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 RDS/American Tower launch site faces north northwest, and can be launched in light to moderate northeast to northwest winds. The launch is 3,600′ MSL and approximately 2900′ above the landing areas. The primary landing area is at the south-western end of Mitchell Canyon Road. Launches are steep drops from the edge of the level set-up area.

NOTE: Due to a separate Special Use Agreement with the American Tower owners, access is limited. To manage this sensitive relationship, only a limited number of local WOR pilots have been provided the combinations into the enclosed restricted area. To fly this site you must be escorted by one of these pilots. Please contact the Site Chairman, Robert Moore to reach one of these pilots. There is a 5 glider limit at this launch. Only one vehicle at a time is allowed in the area.

CAUTION: In strong north or northwest winds, it may not be possible to make it to the Mitchell Canyon landing area.

Glide Ratio Required to LZ
Mitchell Canyon LZ 6:1
Thousand Foot LZ 5.6:1

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