For PG pilots, this web address has some more helpful info & photos: http://elpasoparagliding.c... Local club: Rio Grande Soaring Association (RGSA) http://www.rgsa.info

Getting there: 105°53'10.00'W x 32°55'38.50'N. Accessible by 4x4 only on a badly eroded US Forest Service Rd. Turnoff from main road is here: 105°53'6.71'W x 32°56'54.82'N. You will have to go to Google Earth to see the road. Ratings: This site is P3 because you have a very short space ( HG launch: This is where the F.S. road takes you. This is not the recommended launch for PGs. It is more difficult to inflate the wing there because of the steep hill and rotor. Make sure you have good kiting skills as PG pilot. NO TOP LANDING! PG launch: From the HG launch, hike east to a rock band. There is an opening that allows to walk down to a col where the launch is located. It is clear of bushes and features a perfect 30-40 degrees rolling slope, no rotors, and slightly lower winds. HG to PG launch is a 5-7 min hike. 105°53'3.58'W x 32°55'35.33'N You can soar the ridge for hours, go XC, or do a sledride of about 15 minutes. This is a fun site but there is substantial turbulence, especially in the spring and summer. Paragliders should launch before 10AM or after 4PM during the summer as it often gets blown out in between those times -- hang gliders only. In the fall and winter, PG is often good the whole day. For the longest PG flights, get to launch around noon or 1PM and wait until conditions are appropriate. This is not a crowded site. The LZ is a large flat mown grass field free of any obstructions (the best in the state!). 105°56'43.22'W x 32°55'42.17'N. It is located somewhat in the town and is visible from the HG launch. The glide ratio to get there from the takeoff is large: without any lift, PGs are unlikely to make it. It is recommended to leave the ridge and go for the LZ as soon as you drop below the first rock band. BEWARE OF HELICOPTERS FLYING LOW AND OVER THE LZ FROM/TO THE HOSPITAL. If you can't reach the main LZ, paragliders can safely land almost anywhere out in front of launch. The best bailout for PGs is the dirt road that runs SW to NE for a mile or so in way below and in front of launch (it is easily visible from launch). Another great option is a dirt road next to red roofed apartments and allows easy retrieval along Scenic Dr. Hang glider pilots should always land at the LZ! To takeoff: From HWY 54, go north past Alamogordo and turn east on HWY 82. Go about 5.7 miles and turn off to the right through a gate. Follow a Google Earth printout to the site. To LZ: From Hwy 54, take Fairgrounds Rd up towards the mountains. After a baseball field, the large LZ field is located on the left. There is a windsock and gazebo for shade. Takeoff is about 1:00 to 1:15 from the LZ. Don't land or fly too near the hospital due to helicopter traffic. There is a large restricted airspace (White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base) west of Hwy 54. There is the civil airport and its class C airspace south of the city. North and east of Hwy 54 is where most XC happens and is ok. Consult a sectional chart before going XC! Don't land or fly too near the hospital due to helicopter traffic. There is a large restricted airspace (White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base) west of Hwy 54. There is the civil airport and its class C airspace south of the city. North and east of Hwy 54 is where most XC happens and is ok. Consult a sectional chart before going XC!

DANGERS: If you see or hear thunderstorms to the east or see the white sand being kicked up 15 miles west of the site, GET DOWN! Beware of the typical very rough southwest desert air in the spring/summer.