Site Information

Lookout Mountain, also known as Mount Zion, is a hang gliding site located 15 miles west of Denver, near the town of Golden, Colorado. It is the most used site by pilots in Denver, and also one of the hardest HG sites in the world to soar at¹. But don’t let that scare you away. Flying at Lookout Mountain will teach you advanced skills and reward you with amazing views and experiences¹. The site is administered by Hang Glide Colorado, a hang gliding school and tandem operation run by BJ Herring¹². The site requires an advanced rating (P3 or H3) and USHPA membership. You will also need a helmet and a reserve parachute for safety¹. Before flying, you will need to sign a waiver and contact BJ Herring, the local instructor and site administrator. You can reach him at (303) 513-0998 or [email protected]¹.

The site has only 900 feet of vertical, virtually no ridge lift in most conditions, and a ridiculously difficult landing area¹. This means that you will need to master thermalling skills, launch timing techniques, scratch ridge soaring, thermal cycle prediction and management, top landing where no top landing should be done, and restricted landing practice in an LZ you would never choose while flying XC¹. If you can do all that, you will be rewarded with great flights, long cross countries, and hours of enjoyable soaring¹! The site is free to use, but you will need to respect the landowners and neighbors who live nearby. Do not fly over houses or roads, do not land in prohibited areas, do not fly in strong winds or thunderstorms, and follow all FAA regulations¹.

The locations and directions of the launch and landing areas are as follows:

• Launch: Lookout Mountain Launch (39.7465° N, -105.2410° W), elevation 2076 m (6808 ft) MSL¹².
• Landing: Lookout Mountain LZ (39.7441° N, -105.2454° W), elevation 1829 m (6000 ft) MSL².
• Directions to launch from Denver: Drive to Golden and take the road to Buffalo Bill’s Grave. Along that road near the top and next to the big M painted onto the mountain, you will find road side parking next to launch¹.
• Directions to LZ from launch: Drive down the road to Buffalo Bill’s Grave and turn left onto Lookout Mountain Road. Follow this road for about 1.5 miles until you see a dirt road on your right with a sign that says “Hang Gliding Landing Zone”. Turn right onto this road and follow it until you reach the LZ².

Flying Conditions and Restrictions

The site has several hazards and limitations that pilots should be aware of, such as:

The optimal wind direction for flying at Lookout Mountain is east to northeast (south east is possible but not ideal)¹. The optimal wind speed is 5 to 15 mph¹. The weather is sunny and dry most of the year, but cold and snowy in winter¹. Thunderstorms are possible in summer, so avoid flying when they are nearby¹.

Pilots should always check the weather forecast and the current conditions before flying. They should also consult with the local instructor and other experienced pilots for advice and guidance. Pilots should never fly beyond their skill level or comfort zone, and always have an escape plan in case of an emergency.

• The LZ is small, sloped, and surrounded by power lines, trees, and houses¹².
• The site is affected by the mountain wave phenomenon, which can create strong turbulence and downdrafts¹².

Best Times to Fly and Visit

The best times to fly at Lookout Mountain depend on the weather conditions and your personal preferences. Generally, the site is open year-round, but some seasons may offer better flying opportunities than others¹². Here are some factors to consider when planning your visit:

• Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for flying, as they offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and moderate winds¹².
• Summer can be hot and humid, but also offers the best chance of thermals and cross-country flights¹². However, thunderstorms are also more likely in summer, so be prepared to cancel or reschedule your flight if they are nearby¹.
• Winter can be cold and snowy, but also offers some smooth and stable flights for those who don’t mind the chill¹². However, winter flights are more dependent on the wind direction and speed, and may require more layers of clothing and equipment¹².
• The site is busiest on weekends and holidays, so you may want to book your flight in advance or choose a weekday if you prefer less crowds¹².
• The site offers regular social events every Saturday night throughout the summer, and you can almost always count on attending a bonfire to fellowship after a full day of flying³. You may want to join these events if you are looking for some fun and camaraderie with other pilots³.

According to the Hang Gliding Files website¹, some of the record flights from Lookout Mountain are:

• Longest distance: 205 miles by John Heiney in 1998
• Longest duration: 7 hours 45 minutes by BJ Herring in 2019
• Highest altitude: 18,000 feet by BJ Herring in 2019

More Information

If you want to learn more about flying at Lookout Mountain, here are some useful resources and contacts:

• Hang Glide Colorado: This is the official website of the local instructor and site administrator, BJ Herring. You can find information about tandem flights, flight school, equipment rental, and more. You can also contact him by phone or email for any questions or reservations. Website: https://www.hangglidecolorado.com/ Phone: (303) 513-0998 Email: [email protected]
• The Hang Gliding Files: This is a website created by a hang gliding enthusiast who has flown at many sites around the world. He has written a detailed site guide for Lookout Mountain, with photos, videos, maps, and tips. You can also find site guides for other hang gliding locations in Colorado and beyond. Website: https://thehangglidingfiles.com/lookout-mountain/

We hope this site guide has been helpful and informative for you. If you decide to fly at Lookout Mountain, we wish you a safe and enjoyable flight!