Paragliding Stovepipe WSW De Beque, CO

Stove offers magical evening soaring and thermic flying. Located on BLM land with a vertical relief of over 500 meters (1500+ feet), it provides a commanding view of the desert from above the stunning Book Cliffs. This site is occasionally used, primarily for thermal soaring and cross-country flights eastbound along the ridge. Minimum Pilot Rating: P3 Driving Directions: Take Hwy 139 North from the Loma gas station. At 12.1 miles, take the BLM dirt road all the way to the base of the Book Cliffs. Driving GPS Location: 39°22'17.0"N 108°48'47.6"W Launch: The main launch faces WSW, with a NW launch located above the main launch near the weather station. Please avoid disturbing the small tree on the SE side of the launch area. The takeoff requires strong launching skills and has limited room for aborting. Launch GPS Location: [Not provided] Landing: Preferred landing is in the desert to the south. Landing GPS Location: [Not provided] Site Briefing: During the summer, it's best to launch at 6pm or later. You can launch any time during the winter months (December - February). Launching mid-day during the summer is highly discouraged. Hike up the ridge line until you reach the launch coordinates. Typically, you can soar right in front of the launch or catch the house thermal located just down the launch ridge. Once above the Book Cliffs, enjoy hours of magical evening air. Great flights can be had staying local, venturing north along Douglas Pass Road, or heading east along the Book Cliffs. Be aware of the airspace north of Grand Junction Airport. Access Notes: The south entrance is preferred, allowing you to land right next to your car. If landing early, be vigilant for dust devils. Flyable Conditions: Winds should be below 17mph on launch. The site is flyable with winds from the NorthWest, West, SouthWest, and South. Stovepipe Weather Station: [Link not provided] Other Info: Radio Frequency: 151.955 (No DCS) Telegram Chat: Western Slope XC For more information, contact High Desert Paragliding: [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/500808716694045/) The local club is somewhat unofficial, but the Facebook page serves as a great way to see who is heading out to fly. There are no membership fees, but the club asks that you sign in at the registry at each of their sites. This helps prove land use to the BLM and maintain the road. Telegram group of the club: [Telegram Group](https://t.me/+198SZbImzfU2ZDZh) For additional XC information, visit [Wilder Adventures](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/1178/stovepipe-de-beque). Local Club: [Western Slope Soaring](https://westernslopesoaring.com/stove)