Best Hang Gliding Locations In Idaho

The United States is one of the best countries in the world for air sports thanks to the diverse landscapes. Here are the best places for hang gliding in Idaho.

When you think about going hang gliding in the US, you probably think mostly about places like California and Hawaii, right? Don’t get me wrong, these states are absolutely incredible to go hang gliding in. But they’re not the only choice that you have. In fact, some of the other states in the US have locations that are just as good. So what are the best places to go hang gliding in Idaho?

The best hang gliding locations in Idaho are Sun Valley, Big Southern Butte, Boise, Pine Flats, Twin Falls, Pickle Butte Lookout, Soaring Eagle, Fall Creek Falls, Moore, Pilot Peak, Hagerman Pass, Squaw Butte Lookout, the Bruneau Dunes, and the Snake River.

Looking for a breathtaking view? Want to see Idaho from a whole new perspective? Then go hang gliding! There are many great locations around the state to try this unique activity. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best hang gliding spots in Idaho. So strap on your wings and let's take flight!

Here at Flight Notch, we want all of our readers to peruse our site with the knowledge that they’re getting nothing but the best, most helpful hang gliding content on the web. A lot of the information here comes from our own knowledge and expertise, but we also research each topic and take input from other enthusiasts. This way, you’ll truly know exactly where to go hang gliding in Idaho.

‍Is Idaho A Good Place To Go Hang Gliding?

I’ll keep this short and sweet since the answer is so simple. Yes! Idaho is a fantastic place to go hang gliding here in the US. Even though it might not come to your mind straight away when you think about the best states in the country for hang gliding, it really should be near the top of your list.

Between the views, changing landscapes from one location to another, and the amazing weather, Idaho is perfect for hang gliding!

Best Places To Go Hang Gliding In Idaho

Now that you know that Idaho is (without a doubt) a great place to go hang gliding, let’s get into the good stuff. These are the best places to go hang gliding in the state.

Sun Valley

The single best place to go hang gliding in Idaho is Sun Valley. This world-renowned ski resort is located in the mountains of central Idaho and offers some of the best views in the state. The scenery here is simply stunning, with towering peaks and pristine forests dotting the landscape.

In addition to hang gliding, Sun Valley has plenty of other activities to keep visitors busy, including skiing, snowboarding, golfing, and fishing. There is  also a charming downtown area with plenty of restaurants and shops.

The average weather in Sun Valley during the spring and summer is warm and sunny, with temperatures reaching into the 80s. However, be prepared for occasional thunderstorms. Fall and winter are a bit cooler but still very pleasant, with temperatures averaging in the 30s-40s.

Big Southern Butte

Big Southern Butte is located in southeast Idaho near the town of Preston. This spot is popular among hang gliders because of its amazing views. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. You can even see into neighboring Utah and Wyoming!

 The average weather in the spring and summer is perfect for hang gliding. However, be sure to check the forecast before you go as the winds can be unpredictable in this area. With how susceptible gliders are to strong gusts of wind, you should always have an idea of what kind of weather to expect before taking off.

When you're done hang gliding for the day,  there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. Preston is home to the Cache Valley Farmers Market, where you can find fresh produce, handmade goods, and more. There are also several parks and hiking trails in the area if you want to explore the great outdoors.

Boise

The capital city of Idaho, Boise is a great place to live and play. And what better way to take in the sights than by hang gliding? There are many great locations for hang gliding near Boise, and these are some of the best ones in the area.

One popular spot is Quarry View Park. This park offers stunning views of the city below. The average temperature in Boise is pretty mild, so you can usually fly all year round. In the summer,  the average high is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and in the winter, it dips to about 28 degrees.

Another great place to hang glide near Boise is Lucky Peak State Park. This state park offers beautiful views of the mountains and valleys below. The temperatures here are a bit cooler than in Boise, so it's best to fly in the spring or summer. In the spring, the average high is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and in the summer, it's about 80 degrees.

Pine Flats

Pine Flats is another great location for hang gliding in Idaho. It is located in central Idaho near the city of Boise. The views here are also incredible, especially of the surrounding mountains. The juxtaposition of the beautiful flat lands next to the stunning mountains make Pine Flats a favorite among local hang gliding enthusiasts.

The average weather is a bit warmer than at Big Southern Butte, making it a great place to go hang gliding in the spring and summer. The fall and winter weather is also good, but it can be a bit windier. There are many other great things to do in the area as well, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

Twin Falls

One of the best places to go hang gliding in Idaho is Twin Falls. This city offers amazing views of the Snake River Canyon. You can also see Shoshone Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States.

The average weather in Twin Falls is perfect for hang gliding. The spring and summer months are warm and dry, while the fall and winter months are cool and mild.

Nearby,  there are also plenty of other things to do. Twin Falls is home to the Perrine Bridge, which is the perfect spot for BASE jumping. There are also a number of hiking trails in the area, as well as golf courses and casinos.

