Point of the Mountain – Site Guide - The Hang Gliding Files

Site Information

North America – USA – Utah

Point Of the Mountain is a world-class hang gliding site located in Draper, Utah, about 24 miles south of Salt Lake City. It is a state recreation area that is jointly managed by Utah State Parks and Recreation and the Utah Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (UHGPGA). It offers consistent and smooth winds for both beginners and experts and allows flying from either side of the mountain depending on the wind direction.

The unique flying options of the North Side and the South Side

There are two main launch sites: The North Side and The South Side. The North Side is a very large and steep sand hill with a bench ridge in front that faces north and overlooks the Salt Lake Valley. It is suitable for all skill levels and has plenty of landing options. The South Side is a smooth unobstructed dirt/gravel slope that faces south and overlooks Utah Lake.

The South Side

The launch coordinates for the South Side are 40.4955° N, 111.8883° W, and the elevation is 5,100 feet. The landing coordinates are 40.4938° N, 111.8886° W, and the elevation is 4,700 feet.

The South Side launch is a steep dirt slope that faces south and overlooks Utah Lake. It is natures very own wing tunnel producing the most consistent conditions of almost any site worldwide.

It is soarable almost every day in the mornings due to the predictable air flow of this valley caused by the uneven heating during the day between the Utah Lake to the south and The Great Salt Lake to the north. The south wind is usually smooth and steady, creating laminar air flow that makes training and learning soaring and technique very easy. Top landings are easy and predicable, allowing pilots to launch, fly, relaunch at virtually any time. You can even perfect your touch and go’s right on the lip of the ridge! This also a premium training site. Beginners to Experts are all flying this site on any given day. Also expect to see a lot of paragliders!

The South Side launch is best for south winds between 14 and 25 miles per hour. To launch from the South Side, you need to have a USHPA rating of H3/P3 or higher after 10 AM. You also need to follow the UHGPGA site rules and guidelines.

The North Side

The launch coordinates for the North Side are 40.4989° N, 111.8879° W, and the elevation is 4,900 feet. The landing coordinates are 40.4965° N, 111.8881° W, and the elevation is 4,600 feet.

The North Side hang glider launch is a flat gravel ridge that faces north and overlooks the Salt Lake Valley. It is suitable for all skill levels and has plenty of landing options below and you can easily top land right next to your car making this one of the easiest and most convenient flying sites you will find anywhere.

The North Side launch is soarable almost every day in the evenings due to the predictable air flow switch that occurs most days as the two lakes heat at different rates. The north wind is usually smooth and consistent, producing smooth lift when it hits this huge sand pile. The North Side launch can handle hundreds of aircraft (both hang gliders and paragliders) on a good day, and you will find someone flying here on any flyable day.

The standard way to fly this site is to launch from the Bench, which is a lower ridge that is in front of the main ridge with a huge flat area for setup and top landing between the two ridges. You soar up from the Bench and then transition back to the main ridge to get really high. This is known as Benching Up. This site even has thermals and cross-country flying is possible.

The North Side launch is best for north winds between 14 and 25 miles per hour. To launch from the North Side, you need to have a USHPA rating of H2/P2 or higher before 10 AM, and H1/P1 or higher after 10 AM. You also need to follow the UHGPGA site rules and guidelines.

Location and Directions

Point of the Mountain is located in Draper, Utah, about 24 miles south of Salt Lake City. It is easily accessible from Interstate 15, which runs along the east side of the mountain.

To get to the North Side launch site, take Exit 288 off Interstate 15 and drive east to the frontage road, which is called Minuteman Drive. Turn right and follow it south for about 2.5 miles. Turn left on the dirt road just past the construction buildings. There is a sign for “Point of the Mountain Flight Park”. Follow the road up to the top of the mesa and turn left into the parking area.

To get to the South Side launch site, take Exit 291 off Interstate 15 and drive west on 12300 South. Turn right on State Street and follow it south for about 2 miles. Turn left on Highland Drive and follow it west for about 1 mile. Turn right on Traverse Ridge Road and follow it up the mountain for about 2 miles. Turn left on Steep Mountain Drive and follow it to the end. There is a sign for “Point of the Mountain Flight Park”.

Park in the designated area and walk up to the launch site.

Flying Conditions and Restrictions

Point Of The Mountain is famous for its reliable lifting air currents and stunning views ¹. Whenever the wind blows north or south between 14 and 25 miles an hour, hang gliders are able to soar – maintain or increase altitude with no added thrust – and may fly for hours at a time ¹. The best flying conditions are usually in the morning and evening, when the wind is smooth and steady. The wind direction determines which side of the mountain to fly from. The North Side is best for north winds, and the South Side is best for south winds.

There are some restrictions and safety requirements for flying at Point of the Mountain. All pilots must have a current USHPA membership and rating and follow the UHGPGA site rules and guidelines. Pilots must also respect the airspace regulations and avoid flying over restricted areas such as prisons, power plants, or military bases. Pilots must also be aware of other traffic in the air, such as model airplanes, helicopters, or birds, and avoid collisions. Pilots must also land safely and clear the landing area as soon as possible.