Paragliding Curtis Canyon 1, WY

Curtis Canyon, Wyoming, USA Elevation: 2150 m Height Difference: 120 m Curtis Canyon is occasionally used for thermal soaring and scenic ridge soaring, with potential for small cross-country flights. It serves as an alternative to Beaver/Snow King when the wind there is too strong (W/NW). The site is accessible by driving up with a high-clearance vehicle. Flights: The site record is 5.0 km. How to Get There: Drive through the Elk Refuge and turn towards Curtis Canyon. After four switchbacks, you will see a turnout just before a campground on top of a bald knoll facing the Tetons. You can launch here or hike up south for 5 minutes for a higher launch. Conditions for Flying: West to WNW winds are best, with speeds between 12 – 18 mph. Curtis Canyon serves as a local training hill and popular evening soaring site, working best in W-NW flow. It features multiple spots for launching and kiting that are easily accessible by car or a quick hike. Locals appreciate Curtis for its accessibility, sunset views of the Teton Range, and potential for long evening soars in friendly lift. It also serves as a goal for occasional mini-XC flights from Snow King Resort in town. Curtis Canyon is suitable for P2/H2 minimum pilots. Please contact a club member before visiting any flying sites. Getting There: A 25-minute drive from downtown Jackson on dirt roads (2WD/low clearance is sufficient). Parking is available at the Middle Bench, just north of the Curtis Canyon Campground entrance. The Upper Bench is a short 10-minute hike from the parking area. Launch Details: The Upper Bench (7350’) is the preferred launch for soaring and extended flights. This flat clearing in the trees faces WNW and is a mix of grasses, sage, and occasional boulders. Note that the trees and slightly cupped terrain funnel wind into the launch, often making the direction appear more straight-in than it may truly be; check cycles at the Middle Bench before hiking up. Wind is strongest atop the Upper Bench as it’s right in the “power band” of the ridge lift. Hiking down below the lip and inflating from a rosette is a great high-wind launch strategy on flyable strong evenings. The Middle Bench (7050’) is located on the west side of the parking area and is the preferred landing spot after soaring the Upper Bench. It is arguably the best spot for kiting in the valley and is launchable for a quick sledder to the lower LZ in light W/NW winds when there is no risk of rotor from the Lower Bench below. It has been launched by a solo wheelchair-using pilot, and in just the right conditions, it may be possible to bench up from here to the Upper Bench. It is a great spot to enjoy a beer and watch the sunset after flying. The Lower Bench (6800’) is ideal for new or rusty pilots to practice launches, landings, and kiting. This west-facing, grassy feature is just upslope and above the road from the Lower LZ. Flights from the Lower Bench to the Lower LZ are short, generally without time for the pilot to get into the harness. After landing, ball up your wing and hike back up for another lap, or practice your uphill kiting skills and keep it overhead the whole way back to the top. Be Aware Of: The Elk Refuge borders the lower LZ to the west. Landing in the Elk Refuge is prohibited. This site is closed seasonally from Dec. 1st to April 30th due to critical wildlife habitat. Mind the Lower LZ: its gentle slope means it can be easily over-flown. Thermic bubbles in the LZ are common, especially during hot midsummer days, and can also contribute to the risk of over-flying. Set yourself up for a low final approach. If kiting at the Middle Bench, Lower Bench, or LZ, be aware of airspace. Set your wing down if another pilot is approaching for a landing. Watch for the air to turn catabatic and flow downhill around sunset. Operating Parameters: Ideal wind direction: 270-320 degrees Wind strength: minimum 0 mph, maximum 18 mph; ideal 10 mph For more information, visit: http://www.jhparagliding.com/paragliding-around-jackson-hole/ Club: https://www.jhffc.org/curtis