Best Hang Gliding Locations In Utah

The Western United States has some amazing spots for gliding. Learn about the best hang gliding locations in Utah in this expert guide.

Making a road trip out west is the stuff of dreams for many people here in the US. The views, the weather, the scenery, and more make Utah and the surrounding states a great place to visit. For many different reasons, this also makes Utah a great place to go hang gliding. But where? What are the best hang gliding locations in the state?

The best places to go hang gliding in Utah are Salt Lake City, Jedi, Black Mountain, Wales, Moab, Hell Hole, Inspiration Point, Monroe Peak, Panguitch Lake, Junction, and Horse Heaven. Between the views and the great weather, any of these locations would be an incredible gliding experience.

Looking for a new and exciting hang gliding experience? Check out one of the best locations in Utah! The views are amazing and there is plenty to do nearby if you want to make a day of it. Here is a list of the best hang gliding spots in Utah, based on weather conditions, scenery, and other activities that are available in the area.

Here at Flight Notch, we want to provide our readers with the best gliding content that they can get. That’s why we’re writing a complete series on the Best Hang Gliding Locations in each state, so that no matter where you are or where you’re headed, you’ll know where to go hang gliding. With this entry into the series, we head out west to Utah, where you’ll find some of the best hang gliding locations in the country.

‍Is Utah a Good Place to go Hang Gliding?

Before we get into the meat of the article and talk about the best places to go hang gliding in Utah, let's look at whether Utah is even a good place to go hang gliding in general. The climate in Utah is generally dry and sunny, which is ideal for hang gliding. However, there are some things to consider depending on what time of year you want to go.

The spring and summer months tend to be the best time to go hang gliding in Utah. The weather is warm and stable, making it ideal for flying. However, the fall and winter months can also be good times to go hang gliding, as long as you are prepared for the colder temperatures.

In addition to the dry, mild climate that's perfect for hang gliding, Utah is also great because of all the different scenery you'll be able to see while gliding. There are many different places to choose from, depending on what you're looking for. You'll find places like the Great Salt Lake, the Utah Valley, and even the Moab desert. Trees, grass, red rocks, snow-capped mountains, and more. Utah has it all.

So, if you're considering hang gliding in Utah, the answer is yes! There are many great locations to choose from, and the weather is generally good for flying year-round. Keep reading to learn about some of the best places to go hang gliding in Utah.

Best Places to go Hang Gliding in Utah

Since you know that Utah is a great place to go hang gliding thanks to the gorgeous views and great weather, let’s get into the stuff you’re really here for. It’s time to go on a journey around the state and take a look at the best places to go hang gliding in Utah. Here are the 11 best locations. Any one of them would make for an unforgettable experience!

Salt Lake City

Any time you make a trip to Utah for just about anything, it's worth checking out Salt Lake City. This is one of the most popular hang gliding locations because you can take in some amazing views of the cityscape. From high above the ground, you'll be able to see the Great Salt Lake, as well as all of downtown.

The best time to go is in the spring or summer when the weather is warm and dry. During this time of year, you can expect to find temperatures in the 70s and 80s. However, even in the fall and winter, the weather is still relatively mild with temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

Since Salt Lake is such a big city and the surrounding area is chock-full of things to do, let’s take it a step further and look at some of the best places to go hang gliding near the city.

Point of the Mountain — Flight Park State Recreation Area

Just a short drive south of Salt Lake City is the area known as the Point of the Mountain. This area is on the ridge between Salt Lake and nearby Provo. If you're planning on going gliding anywhere near the city, this is the first place you should check out because it's become the state's Flight Park Recreation Area.

In other words, this park was more or less created for hang gliding! There are lots of places to launch from and land, and you'll likely have no trouble meeting other enthusiasts enjoying the skies.

Top Hang Gliding Companies Near Salt Lake City

In addition to the area around the city in general and the Flight Park mentioned above, there are also some good companies in the area that you can get off the ground with. These include:

• Nice Sky Adventures
• Birdman Academy
• Wasatch Hang Gliding
• Hang Glide Utah!
• White Cloud Adventures

Other than hang gliding, there's plenty of other things to do in Salt Lake City. You can explore Temple Square, visit the Natural History Museum of Utah, or take a tour of the Utah State Capitol.

Jedi

The next location on our list that's perfect for hang gliding in Utah is Jedi. Located in the city of Grantsville in the southern part of the state, this spot is well-known for its amazing views. On a clear day, you can see for miles and miles. You'll be able to see seemingly endlessly in all directions and even all the way to the nearby Arches National Park.

The average weather in Jedi is perfect for hang gliding year-round, with mild temperatures and little precipitation. In the warmer months of the year, the temperatures range from the high 60s to low 80s. And in the cooler months, you can still expect temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

If you're looking for other things to do in the area, there are plenty of options. You can explore the aforementioned Arches National Park, take a scenic drive down Route 12, or go hiking in one of the many trails nearby.

Black Mountain

One of the best places for outdoor adventuring in all of Utah is Black Mountain. Located in the northwest corner of the state, Black Mountain provides gorgeous views of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island. From way up in the air, you'll be able to see a bird's eye view of the natural beauty of the area. It's simply stunning.

The average temperature in spring and summer is right around 70 to 80 degrees, making it ideal for hang gliding. However, fall and winter can be a bit chilly, so make sure you dress appropriately. If you decide to glide in the winter, you might want to consider bundling up a bit with gloves and an extra layer!

There are several other activities available in the area, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. Black Mountain is also a great place for bird watching. You can see several different species of birds, including eagles, hawks, and vultures.