Pickle Butte Lookout

The Pickle Butte Lookout is located in the small town of Riggins, Idaho. This spot offers amazing views of the Salmon River Valley and the surrounding mountains. When it comes to views of  the landscape, it's hard to beat this spot.

The best time to go hang gliding here is in the spring or summer when the weather is nice and warm. Be prepared for some wind though, as it can get pretty gusty at times. In the fall and winter,  the weather is a lot colder and the views are not as good.

There are also plenty of nearby attractions, including the the town of Riggins. This little-known town has a few restaurants and shops, and there are also several outdoor activities available such as fishing, rafting, and hiking.

Soaring Eagle

If you want an even more exhilarating experience, then head to Soaring Eagle. This spot is located in northern Idaho near the city of Coeur d'Alene. It is one of the most popular hang gliding spots in the state. The views from this location are simply amazing! You can see all of Coeur d'Alene Lake as well as the surrounding mountains.

This is a great spot to go hang gliding in the spring and summer, when the weather is nice and sunny. However, be warned that it can get quite windy up there! Other than hang gliding,  there are plenty of other activities to do in the Coeur d'Alene area. This includes hiking, biking, boating, and more.

Fall Creek Falls

Another great option for hang gliding is Fall Creek Falls. This spot is located in central Idaho near the city of Boise. It offers beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and downtown Boise.

The weather here is typically mild, with temperatures ranging from 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit in spring and summer. In the winter,  the area is covered in snow, making for an amazing landscape to glide over. And in the summer, you can enjoy the green trees and rolling hills.

Nearby, there are also plenty of things to do. You can visit the city of Boise and check out its unique restaurants and shops.

Moore

Moore is a great place to start your hang gliding adventures. This small town is located in the southwestern part of the state, about an hour's drive from Boise. The views from Moore are simply stunning - you can see for miles in all directions. On a clear day, you might even be able to see Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve!

And speaking of weather, Moore enjoys beautiful weather year-round, making it a great location for hang gliding no matter when you visit. In addition to the hang gliding,  Moore is also home to many other great activities. There are numerous hiking and biking trails nearby, as well as several lakes perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating.

Pilot Peak

The Pilot Peak area is located near the aforementioned Twin Falls, Idaho. It offers stunning views of the Snake River Canyon below. You'll also be able to see  the cities of Twin Falls, Jerome, and Shoshone. The best time to go hang gliding here is in the late spring or early summer when the weather is warm and sunny.

The average temperature during these months is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out, as windy conditions can make flying more difficult.

If you're looking for something to do before or after your flight, Pilot Peak also offers hiking and camping opportunities.

Hagerman Pass

The Hagerman Pass area is located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and it offers some of the most beautiful views in all of Idaho. You'll be able  to see the Sawtooth Mountains, the Snake River Canyon, and more.

The area is also known for its good weather, with spring and summer temperatures averaging in the 70s and 80s. However, it's worth noting that fall and winter temperatures can drop down into the 30s.

One of the great things about Hagerman Pass is that there are many other activities to do in the area. You can go hiking, camping, fishing, and more. There are also several hot springs nearby, so you can relax after a day of hang gliding.

Squaw Butte Lookout

The Squaw Butte Lookout is a great place to go hang gliding in the summer. The views from the top are amazing, and you can see for miles in every direction.

The weather is usually good here in the summer, with only a few scattered showers. The temperatures are  warm, but not too hot, ranging from around  60-85 degrees. In the fall and winter,  the weather can be a bit more unpredictable, with colder temperatures and more chance of rain or snow.

Squaw Butte is located about an  hour east of Boise. There are plenty of other things to do in the area, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

The Bruneau Dunes

Another great place to go hang gliding in Idaho is the Bruneau Dunes. The Bruneau Dunes are located in southwestern Idaho near the city of Mountain Home. This is a great spot for hang gliding because of the amazing views. You can see for miles and miles from up in the air. The Bruneau Dunes are also a great place to go because of the good weather.

The average temperature in the spring and summer is in the 70s and 80s, making it a great time to go hang gliding. However, the Bruneau Dunes are also great in the fall and winter. The average temperature in these seasons is in the 30s and 40s, so it's a good place to go if you want to avoid the heat.

When you're done gliding for the day,  there are also many other great things to do in the area. You can go hiking, biking, or horseback riding in the Bruneau Dunes.

The Snake River

Last, but certainly not least, you should consider gliding over the Snake River. If you're looking for a place to go hang gliding that is close to other popular landmarks, then the Snake River is the place for you. The Snake River is located in southern Idaho near the city of Boise. This spot is great for hang gliding because it offers amazing views of the river and the surrounding mountains.

The average weather in the spring and summer is perfect for hang gliding, with temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting in the fall or winter when the weather is still mild but there are fewer people around.

Nearby, you can also  find the Boise National Forest, which is a great place for hiking and camping. If you're looking for something to do after your flight, we recommend checking out one of the many great restaurants or breweries in Boise.