Conditions Optimales
Description
Mt. Tamalpais, located north of San Francisco between Mill Valley and Stinson Beach, offers one of the most scenic paragliding experiences in California. With unobstructed panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, and the Bay and Delta waters, it’s a site that promises breathtaking flights. The mountain is surrounded by popular hiking trails, and Stinson Beach lies below, providing a picturesque landing zone.
The Marin County Hang Gliding Association (MCHGA) manages hang gliding and paragliding activities on Mt. Tam through special use permits from the State of California and the County of Marin Department of Parks and Recreation. There are three launch sites on the mountain, all facing south to northwest at approximately 2000 ft. MSL. The landing zone is near the north end of Stinson Beach. It’s crucial to check tide tables for high tides, especially during winter and spring.
The best season for flying at Mt. Tam is during winter and spring when storms bring instability, creating excellent soaring conditions. However, the site can be challenging due to multiple ridges that often result in turbulent conditions when wind velocities exceed 15 mph. Pilots should be cautious of the persistent rotor that sets up at 'B' Launch in NW winds.
Pilots must adhere to specific rules and procedures to maintain the privilege of flying at Mt. Tam. A Hang III or P III (intermediate) rating is required to obtain a sticker to fly the site. All pilots need a site introduction before their first flight, and P III pilots must have an authorized sponsor for their initial flight. An annual sticker fee is required, which covers site insurance, State Park permits, and general upkeep.
Driving Instructions:
From Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, take the 'Stinson Beach / Hwy 1' exit. Follow Shoreline Hwy and Hwy 1 for about 1/2 mile to Tam Junction, then turn left at the traffic signal. Continue west on Hwy 1 for 2.7 miles and look for the sign directing you to turn right onto Panoramic Hwy for Mt. Tam and Muir Woods. About 0.8 miles up Panoramic, you will reach a wide intersection shaped like a crooked pitchfork. Take the middle fork to continue on Panoramic. Follow Panoramic for another 4.4 miles to its highest point. On your left, you will see the Pantoll Ranger Station, and on the right will be Pantoll Rd. Ahead, the highway will begin descending to Stinson Beach and the landing zone. Pilots must sign in at the ranger station before flying.
To reach the launch sites, take Pantoll Rd 1.4 miles to its end at Rock Spring. Turn left onto W. Ridgecrest Blvd. 'A' launch is 0.4 miles up the road (not visible from the road), 'B' launch is 0.3 miles further and plainly visible next to the road, and 'C' launch is 0.9 miles beyond that.
For more information, visit:
- [Wilder Adventures](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/978/mt-tamalpais-stinson-beach)
- [BHGC](http://www.bhgc.org/sites/#site_mount-tamalpais-mt-tam-ca)
- [Weather Forecast](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.911167&lon=-122.624422&site=rev&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text#.Y1lZ6D1Bypo)
- [MCHGA](http://mchga.org/site.shtml)
- [Fly Zephyr](http://www.flyzephyr.com/mt-tamalpais.html)
- [Weather](http://mchga.org/weather.shtml)
- [Wind Alert](https://windalert.com/spot/13238)
Emergency Assistance:
On the mountain, contact any State Ranger vehicle or the Pan Toll Ranger Station at 415.388.2070. On the beach, use the Stinson Beach Fire Department emergency number, 415.868.1616.
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