Best Hang Gliding Locations In Arizona

The western United States has some of the most beautiful landscapes and views in the world. These are the best places to go hang gliding in Arizona.

If you’re planning a trip out west and you’re a hang gliding enthusiast, you’re in luck. With the desert, incredible rock formations, the Grand Canyon, and more, you’ll have the chance to experience some of the best hang gliding locations imaginable. There are lots of states you could go on your journey, but I’d recommend using Arizona as your home base. What are the best places to go hang gliding in Arizona?

The best hang gliding locations in Arizona include the Grand Canyon, the Sedona Red Rocks, Monument Valley, Phoenix, Chinle, Flagstaff, Tucson, and the Prescott National Forest. Arizona has breathtaking views in every direction and the weather is perfect for hang gliding.

Here in the US, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to amazing places to go hang gliding. The landscapes across the country are so different from one another that you can see just about any type of terrain you want, depending on where you travel. Hang gliding in Arizona should be at the top of any enthusiast’s list, since the state is home to some of the best spots to go hang gliding in the country.

Flight Notch was created with the goal of sharing our passion with others that love this sport, so we want to produce nothing but the best, most helpful content. To do that, we take input from other enthusiasts from all over and thoroughly vet all of the information that we get. This way, you can be sure that when you head to Arizona, you’ll know exactly where to go hang gliding.

‍Is Arizona A Good Place To Go Hang Gliding?

At first mention, it might seem a bit odd to consider Arizona as one of the best places to go hang gliding. You might be thinking Hawaii, California, or Florida would be your best bet here in the US. Don’t get me wrong, all three of those are absolutely incredible themselves (and we have articles describing the best hang gliding locations in those states too!), but hang gliding in Arizona is arguably better than all three.

It really depends on what types of views you’re looking for and what kind of flying you want to do. If you want to see the coastline or fly over a little slice of paradise, then sure, Arizona might not be the best option. But when it comes to seeing rock formations, endless desert, and the incredible colors that make up the American West, nothing compares to Arizona.

There are so many different places to go in this state and things to see and do that you’ll never get bored during your trip. And when you’re hang gliding, there are all sorts of places you can go. Whether you want to be closer to some of the big cities or out in the remote areas of the desert, you’ll have plenty of great hang gliding options.

Lastly, let’s not forget that Arizona has some of the best weather in the country for hang gliding. Temperatures are typically warm year-round and there is very little rain compared to most other areas of the country. This makes it ideal for an outdoor aerial sport like hang gliding!

Best Places To Go Hang Gliding In Arizona

Now that you know why Arizona is such an amazing place to go hang gliding, let’s get into what you’re really here for. Based on our own experiences and input from countless others, these are the best hang gliding locations in Arizona.

The Grand Canyon

Let’s start off with the most obvious one here, the Grand Canyon. If you look at any list for the best places to go hang gliding in the country (or even the world in many cases), the Grand Canyon will almost always have a spot near the top of that list. So it’s no surprise to see it here as one of the best places to go hang gliding in Arizona specifically.

The canyon stretches  for 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and over a mile deep in some places. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet and for good reason - the views are simply breathtaking. And if you’re a hang glider, that just means they get even better. You get to see the canyon from a perspective that most other people never will.

The views from the top of the canyon are simply stunning, and you can see for miles in every direction. If you want to get an idea of just how big the Grand Canyon is, go hang gliding here – it will give you a whole new perspective on this natural wonder. The weather is great for hang gliding most of the year, but the best time to go is in the spring or summer when it’s a bit warmer.

When you get done hang gliding for the day,  there are plenty of other things to do in the area. The Grand Canyon is right next to the city of Williams, which is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a place to crash for the night. There are also plenty of other outdoor activities to keep you busy, like hiking, biking, and more.

Sedona Red Rocks

This is another no-brainer for anyone that’s into hang gliding, as the Sedona Red Rocks also made our lists for both the Best Hang Gliding Locations in the US and the Best Hang Gliding Locations in the World. Who knew that Arizona was this amazing when it comes to hang gliding? Here’s why you should check out the Sedona Red Rocks on your trip.

The views here are incredible, as you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction. And since Sedona is located in the middle of Arizona, you’re never too far from other popular destinations like Phoenix and Flagstaff.

The weather here is pretty great year-round, although it can get a bit hot during the summer months. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions for hang gliding, with mild temperatures and very little wind. That said, there really isn’t a bad time of year to go hang gliding in Sedona. This is one of the main reasons that Arizona is so great for this sport!

