Paragliding Samaniego Ridge Mt Lemmon lower, AZ

Samaniego Ridge launch on Mt. Lemmon in the Santa Catalina mountain range near Tucson, Arizona, USA, offers a challenging yet rewarding paragliding experience. The site is occasionally used and involves a long hike, making it not the easiest option for pilots. The launch site is situated at an elevation of 8,150 feet with a height difference of 1,568 meters. The hike to the launch point is about two miles with a 1,000-foot vertical descent, taking approximately an hour. This hike is mostly downhill, but it is essential to be prepared for the physical effort required. The site is best flown in light northwest to west conditions. It is crucial to contact the Southern Arizona Hang Glider Association (SAHGA) before flying, as the Mt. Lemmon HG Launch is a restricted site. Flying here without a guide can be dangerous due to the specific wind conditions and terrain. For paragliding, the ideal wind speeds are between 3-12 mph, with a maximum gust of 4 mph over three seconds. The optimal wind direction is between 265°-275°, with caution advised for directions between 250°-285°. The setup area is above the launch slope, and there are no tie-downs available. After launching, it is recommended to fly straight out through the canyon and avoid lingering for lift until reaching Samaniego Ridge to the north. This ridge is known for producing reliable lift, which is where pilots typically get established. Be aware of the wave effect often present in the canyons directly in front of both Styler's and Samaniego Ridge launches. If the lift at Samaniego Ridge is not sufficient or when ready to land, follow the terrain down toward the landing zone (LZ), keeping the trail on your left. There are a couple of bail-out landing options along the trail if you fall short of the LZ. For more detailed information, visit the SAHGA website: [SAHGA Flying Sites - Mount Lemmon](https://www.sahga.com/flying-sites/mount-lemmon). Watch videos of flights from this site: - [Video 1]( ) - [Video 2]( )