Mt. Baldy Summit

• Wind directionWNW (290°) → NNW (340°)
• Ideal speed3–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

Mt. Baldy summit launch sits a ~30 min hike above the main Baldy "Tower" launch in Eagle River, AK (above Anchorage). Best in light conditions or for the exercise; no dedicated launch area. Most pilots launch just WEST of the summit in a west or north breeze, and walk a bit PAST the summit to launch in a light south breeze. Ideal wind is W to NNW (290-340 deg, +/-10 deg) per the Arctic Air Walkers / Paragliding Alaska site guide; ideal speed 0-12 mph for paragliders (5-15 mph for hang gliders) with gusts kept under ~5 mph. Do NOT launch with a strong southerly component from the standard spot due to significant sink/lee, though the summit's exposed conical shape allows light multi-directional launching by repositioning. Primarily a THERMAL site (cloud base 7,000 ft+ on good days) with strong XC potential; spring and early summer are best. The "Baldy Bubble" can keep it flyable when the rest of the Anchorage area is blown out. Hazards: hikers/berry-pickers/spectators frequent the summit, so maintain clearance and communicate. Summer LZ at soccer fields by the Harry McDonald Center; winter LZ on Lower Fire Lake. Marginal/edge directions estimated from the conical summit terrain and orientation hint.