The Sedona Red Rocks were formed  over millions of years and are now a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. If you’re looking to add some adventure to your trip, Sedona is the perfect place to do it.

Monument Valley

If you want to see some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States, head over to Monument Valley. This area is known for its tall sandstone pillars that rise up out of the desert like something out of a movie. The views from the air are simply breathtaking, and you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction.

Spring and summer offer the best weather conditions for hang gliding in Monument Valley, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s. However, the fall and winter months can be a bit windier, so make sure to check the weather forecast before you go.

Monument Valley is also close to some other popular tourist destinations, like Canyon de Chelly National Monument and Antelope Canyon. You can also  go hiking, horseback riding, or camping in the area if you want to make a weekend out of it.

Phoenix

If you want to experience a big city while hang gliding, head over to Phoenix. This sprawling metropolis is home to more than one and a half million people, so you’re sure to find something to do while you wait for the perfect conditions. The views from up in the sky are stunning, as you can see for miles in every direction. You might even be able to spot some of the iconic landmarks that make Phoenix so special, like Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak.

The weather is usually great for hang gliding from late February until early November, with average temperatures ranging from 68 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in August. However, it’s worth noting that Phoenix tends to get afternoon monsoons during the summer months, so always check the forecast before heading out.

Some of the popular nearby attractions include the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo, and South Mountain Park. You could also catch a Suns game if you're a basketball fan or check out a Cardinals game during the football season.

Chinle

If you’re looking for a more spiritual hang gliding experience, look no further than Chinle. The area is home to some of the most awe-inspiring views in the state, and you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction while airborne. Additionally, there are plenty of other things to do in the area if you want to make a day or weekend out of it.

Chinle is one of the best places to go hang gliding in Arizona during the spring and summer months. The weather is usually warm and sunny, with very few clouds in the sky. However, it can get a bit windy at times so be sure to check the forecast before heading out.

The views from Chinle are some of the most unique in all of Arizona. You’ll be able to see a variety of landscapes, including canyons, deserts, and mountains. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of wildlife while you’re up in the air. It’s quite a different experience than many of the other top hang gliding locations in Arizona.

Other things to do in the area include hiking, biking, and sightseeing. There are also a few restaurants and hotels in the area if you need to take a break from adventuring. So no matter how much you want to go hang gliding or how much you want to relax in the hotel, Chinle is worth checking out.

Flagstaff

One of the most popular places to go hang gliding in Arizona is Flagstaff. This city is located in the northern part of the state, and it’s known for its amazing views of the surrounding area. From Flagstaff, you can see the San Francisco Peaks, which are a series of volcanic peaks that tower over the city. You can also see the Grand Canyon from here, as well as other nearby landmarks like Sunset Crater National Monument.

The weather in Flagstaff is great for hang gliding most of the year; the spring and summer months have average temperatures in the mid-70s, while fall and winter have averages in the 40s. That’s right, not everywhere in Arizona is always super hot all the time! In fact, only two months out of the year (June and July) have average highs over 80 degrees!

Some other things to visit nearby include Humphreys Peak (highest point in Arizona), Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, and the Arizona Snowbowl. Like many of the other locations on this list, you can also get your fill out hiking, sightseeing, and more in the area. So don’t sleep on Flagstaff, it’s well worth the trip!

Tucson

Another great place to go hang gliding in Arizona is Tucson. This city is located in the southern part of the state, which means that it has great weather all year round. In the spring and summer,  the temperatures are in the 80s and 90s and it’s usually sunny. The fall and winter are a bit cooler, with temperatures averaging in the 60s.

The views from Tucson are amazing, since you can see all of the city lights as well as the stars at night. During the day, you can see for miles in every direction. There are also a lot of other things to do in Tucson, such as hiking, biking, and exploring the city. It might not be quite as big as Phoenix, but there still plenty to do and plenty of great places to go gliding!

Prescott National Forest

This is another great option for anyone that wants to go hang gliding in Arizona. Prescott National Forest is located in the central part of the state, and it’s a beautiful place to fly. The views are amazing and you’ll get to see a huge variety of landscapes and scenery below other than just endless desert in every direction.

The weather is usually pretty good here, too. It can get a little hot in the summer, but the spring and fall are perfect for flying. If you’re willing to tough out the heat, then don’t shy away during the summer. You’ll get to see vegetation in full blossom, wildlife all over the place, and more. It’s truly an incredible place!

There are also plenty of other things to do in Prescott National Forest. There are hiking trails, camping spots, and fishing areas all throughout the forest. And if you want to take a break from hang gliding, you can always go exploring on one of the many ATV trails that crisscross the area.