Paragliding Box Canyon top, AZ

Located 30 minutes south of Tucson, on the west side of the Santa Rita Mountains in Arizona, this paragliding site offers year-round flying opportunities. The site is occasionally used and is suitable for thermal soaring and cross-country flights. The launch point is from Alazurra Peak at about 6100 feet MSL, with directions for southwest, west, and north winds. The landing zone (LZ) is a fairly large field at approximately 4400 feet MSL. Access to the launch involves a dirt forest road, with options for a 2WD vehicle to the LZ followed by a hike, or a 4WD vehicle for a shorter hike over USFS land. Conditions are best with southwest through north winds, and the site is particularly known for its wonderful evening glass-offs. However, pilots should be cautious of dehydration and heat exhaustion during hot weather, and should bring plenty of water for the hike up. Desert flying can be hazardous, especially in hot weather, and inexperienced pilots are advised to fly in the evenings under the guidance of a local pilot. Rain or virga in the desert can produce gust fronts and microbursts, so it's important to watch for overdevelopment or lines of moving dust. The desert vegetation can also be hazardous to wings. The site requires a P3 rating, or a P2 rating with an instructor or local guide. USHGA site insurance and membership are also required. The SAHGA club frequency is 151.925 (USHGA Ch. 2). Parking is available along the road near the LZ, but there are no facilities at the site. For more information, visitors should contact Aaron Cromer, the SAHGA PG Flight Director, at (520) 490-3333. In case of emergency, dial 911 for the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The nearest hospital is St. Mary's Hospital, located 10 miles north via Rt 19 to Rt 10, taking the Congress St. Exit, and heading west on Congress until it turns north into Silverbell, 0.5 miles north. For more details, visit the Southern Arizona Hang Glider Association's website at https://www.sahga.com/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sahgpa/. Additional information can also be found on the Flying Lizard Paragliding site: http://www.flyinglizardparagliding.com/sites.html.