Top Hang Gliding Spots in Mammoth Lakes for an Unforgettable Flight
Okay, real talk: have you ever launched off a mountain with nothing but an aluminum wing, your hopes, and a firm grip on a control bar? No? Well buckle up (literally), because hang gliding in Mammoth Lakes, California is about to rock your adrenaline-loving soul.
I’ve flown in a lot of places — coastal cliffs, desert thermals, one sketchy hill in the middle of Kansas — but nothing compares to gliding over the rugged beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Picture this: snow-dusted peaks, sapphire lakes, pine-covered ridges, and you… floating like an eagle who just got its pilot’s license.
Let me take you on a not-so-boring, very informative (and occasionally sarcastic) journey through the best places to hang glide in Mammoth Lakes, plus everything you need to know so you don’t end up as a confused squirrel in the sky.
Why Mammoth Lakes is Basically Made for Hang Gliders
Besides being insanely pretty, Mammoth Lakes is a total overachiever when it comes to flight conditions:
- High elevation launch points? Yup.
- Thermal lift so good it’s basically cheating? You bet.
- Views that make you cry a little inside? Absolutely.
And because it’s not swarming with commercial air traffic, you’ve got plenty of wide-open sky to spread your wings (or rather, your glider).
The Best Launch Sites: Where to Yeet Yourself Gracefully into the Air
1. McGee Mountain – My Thermal Therapy Spot
McGee Mountain is where hang gliding dreams come true… or at least, where I once screamed with joy for 40 straight minutes.
- Elevation: Around 8,000 feet
- Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced (aka, not your cousin who just Googled “how to fly”)
Best For: Thermals, long flights, and views that’ll make your jaw drop
Thermals here are chef’s kiss. On a good day, you’ll feel like a hot air balloon with wings. You launch, catch a lift, and suddenly you’re soaring over Crowley Lake, the valleys below, and maybe even the meaning of life.
Bring snacks. You’ll be up there a while.
2. Sherwin Range – For the Cross-Country Daredevils
Sherwin Range is where hang gliders go to test their skills and their nerve.
- Skill Level: Advanced (aka bring your A-game)
- Launch Type: Ridge
- Fun Factor: 12/10 if you like the thrill of XC flying
You launch from rugged ridges, find your line, and if you’re lucky, ride it all the way toward Bishop. Just don’t forget where you parked. This one’s for people who like their flights spicy.
3. Mammoth Mountain Summit – Go Big or Go Home
Want to launch from an 11,000-foot volcano? Mammoth Mountain Summit is your ticket to “epic.”
- Elevation: 11,053 feet (yeah, it’s up there)
- Best For: Long scenic flights, maximum airtime, and minor bragging rights
- Bonus: Bragging on Instagram with captions like “Just another Tuesday…”
Getting up there takes some planning — you might need lift access or a permit — but once you’re in the air? It’s pure bliss. Giant alpine bowls, volcanic ridgelines, lakes that look like blue jewels… It’s like flying through a Bob Ross painting.
Lookout Mountain – Low Key, High Reward
Not every launch has to be extreme. Lookout Mountain is a local gem — perfect for those chill flights where you’re more about zen than zoom.
- Best For: Intermediate pilots looking for peaceful glides
- Vibe: Quiet, meditative, and occasionally photobombed by hawks
- Why I Go: Fewer crowds, gorgeous terrain, and it’s just fun
You’ll fly over scenic forestland with less turbulence and more mellow vibes. It’s the hang gliding equivalent of a spa day — but in the sky.
Tandem vs Solo Hang Gliding: What’s Your Flavor?
Let’s be honest — not everyone is ready to hurl themselves off a mountain alone. That’s why tandem flights exist. It’s like Uber, but for the sky.
Tandem Hang Gliding (aka Let the Pro Do It)
You’re strapped to a highly trained, extremely calm person who controls everything. You? You just scream with joy and try not to drop your phone while filming a TikTok.
Perfect for:
- First-timers
- People afraid of launching themselves
- Couples trying to one-up everyone else’s date night
Solo Hang Gliding (aka You’re the Pilot Now)
To fly solo, you’ll need:
- A USHPA rating (usually H2+)
- Lessons, time, and maybe a few “learning moments”
- A solid understanding of weather, launch conditions, and where not to land (like the middle of the highway)
Trust me, once you go solo, it’s a game changer. Just make sure you’re trained, current, and confident. The sky is not the place to wing it (pun fully intended).
Schools & Tandem Flights Near Mammoth
Need a guide to help you take flight? Here are a couple of great hang gliding schools and tour operators near Mammoth:
High Sierra Hang Gliding
- Tandem flights, training, XC coaching
- Super knowledgeable instructors (plus they laugh at your jokes)
Wings Over the Sierra (seasonal)
- Epic views, customized flights
- Perfect for turning your hang gliding curiosity into full-blown obsession
Book early — good air days are in high demand, and nobody wants to be that person left grounded.
Pro Packing Tips from Someone Who’s Forgotten Everything Once
Here’s what I bring for a hang gliding day in Mammoth (learn from my mistakes):
✅ Helmet (duh)
✅ Gloves (cold hands = cranky pilot)
✅ Sunglasses (with a strap unless you want them gone forever)
✅ Wind meter (because apps lie)
✅ Snack stash (almonds, chocolate, your call)
✅ Layers (mountain air is like a moody teenager — unpredictable)
And don’t forget to bring a ground buddy or driver — someone who can pick you up and also say, “You looked majestic up there!”
Best Time to Fly
Mammoth Lakes gives us a solid May through October window for hang gliding. Here’s the breakdown:
- June – July: Strong thermals, long flights, sunburn potential
- August: Still flyable, but watch for pop-up storms (they’re dramatic like soap operas)
- September – October: Cooler temps, calm skies, fall colors from the sky — yes, please
Post-Flight Rewards (Because You Earned It)
After flying, you’ll need two things: carbs and comfort. Hit up:
- Mammoth Brewing Co. – For a victory beer
- Base Camp Café – Huge pancakes, perfect for refueling
- Wild Willy’s Hot Springs – Soak your muscles while watching the sunset and talking about how awesome you are
Final Thoughts (From a Guy Who’s Landed in a Bush)
Hang gliding in Mammoth Lakes isn’t just a bucket list item — it’s the thing that makes your Instagram cooler, your heart lighter, and your stories 100% more impressive.
Whether you’re launching from a volcano, floating above forests, or getting your first taste of tandem flight, one thing’s guaranteed: once you fly Mammoth, you’ll never want to come back down.
Just remember: keep it safe, keep it fun, and always double-check your harness before takeoff. (Trust me on that last one.)
