Best Conditions
Description
Mt. Tamalpais, often referred to as Mt. Tam, is a popular paragliding site located north of San Francisco, between Mill Valley and Stinson Beach. The site offers unobstructed panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, and the Bay and Delta waters, making it one of the most scenic mountain sites in California. The area is also known for its numerous hiking trails and the nearby Stinson Beach.
The Marin County Hang Gliding Association (MCHGA) manages hang gliding and paragliding activities on Mt. Tam through special use permits with State and County agencies. There are three launch sites facing generally south to west, all situated at approximately 2000 feet MSL. The landing zone is located near the north end of Stinson Beach. Pilots should check the tide table for high tides, especially during the winter and spring seasons.
The best time to fly at Mt. Tam is during winter and spring when storms bring instability, creating favorable soaring conditions. However, the site can be challenging due to multiple ridges that often result in turbulent conditions when wind velocities exceed 15 mph. In post-frontal conditions, the wind frequently shifts to the northwest, creating a persistent rotor at 'B' Launch.
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 must get a site introduction before their first flight and pay an annual sticker fee, which covers site insurance, State Park permits, and general upkeep.
Driving instructions to the site are as follows: From Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, take the 'Stinson Beach / Hwy 1' exit. Follow Shoreline Hwy and Hwy 1 for about half a mile to Tam Junction, then turn left at the traffic signal. Continue west on Hwy 1 for 2.7 miles, then turn right onto Panoramic Hwy for Mt. Tam and Muir Woods. Follow Panoramic Hwy for another 4.4 miles to the Pantoll Ranger Station, where pilots must sign in before flying. To reach the launch sites, take Pantoll Rd for 1.4 miles to its end at Rock Spring, then turn left onto W. Ridgecrest Blvd. 'A' launch is 0.4 miles up the road, 'B' launch is 0.3 miles further, and 'C' launch is 0.9 miles beyond that.
For more information, visit the following links:
- [Marin County Hang Gliding Association](http://mchga.org/site.shtml)
- [Mt. Tamalpais Weather Forecast](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.911167&lon=-122.624422&site=rev&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text#.Y1lZ6D1Bypo)
- [Fly Zephyr Mt. Tamalpais](http://www.flyzephyr.com/mt-tamalpais.html)
Emergency assistance can be obtained by stopping any State Ranger vehicle on the mountain or contacting the Pan Toll Ranger Station at 415.388.2070. On the beach, use the Stinson Beach Fire Department emergency number, 415.868.1616.
Remember, flying at Mt. Tamalpais is a privilege, not a right. Use common sense and sound judgment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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