Dunlap North at Mt. Sampson is a popular paragliding and hang gliding site located near Dunlap, California. The launch site is situated near the top of Mt. Sampson, offering a stunning view of the Dunlap valley, with the landing zone located in the southern part of the valley.
This site is rated for P3 and H3 pilots due to its semi-arid mountain conditions, which can become quite strong, windy, and turbulent during midday. Optimal wind conditions for paragliders are 5-8 mph with gusts up to 12 mph, while hang gliders prefer 10-12 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
Before flying, pilots must sign an online waiver, become a member of the local club, and show proof of current USHPA membership. Temporary members must be accompanied by a full member to gain access to the site.
For your first flight, it's recommended to contact a club officer or a local pilot to get familiarized with the site and maintain good relationships with the landowners. The CCHPC manages this flying site, and all pilots must adhere to the rules and guidelines to ensure continued access.
The launch area is accessed via FS 13S97 off Hwy 180 Road, and then FS 12519 to Sequoia Highlands Camp. The road is initially paved but turns to gravel. Full members can get the gate combination from a club officer, while temporary members must be accompanied by a full member.
The launch area is sloped and slightly off-camber, suitable for all rated pilots. After launching, pilots should fly south and look for thermals to gain altitude. A known house thermal exists one ridge over and in front, which is crucial for staying aloft.
The landing area can become turbulent during midday, with changing wind directions and strength. Pilots should pay attention to windsocks and look for dust devils. The area is large, so avoid unnecessary risks for spot landings. Valley winds can become strong, making the trip to the LZ risky or impossible. Mini-wings are not allowed due to the shallow glide slope.
For more information, visit the [CCHPC website](http://www.cchpc.club/dunlap-north-at-mt-sampson.html) or watch this [YouTube video](
Click to watch video
).
For incidents and accidents, report to the national organization via this [link](https://airs.ushpa.aero/) and notify the club.
