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To make it easy to plan your next hang gliding trip out west, we’ve compiled a complete guide on the best places to go hang gliding in Nevada.
I know that the first thing that comes to mind if you’re planning a trip to Nevada is Las Vegas. And don’t get me wrong, I love Sin City as much as anyone, but the state is absolutely gorgeous, especially as seen from above while hang gliding. But it’s a big state with lots to do,
The best hang gliding locations in Nevada are Hang Gliding Tahoe (Carson City), Adventure Sports (Carson City), Hot Springs Mountain (Carson City), Jean Ridge (Vegas), Tabletop (Vegas), Duck Hill (Reno), Slide Mountain (Reno), Peavine Mountain (Reno), Red Rock (Reno), and Pyramid Lake (Wadsworth).
Looking for the best hang gliding locations in Nevada? Look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most amazing places to go hang gliding in the Silver State. Each location offers different views and experiences, so you're sure to find the right spot for you. Whether you're looking for a place with beautiful mountain views or an exciting cityscape, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next hang gliding adventure today!
We set out with the goal of creating a comprehensive list of the where to go hang gliding throughout the country, including each and every individual state. To get the best companies and launch areas in Nevada, we asked hang gliding pilots and enthusiasts who frequently visit the state to give us their favorites, and we combined those with our own top picks. This way, you know where to go gliding next time you visit the state.
Is Nevada A Good Place To Go Hang Gliding?
If you’ve ever been to Nevada then you know how beautiful it is. Whether you’re into the big cities like Reno and Las Vegas, or if you prefer the serene beauty of the red rocks, sand, and desert, Nevada has some amazing views for you. Thanks to this alone, it’s one of the best states to go hang gliding in the whole country, even if some others get all the hype.
Making it even better for hang gliding, Nevada is known for its mild-to-hot weather all year long. With temperatures rarely dropping near freezing, you can go hang gliding year-round. It’s also one of the driest states in the country, meaning you won’t have to worry about bad weather as much as many of the other top gliding spots in the country.
Best Places To Go Hang Gliding In Nevada
Now that you have a better idea about just how great Nevada is for hang gliding, let’s take a look at the best locations in the state. We’ll talk about some companies and some launch areas/launch sites so that you know where to go depending on what kind of trip you’re hoping for. So without further ado, here are the best hang gliding locations in Nevada.
Hang Gliding Tahoe — Carson City
This one seems to top just about every list out there on the top locations go hang gliding in Nevada, and that's for good reason. Located in Carson City, Hang Gliding Tahoe is known for its amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The takeoff spot is located at Eagle Valley, and during your flight, you'll be able to see Lake Tahoe, Reno, and other surrounding areas.
Being in Nevada, the weather is pretty great for hang gliding most of the year, but it really shines during the spring through fall. Throughout the spring, the average temperature is in the mid-70s, making it perfect for an outdoor activity like hang gliding. However, if you want to avoid the heat of summer, the fall months are a great time to go. The temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s, so it's still comfortable but not as hot as during other times of the year.
If you're looking for a place to hang glide that's close to other popular tourist destinations, Hang Gliding Tahoe is a great option. It's only about an hour away from Reno and Lake Tahoe, so you can easily make a day trip out of it. There are also plenty of other things to do in the area, including hiking, biking, and sightseeing.
Adventure Sports — Carson City
If you're searching for a company to go hang gliding within Nevada, then Carson City should be at the top of your list since this next company also operates from there. Adventure Sports is located in the heart of Carson City and is known for providing some of the best hang gliding experiences in the state. The views from their takeoff spot are simply amazing, as you'll be able to see all the way to Lake Tahoe and beyond.
Adventure Sports offers tandem flights, so you don't have to worry about having any experience beforehand. You'll be able to share the experience with a certified instructor, who will guide you through the entire flight. The company also offers instruction courses for those that are interested in learning how to hang glide.
The weather is great for hang gliding all year round in Carson City, but it's especially ideal during the spring and fall months. The average temperatures in the spring are in the low 70s, while the fall averages around 60 degrees. So whether you're looking to go during the warmer months or cooler months, Carson City is a great option.
And if that's not enough, there are plenty of other things to do in Carson City including golfing, hiking, and sightseeing.
Hot Springs Mountain — Carson City
The last place to go hang gliding in Carson City is Hot Springs Mountain. This is the perfect spot for those that are looking for an adrenaline rush, as it offers some of the most extreme hang gliding in Nevada. The takeoff spot is at an elevation of over 7000 feet, so you'll be up in the air pretty quickly.
The views from Hot Springs Mountain are simply stunning, as you'll be able to see Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and even the Reno skyline. The average temperatures in the summer are in the mid-80s, so it's a perfect spot to visit during that time of year. However, be warned that the winters can get quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
If you're looking for something to do after your flight, be sure to check out the nearby casinos in Carson City. Or, if you're looking for a more nature-oriented activity, you can hike or bike the trails that surround the mountain.
Jean Ridge — Las Vegas
If you're planning a trip to Nevada for any reason at all, you can't really ever go wrong if you swing by Las Vegas for a bit of time. That's even true if you're planning a hang gliding trip, since Jean Ridge is located nearby. It's one of the more popular spots in Nevada for hang gliding, and with good reason -- the views from up there are breathtaking.
