Located 7 miles NNW of Calistoga in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, the Middle Spine Launch offers paragliding enthusiasts a unique flying experience. The launch site sits at an elevation of 3,800 feet, with the top of the mountain reaching 4,343 feet MSL. This site is occasionally used and is known for thermal soaring, with potential for cross-country flights.
The old Tower Launch is now closed due to property disputes, so pilots must use the Middle Spine Launch. To access the site, you must call 707-942-4575 at least 24 hours in advance. The site allows a maximum of 4 vehicles and 12 pilots.
The best seasons for flying are spring and fall, as summer thermals are typically weak and rough. The site is rated for H4/P4 pilots, but H3/P3 pilots can fly if sponsored by Sonoma Wings. All pilots must be current USHPA members and either members of Sonoma Wings or sponsored guests. Mini-wings are prohibited.
Caution is advised due to the locked gate on the road to launch and the 6:1 glide out. Vineyards are abundant, and there are few safe landing zones on the way to Knights Valley. Bailout landing zones are for emergency use only.
In summer, the marine airmass from the south usually dominates, making soaring conditions poor. The best flying conditions are typically found in spring and sometimes in fall. Typical altitudes over the mountain range from 5,000 to 6,000 feet MSL, with records reaching up to 13,000 feet. Over the back, altitudes can reach 11,000 feet at Crazy Creek. Thermals can be rough over the big rocks at the North Peak, but early in the year, the valley and landing zones can be smoother.
Cross-country flights south down the Napa Valley are possible but not recommended due to the scarcity of landing zones. Pope Valley offers a better route to Lake Berryessa and the Blue Ridge. The site record is over 100 miles to the eastern Central Valley, but pilots should be cautious of restricted airspace near Travis and Sacramento.
The primary landing zone is a large field in Knights Valley, which is privately owned. Pilots are fortunate to have access to this field, as most other areas are vineyards. The gate is usually locked, and pilots should not climb over gates or fences. The field often has cows and bulls, which can be a nuisance when breaking down equipment. Conditions are usually light winds out of the W or NW, and the landing zone can be floaty, so land a ways out. Spring winds can sometimes be strong and turbulent, especially on the ground, so watch out for wires and turbulence from trees.
All Robert Louis Stevenson State Park rules and regulations must be observed. Pilots and their guests are responsible for knowing these rules. The Site Director or the senior Sonoma Wings Committee member present will ensure that park rules, club rules, and safe operating procedures are followed. Speed wings are not allowed. Use is limited to 4 vehicles and 12 pilots maximum. Drivers must exercise extreme caution while driving on park roads due to hikers, not exceeding 15 mph and going dead slow when passing hikers. Dogs and smoking are not allowed in the park. Hang glider vehicles must stay on designated roads and are not allowed on the road to the North Peak. All streamers and windsocks must be removed at the end of each day, and drivers must ensure that the gate is locked when leaving the park.
For more information, visit:
- [Sonoma Wings - St. Helena](http://www.sonomawings.com/site/helena.htm)
- [St. Helena to Elk Creek](https://www.sutphin-gray.com/paragliding/st-helena-to-elk-creek/)
- [Image Gallery](http://imageevent.com/wind2walk/sthelena)
- [BHGC Site Information](http://www.bhgc.org/sites/#site_st-helena-ca)
Watch a video of the site here: [YouTube Video](
Click to watch video
)
