Paragliding Dunlap, CA

Dunlap is located east of Fresno along Highway 180 on the route into King’s Canyon. The launch site is at 4600 feet MSL, and the landing zone (LZ) is at 2000 feet MSL, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This site is excellent for cross-country (XC) flying, but all XC flights need to be requested and approved by Dan Fleming or the Central Valley Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. The launch faces SSW and is frequently used for thermal soaring and XC flights. The site can be flown year-round, although access to the launch may be blocked by snow during stronger winters. Mid-day flying during summer months should only be attempted by expert pilots, but the site is ideal for morning and evening flights during this time of year. Greg Pierson, a pilot and active host, is often available at the LZ campground. Dunlap is a regulated P3 site, but P2 pilots can fly with an approved sponsor. All pilots must be members of USHPA and current with site fees. P3 and P4 pilots should get a site introduction and are required to join the Central Valley Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (CCHPA), which sponsors and insures the site. The annual fee for Dunlap is $75, and the day-use fee is $25, which includes camping at Dan’s LZ. For more information on joining the club and paying dues, visit [CCHPC Club](http://www.cchpc.club/join-e-member-waiver–paypal.html). The primary LZ is owned by Dan Fleming. For contact information and details about camping at the LZ campground, visit [Dunlap Landing](http://dunlaplanding.com/). For weather updates, you can check the [Sierra Nevada weather stations](https://sierragliding.us/?fbclid=IwAR0-uVwyKB6SH0TOXnw-BCBKfNsC1Ba57D8Tnz5_L166elVhzLU0Xrryde0) and the [National Weather Service](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.764134&lon=-119.097631&site=rev&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text#.Y1j-3D1Bypo). The takeoff area has a large flat setup area behind the launch, with two launch areas on each side of the cabin. The landing zone is spacious with several wind indicators. Dunlap is very consistent from spring through early fall, although early spring may bring low cloud bases and overdevelopment. Access to Dunlap is via Highway 180 East from Fresno. This site is a favorite among Bay Area pilots and is a good place to learn thermalling, often with P4 sponsors. Small-scale XCs are common, running up and down and across Dunlap Valley. For longer XCs, pilots must navigate a few miles of rolling hills with weak lift and occasionally limited landing options. Dunlap is also a popular site for BAPA's XC League events, held at least twice a year. For more information, you can visit: - [Sierra Nevada FB Group](https://m.facebook.com/groups/Sierra-Pilots-572758099419600/) - [Wilder Adventures](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/762/dunlap) - [Fly Zephyr](http://www.flyzephyr.com/dunlap.htm) - [Paragliding Lessons](https://www.paragliding-lessons.com/dunlap-flying-site/) - [BHGC](http://www.bhgc.org/sites/#site_dunlap-ca)