Paragliding Owens Valley_McGee , CA

At an elevation of 2771 meters with a height difference of 190 meters, this site in the North of Owens Valley offers an easy yet rewarding paragliding experience. It's an unregulated launch site, making it a great spot for those looking for a bit of adventure. However, it's recommended for H3 pilots or H2 pilots with an instructor. Access to the site requires a 4WD vehicle due to the rugged, narrow, and rocky road leading to upper McGee. From the landing zone (LZ), it takes about 40 minutes to reach the top. This site is particularly beautiful in the morning, so aim to be ready to launch by 9:30-10 am. The launch area is rough and features Velcro bushes, which can be tricky for paragliders. The site can be challenging due to the rapidly changing West wind. Many pilots get caught waiting for better conditions on the launch pad, but it's often better to take off and wait in the sky while the conditions improve. Important guidelines include avoiding flying over the horses in the LZ and not landing in the green grass near them. Additionally, respect the no-fly zone near Mammoth Airport and ensure you are over 3,000 feet AGL when flying over Highway 395 and the surrounding 5-mile area of the airport. For more information, you can check out the following resources: - Sierra Nevada Facebook Group: [Sierra Pilots](https://m.facebook.com/groups/Sierra-Pilots-572758099419600/) - Sierra Nevada Weather Stations: [Sierra Gliding](https://sierragliding.us/?fbclid=IwAR0-uVwyKB6SH0TOXnw-BCBKfNsC1Ba57D8Tnz5_L166elVhzLU0Xrryde0) - Owens Valley Telegram Group: [Owens Valley Group](https://m.facebook.com/groups/572758099419600/permalink/4391826357512736/?m_entstream_source=group&paipv=0&eav=AfaGvwOO16ZEWumpX0jhChtkqMJ4B9jPQj8CuncWwKgaz2mLMKm7EhXvEY2Xvp1AQJg) - Owens Valley Flying Info: [Kari Castle](https://karicastle.com/owens-valley/) - Weather Forecast: [NOAA Forecast](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.589312&lon=-118.817501&site=rev&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text#.Y1k4JD1Bypo) Takeoff for paragliders is from a steep hillside clearing just below an east-facing switchback in the road overlooking Crowley Lake. Hang gliders can take off directly from the road. If you need to land early, aim for the area just east of Highway 395 next to the frontage road and north of the cattle range. Look for wind streamers tied to posts in the LZ area before heading up to launch. For more detailed weather information, visit: [Owens Valley Weather](http://karicastle.com/owens-valley-wx/) For additional site information, visit: [Wilder Adventures](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/926/mcgee-mammoth-lakes) and [BHGC](http://www.bhgc.org/sites/#site_mcgee-magee-ca)