Juniper Launch Characteristics

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.

Juniper Launch is at 2,900′ MSL and approximately 1900′ above the landing area.

Glide Ratio Required for LZ
Thousand Footer 4.4:1

Paraglider Recommended Wind Limits
Best wind direction is SW to W
Minimum: 0mph Ideal: 5mph Maximum: 15mph

Hang Glider Recommended Wind Limits
Best wind direction is SW to W
Minimum: 0mph Ideal: 7mph Maximum: 20mph

American Tower Launch

The Tower launch is 3,600′ MSL and approximately 2900′ above the closest landing areas. This area is outside the responsibility of the State Parks. State Parks assumes no liability for the use or misuse of this site. This is the most sensitive launch site at Mount Diablo. Pilots accessing the site must be accompanied by a Site Committee member. No more than five (5) gliders are allowed on launch at a time. Only one vehicle at a time may be down at the tower launch area and must not disrupt the communication workers or their vehicles at any time. Pilots should unload gliders and park vehicles in the Lower Summit Parking Lot.

Glide Ratio Required to LZ
Mitchell Canyon LZ 6:1

Paraglider Recommended Winds
Best wind direction: NW, N, NE
Minimum: 3mph Ideal: 5mph Max: 10mph

Hang Glider Recommended Winds
Best wind direction: NW, N, NE
Minimum: 3mph Ideal: 7mph Max: 10mph

South Launch

This launch faces south-southeast directly off the graded pad of a former communications tower site, adjacent to the Juniper Trail and Summit Road.

The launch is at 3,600’ MSL. Curry Point landing zone is 1,800 MSL and the Thousand is 1,000’. This launch affords plenty of room for set up and launching with no significant obstructions.

The primary landing areas for this launch are Curry Point and the Thousand-Footer. Access to this launch is from the Juniper Trail. No parking or off-loading is permitted along Summit Road. Vehicular parking must occur at the Lower Summit Parking Lot.

Glide Ratio Required to LZ
Curry Point LZ 5.6:1
Thousand Foot LZ 4.9:1

Paraglider Recommended Winds
Best wind direction: S, SE, ESE
Minimum: 3mph Ideal: 5mph Max: 10mph

Hang Glider Recommended Winds
Best wind direction: S, SE, ESE
Minimum: 3mph Ideal: 7mph Max: 10mph

Landing Zones

Please see the site procedures for details.

The primary landing zones are 1000 Footer and Mitchell Canyon.

1000 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 launch. A moderately sloping hill allows uphill landings in SW and W directions.

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.

There are a variety of other alternate / bailout / emergency Landing Zones designated.  Additional information is in the Site Procedures.

The common radio frequency is 147.405 Mhz and should be used for safety and logistics with respect to other pilots and non-pilots as this is a simplex frequency that is available to all ham radio users.

Use the common radio frequency to alert other pilots of any related to a possible accident or imminent EMS situation.

Visiting Pilots

Flying Mt. Diablo as a visiting pilot requires you have an advanced rating (H4/P4 or IPPI-4 or above), you must be a current USHPA member, and you must get a site introduction from a member of the Site Committee so you can sign the waiver, sign in, and given a comprehensive introduction. Please contact the Site Committee Chair for additional information.

Weather Information/ 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.

Hang Gliders

Paragliders