Point of the Mountain

About

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. 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.

Launch Points (2)

North side HG Takeoff

Foot Launch

Alt: 1,558 m / 5,112 ftHdg: 354° NSurface: SHORT GRASS

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.

South Side Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 1,570 m / 5,151 ftHdg: 165° SSESurface: SHORT GRASS

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.

Landing Zones (3)

Flying Conditions

Has 2 different launch points. The best wind direction is 270 @ 10 knts but many sites can be flown from multiple directions, so check before you fly. You can expect to find: thermal conditions ridge soaring conditions cross country potential , all dependent on current weather conditions.