Attention: Diablo 101 Seminar taking place April 29th, 2006 ....more Mount Diablo offers an excellent variety of soaring experiences to the advanced pilot. Pilots regularly soar Diablo's shear rocky peaks, rolling hills and ridges, gnarly canyons and grassy pastures; sometimes all in the same flight. The diversity of challenges and rewards for mountain pilots cannot be matched at any other Bay Area site. Long recognized as a location with sweeping vistas, the mountain is developed with paved roads and access to launch is almost never restricted

As a site open only to USHPA advanced rated Hang Glider pilots, good flying skills and judgement are the keys to rewarding flights at Mount Diablo.

Advanced Paraglider Pilots are also welcome at Diablo. However, Paraglider access to Diablo is coordinated by BAPA (Bay Area Paragliding Association). See their web site for details.

Note:
Be certain you are familiar with site rules and meet all requirements before attempting to fly Mt. Diablo.

In November 2004, WOR members had the honor of celebrating the 20th annivesary of the first foot launched flight by a hang glider.

Site Related Documents: Mount Diablo Site Procedures Mount Diablo Waiver Rules and Restrictions See Mount Diablo Site Procedures for specifics. Site Committee Chairman Robert Moore Best Soaring Conditions Depending on the combinations of launch, LZ and weather conditions, Mt. Diablo can offer simple or challenging flights. Consult an experienced Diablo pilot for details on soaring conditions. Photo Gallery

Launch Altitude in Feet MSL	Best Wind Direction
RDS/American Tower - 3600'	NW, N, NE (photos & panorama)
Navy Towers Launch - 3700'	West launch - W, SW. South launch - S, SE.
Juniper - 1900'	SW,W (photos)

Launch	Characteristics
RDS/American Tower	The RDS/American Tower launch site faces north northwest, and can be launched in light to moderate northeast to northwest winds. The launch is 3,600 feet MSL and approximately 2900 above the landing areas. The primary landing area is the at the south-western end of Mitchell Canyon Road. Launches are steep drops from the edge of the level set-up area. NOTE: Due to separate Special Use Agreement with the American Tower owners, there is a 5 glider limit at this launch. Only one vehicle at a time is allowed in the area. CAUTION: In strong north or northwest winds, it may not be possible to make it to the Mitchell Canyon landing area. It is a 6 to 1, 3 mile glide from launch.
Navy Towers Launch	The Navy communications towers launch is a south facing site with two launches. One launch is a steep short drop from the edge of the parking lot and should be used in west to southwest light to moderate winds. The other launch is east of the largest parking lot and can be used in south to southeast light to strong winds. The primary landing for this launch is the thousand footer landing area at 1000 feet MSL. Launch is at 3700 feet MSL
Juniper Launch	Located at the Juniper Campground on Northgate Road, this launch is a smooth, rolling hillside. Launches are possible from SSW to WNW in light to strong winds.

Landing Zones
The designated LZ's provide a wide variety of landing options and varying degrees of landing ease or difficulty.

LZ altitude in feet MSL	Best Wind Direction
Mitchell Canyon 700	N,NW,SW (photos)
Thousand Footer 1000	SW,W (photos)
Macedo Ranch 700	NW,W,N (panoramas)
Athenian School 700	W,WNW,N (panorama)
Curry Point 1800	SW,S
Morgan Territory 800	W,NW

LZ	Characteristics
Mitchell Canyon	Located at the end of Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton, this LZ is one of the easiest designated LZs. A gently sloping field allows uphill landings in N,NW,W and SW directions. It is a 6:1 glide from the American Towers launch. See site procedures for more details.
Thousand Footer	Located on Northgate Road at the 1000' elevation. Often considered the most technically challenging designated LZ, It is also the closest to the Juniper and Navy Tower launches. A moderately sloping hill allows uphill landings in SW and W directions. See site procedures for more details.
Macedo Ranch	Located at the end of Green Valley Road in Alamo, this LZ provides excellent landing approaches to a tall hill. Moderate hillside slopes allow uphill landings in N,NW,WNW and NE directions. See site procedures for more details.
Athenian School	Located at the beginning of Southgate road in Danville, this LZ requires a relatively short final approach to a moderately sloping hillside. Landings are in the N to WNW direction, and the LZ is a 6:1 glide from the Navy Towers launch. See site procedures for more details.
Curry Point	Located along Southgate Road, this seldon-used LZ provides an effective bail out for pilots who misjudge the glide to Blackhawk Ridge. This is a technically challenging LZ, with a final approach heading south to land on a small hill at 1800 feet. See site procedures for further details.
Morgan Territory	This is a rarely used LZ that is valuable to pilots attempting to soar North Peak. Located on Morgan Territory Road at the eastern base of North Peak, this LZ consists of a moderately sloped hillside allowing a westerly approach and landing at 800 feet. See site procedures for further details.