Parapente Montana de Oro State Park, CA

Montana de Oro State Park, located southwest of the City of Los Osos, offers a unique coastal soaring site with a long ridge ideal for dune flying. This site is sensitive and requires strict adherence to rules to maintain access. To reach the site, take Highway 101 to Los Osos Valley Road, which becomes Pecho Valley Road as it runs parallel to the coast. The main launch area is off the scenic bluffs, but note that a check-out by a SLOSA member is mandatory due to the site's conditional use permit. This permit also requires education on restricted areas, particularly those used by Snowy Plovers for nesting. Flying at Montana de Oro requires membership in both SLOSA and USHGA. Pilots must sign in at the trailhead before flying, providing their name, date, time, and wing colors. Only designated areas within the park boundaries can be used for launching and landing, and this information will be provided during the site check-out. Pilots should have a P-2 or H-2 rating and must be checked out by a local SLOSA member before flying. Helmets and reserve parachutes are mandatory, and all flights must comply with FAR Part 103. Dangerous maneuvers and commercial training are prohibited. The site can present significant hazards, including rotor behind ridges and at gully transitions. Afternoon winds can blow pilots into rotor zones, so it's crucial to stay on paths and land in open areas to avoid poison oak and other vegetation. The best flying conditions are with winds from the WSW to NW at 10-18 mph, typically when temperatures are cool (around 58°F). Spring and fall offer the best flying opportunities, with occasional convergence allowing for higher flights over the water. However, high onshore winds and thermal blocks can create turbulent conditions. Wing Type Uses: Paragliding (PG), Hang Gliding (HG), Mini-Wing Minimum Required Rating: P3/H3/M2 (P2/H2 with Instructor Supervision) Wind Strength (MPH): - PG: Minimum 5, Ideal 10, Maximum 15, Gust 10 - HG: Minimum 5, Ideal 15, Maximum 25, Gust 10 - Mini-wing: Minimum 10, Ideal 15, Maximum 25, Gust 10 Wind Direction (Degrees): Ideal 280-310, OK 270-320 For more information, visit the SLOSA site: [Montana de Oro Site Information](https://slosoar.org/montana-de-oro-site-information/) Please note that there is a no-fly zone from March 1 to September 30, and final approval from the parks is pending. New members must check in with a site monitor, and all members must sign in at the trailhead to help keep this site open.