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The switchbacks has a long history as a launch site for hang gliding and paragliding. Access the launch from the trailhead at the switch back where Lynx Way turns into Brownie Drive. There is limited parking so it's better to carpool up. Hike up the power line cut and follow the trail to the peak indicated on the map above. Click here to see a detailed view of the trail (requires Google Earth). The hike is about 1.1miles (1,400ft gain) to the lower launch and about 1.5 miles (1,700ft gain) to the much better upper launch. The hike takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
This site is nuts. There's really no better way to describe it. Launch early in the season and early in the day. There's a large band of rocks below the south facing launch which creates wickedly strong thermals. Don't linger close to the ground. Many pilots who make the XC run from Baldy to the nature center at the end of the Eagle River Valley find flying high over this area to be the roughest part of the flight. Rocket ship rides immediately after launch are the norm. Be careful!
- You have a high bump tolerance.
- The prevailing wind is light and from any direction that doesn't have a north component.
- Early in the day and in the season (April or earlier)
As with any site, it's best to contact experienced local pilots before trying out a new flying site.
Site Contacts/Orientators
The members listed below are available to provide guidance to pilots that are new to the flying site.
| Name | Cell | |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Bonney | 907-952-0708 |
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