You can see all of Las Vegas stretching out below you, as well as the surrounding mountains. It's an impressive view that's only made better by how accessible Jean Ridge is from Vegas. In fact, it's only about a 30-minute drive from the Strip. So if you're looking for an amazing place to hang glide in Nevada that's also close to all the action, Jean Ridge is definitely a spot you'll want to check out.
Just keep in mind that the weather can be a bit more unpredictable in this area than in some of the other locations on this list. The spring and summer months offer very pleasant weather conditions, but things can start to cool down a bit in the fall and winter. That said, if you're willing to take a chance on the weather, Jean Ridge is definitely worth a visit.
Tabletop — Las Vegas
Another epic hang gliding experience near Las Vegas that'll take your breath away, is Tabletop. This ridge is located just west of Jean Ridge, and it offers similarly amazing views. From Tabletop, you'll be able to see all the way down to Las Vegas and the surrounding desert area. You'll also be able to spot Lake Mead in the distance, as well as other nearby mountain ranges.
The best time to visit Tabletop is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that it can get a bit windy up there, so make sure you come prepared. And if you're looking for something to do after your hang gliding experience, Las Vegas is just a short drive away.
Even though there are countless things to do in Vegas, I'll hit some of the high points here. When you get done gliding for the day, you can head to the Strip and take in all the sights and sounds. Or, if you're looking for a more low-key experience, check out one of the many amazing restaurants in the city. And if you want to find a bit of nightlife, there's no shortage of casinos and shows to choose from.
Duck Hill — Reno
For the next few spots on this list, we're going to venture out of the Vegas city limits and head to Reno. Duck Hill is one of the most popular hang gliding locations in the area, and for good reason. It offers some of the best views around, and it's also relatively easy to get to.
Duck Hill is located about 30 minutes north of Reno, and it's a great spot for hang gliding beginners. The weather is usually good here in the spring and summer, but it can get a bit chilly in the fall and winter. There are some great views of Reno and the surrounding mountains from Duck Hill, so it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
Don’t stress about trying to find other things to do after your hang gliding adventure. Reno has plenty of options. There are tons of casinos, restaurants, and other attractions in the area. You can also check out some of the nearby hiking trails or go for a walk on the Reno Riverwalk.
Slide Mountain — Reno
If you're looking for a more challenging hang gliding spot, Slide Mountain is definitely worth considering. This location offers some of the best views in the area, and it's also one of the most popular spots for hang gliding enthusiasts. When you launch from Slide Mountain, you'll be able to see Reno and the surrounding area in all its glory.
The weather at Slide Mountain is usually good in the spring and summer, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s. However, it can get a bit colder in the fall and winter, with temperatures averaging in the 50s. If you're looking for something to do while you're not hang gliding, Reno is just a short drive away and offers plenty of attractions.
Peavine Mountain — Reno
Peavine Mountain is located in Reno, Nevada, and is one of the top launch sites in the state. The views from the top of the mountain are incredible, and you will be able to see all around Reno while you're hang gliding. From up in the skies, you will be able to see the Truckee River, downtown Reno, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Like most of the state, the weather is great for hang gliding almost year-round, but it really shines during the spring and fall. Since summer temperatures in Nevada can reach over 100 degrees, it's not the best time to go hang gliding. The winter months are also a little too cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing at night.
While hang gliding, you will be able to see some of the other popular tourist destinations in Reno. The mountain is located close to the University of Nevada, Reno, and the historic district of Virginia City. If you're looking for something to do after your flight, there are plenty of options in the area.
Red Rock — Reno
Rounding off our list of the top launch sites near Reno to go hang gliding is Red Rock. Located on the outskirts of town, this area offers stunning views of the desert landscape. The reddish rocks and cliffs make for a beautiful backdrop as you soar overhead. In addition to hang gliding, Red Rock is a great spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
The weather in Red Rock is typically warm and sunny from May through October, making it the perfect spot to go hang gliding in the spring and summer. However, be aware that it can get quite cold in the winter, so come prepared! During the warmer months, expect temperatures in the 70s and 80s.
If you're looking for a beautiful spot to take in some amazing views while hang gliding, Red Rock is definitely worth checking out. Just make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, as it can get quite hot during the day!
Pyramid Lake — Wadsworth
If you're looking for a more scenic hang gliding location in Nevada, then Pyramid Lake is the perfect spot. With its bright blue waters and impressive mountain backdrop, it's easy to see why this is a popular spot for hang gliders. The views from the air are stunning, and you'll be able to see landmarks like Pyramid Lake and the Wadsworth Mountains.
The weather is usually good in the spring and summer, where you'll be treated to warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. However, the fall and winter can be a bit colder, with more wind. Temperatures during the winter can dip down into the 30s, so make sure you bundle up if you decide to take on Pyramid Lake when it's cold outside.
Pyramid Lake is located about an hour north of Reno, making it a great spot to visit if you're in the area. There are also plenty of other things to do in the area, including fishing, hiking, and camping. So if you're looking for an amazing hang gliding location with plenty of things to do nearby, Pyramid Lake is a great choice.
