Williams Peak (Heeney)
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Location
What we look for at Williams Peak (Heeney)
Wind direction
SSW (200°) → WNW (300°)
The wind must blow from within this arc. Direction is the same for both wings.
Ideal speed
5–12 mph
Ceiling · Paragliding
≤ 19 mph base · gusts ≤ 23
Top of the range for paragliding (any rating). Switch wings up top to compare. Hang gliders hold roughly 10 mph more than paragliders.
High-altitude "big air" site near Heeney, CO (Blue River valley, Gore Range). Multiple launches cover SW-W-NW: Upper Launch (10,400 ft) ideal 200 deg, works 160-225, faces S-SW; Lower Launch (9,450 ft) ideal 250 deg, works 200-300; Dinosaur Launch (8,930 ft) ideal 315 deg, works 270-340, NW bowl. PG: 0-15 mph, ideal ~8 mph, gust factor 5 mph (so max usable gust ~20). HG: 0-25 mph, ideal 12. Rating: P2+/H2+/M2; strong forward-launch skills required at altitude (density altitude). Best time: early morning smooth sledders off upper launch, or evening glass-off; afternoon valley winds shift WNW and favor lower launch but become unreliable. HAZARDS: rotor at upper launch with W/NW winds; rotor from ridge to NNW at lower launch; midday heating brings sudden turbulence, gust fronts, overdevelopment, compression/venturi. Upper launch needs ~5:2 glide. Drive-up access ~6 mi up Williams Peak Rd off Hwy 9 past Green Mountain Reservoir.
Window data compiled from rmhpa.org, public site guides and club resources.
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