Wales

While hang gliding in the country of Wales would also be amazing, let's stick to Wales, Utah for this article. Wales is located in southwestern Utah and is about a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City. The views while hang gliding here are incredible! You can see for miles in every direction.

Like most of the locations in Utah, the weather is great for hang gliding just about any time of the year. In the warmer months, you can expect highs in the 80s and 90s. Fall and winter offer cooler temperatures (typically down into the 40s and 50s most days), which some people prefer for hang gliding.

There are plenty of other things to do in the area if you want to make a day or weekend trip out of it. Hiking, camping, fishing, and ATVing are all popular activities near Wales. If you're looking for a lesser-known place to experience all of the outdoor adventures of Utah, then Wales might be just the perfect place for you.

Moab

If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, Moab is the place for you. This small town is located in southeastern Utah and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. While you're gliding, you'll be able to see the red rocks of Arches National Park and the snow-capped peaks of the La Sal Mountains.

The weather in Moab is perfect for hang gliding. The spring and summer months are warm, but not too hot, and the fall and winter months are cool, but not too cold. On average during the spring and summer, temperatures range from 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are also plenty of other things to do in Moab if you're looking for a more complete adventure. You can go rafting or canoeing on the Colorado River, hiking in Arches National Park, or mountain biking on one of the many trails in the area.

Hell Hole

I know that the name doesn't exactly sound like somewhere you want to go, but hang gliding around the Hell Hole of Utah is one of the best experiences in the state. Located near the small town of Hanksville and within the Wasatch National Forest, this spot is popular among gliders because of the consistent updrafts. The views aren't too bad either, with plenty of canyons and rock formations to look at as you glide.

The weather in Hanksville is pretty good year-round, although it can get a bit windy in the spring and fall. If you're looking for a place to go hang gliding in Utah that isn't too far from Salt Lake City, Hanksville is a great option.

When you get finished hang gliding for the day, there are also plenty of other fun things you can do in the area to stay busy. Additionally, Hanksville is close to several National Parks, like Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon, so you can make a whole weekend out of it.

Inspiration Point

One of the best views that you'll get while hang gliding anywhere in the state of Utah is that of Inspiration Point. Located in the southern part of the state, Inspiration Point is a popular spot for hang gliding because of the consistent weather conditions and lack of wind. The views from up here are incredible, with a 360-degree view of some of Utah's most iconic landmarks. You can see everything from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park from Inspiration Point.

In this area, the weather is practically perfect for hang gliding. During the spring and summer, the temperatures are mild with very little wind. Fall and winter see a slight decrease in temperature, but the weather is still forgiving enough to enjoy hang gliding.

Nearby, you'll find the city of Kanab which has plenty of amenities if you want to make a day or weekend out of your hang gliding experience. There are restaurants, hotels, and even an airport if you're coming from out of state.

Monroe Peak

Monroe Peak is another great hang gliding spot located in southern Utah. This area is known for having some of the best views in the state. You can see a variety of landscapes, from the red rocks of Moab to the snow-capped peaks of the Wasatch Mountains. The juxtaposition of these two landscapes is truly breathtaking.

The weather is also typically very good in this area, with temperatures during the spring and summer ranging from the low 80s to mid-90s. However, it is important to check the weather conditions before you go, as thunderstorms can pop up quickly in this part of the state. In the colder months, expect temperatures to range from the high 30s to low 50s.

If you're looking for other things to do in the area, there are plenty of options. You can go hiking or mountain biking in the nearby National Parks, or take a scenic drive down one of the many beautiful canyon roads.

Panguitch Lake

If you're looking for a little more of an adventurous hang gliding experience, head up to Panguitch Lake in the northern part of the state. This spot is known for being a little more challenging because of the higher altitude and windier conditions. But, the views are definitely worth it. From up here, you can see all the way to Bryce Canyon National Park. And, if you're lucky, you might even get to see a glimpse of some of the wildlife that inhabits this area.

Panguitch Lake is a great place to go hang gliding in the spring and summer months when the weather is a little warmer. However, if you're looking to avoid the crowds, fall and winter are also great times to visit. Just be sure to dress warmly!

Outside of being great for hang gliding, Panguitch Lake also has a lot more to offer. There are hiking and biking trails nearby, as well as fishing and camping if you want to make a weekend out of it.

Junction

Even though it might be a bit of an oddball name for a town, Junction is a great place to go hang gliding. It's located in central Utah, so it's a great option if you're looking for something a little closer to the Salt Lake City area. The views here are incredible, with a variety of landscapes to take in. You can see everything from the Great Salt Lake to the red rocks of southern Utah.

The weather is also typically very good here for any outdoor activity, including hang gliding. Temperatures during the warmer months tend to be in the 80s and 90s, with relatively low humidity. In the cooler months, temperatures can dip into the 20s and 30s, but it's still usually sunny.

There are also a few other things to do in Junction if you want to make a day of it. The town is located near several National Parks, so you can explore some of Utah's amazing natural scenery. There are also a few golf courses nearby if you're looking to tee off.

Horse Heaven

Rounding off our list of the best places to go hang gliding in Utah is Horse Heaven Mountain. This spot is located in the southwestern part of the state, near the town of Hurricane. The views here are simply stunning, with a 360-degree panorama of some of Utah's most beautiful scenery.

The weather here is also typically very good for hang gliding, with warm temperatures during the spring and summer months. However, fall and winter can also be great times to fly, as the cooler temperatures make for ideal conditions.

There are also plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area, including hiking, biking, and camping. So whether you're looking for an incredible hang gliding experience or just a fun weekend getaway, Horse Heaven Mountain is the perfect spot.