdays. Those who consider these risks can enjoy some amazing paragliding.
Shaw Butte
Shaw Butte is the place to paraglide in the Phoenix area, all paragliding enthusiasts should try this at least once! The views of Phoenix are spectacular. It’s also very accessible, with four wheel drives permitted to take pilots to the launch site. Conditions are excellent throughout most of the year, a common exception being the hottest summer days due to turbulence.
There are a few rules here:
- all pilots must be USHPA and AZHPA members
- All pilots must also sign in before flying, the sign in sheet is held in a steel box at the launch area
- Pilots must have a H3 or P3 rating or higher
- Pilots must submit a liability release waiver to AZHPA
South Mountain
South Mountain Park in the southern part of Phoenix, is the biggest municipal park in the world. The park is 13 miles long and has a variety of mountains and some excellent paragliding opportunities.
There are a few rules to flying here, but don’t worry, it’s worth jumping through a couple of hoops to make it happen:
- Must be members of AZHPA and USHPA
- H2 and H3 pilots require a H3 or P3 or higher USHPA rated sponsor present while paragliding
- Pilots cannot run commercial operations or lessons within the park
- Pilots must submit a liability release waiver to AZHPA before flying
- And as a general rule, only launch and land in the designated areas, as there are many other recreational activities conducted here (such as horse riding, cycling etc)
There are two launch sites, a south launch facing 180 degrees with winds SSE to SSQ and a north launch facing 340 degrees with winds NW to NNE.
Useful Links
United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association: https://www.ushpa.org/
Arizona Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association: https://azhpa.org/
South Arizona Hang Glider Association: http://www.sahga.com/
