Mt. Herman
2/7/26
Updated:
High altitude front range thermal paradise.
Backcountry site - undeveloped but associated with RMHPA
Min Rating:
Special Skills:
Radio:
P2
High Altitude, Turbulence
158.400 DCS 23
Mt Herman / Sec 16 / Lincoln
Mount Hermon launches with a 1,200' descent to the LZ - high for the front range! Herman is a thermic paradise and might be the best mountain on the front range for XC. You can follow the mountains north to Wyoming or hit the flats for flatland xc.
When launching we recommend you take off in low wind not in a thermal. With our mountain being high up it's super easy to find your first thermal and massive climbs. It's not uncommon to get to 16,000'+.
The LZ is one of our main thermal generators which normally tracks up the front of the mountain back to launch - great for low saves! This also makes the LZ a little tricky to land into. Most likely you'll find yourself going back up and having to try again. Never force your wing down to land in the landing zone. Just ride the lift back up and try again.
Air Force Academy numbers to call when flying: (719) 333-1162. If no answer: (719) 333-2526.
Launch
Herman has 2 trails to the top at 9,053'. First is the most popular. Pilots will make a meet time to drive around the back for an easy hike up. Second is the steep hike up the front. Glide ratio to the LZ is 2.9.
NORTH LAUNCH
Wind from 20-90º acceptable, 40-75º is ideal. Do not launch here when wind is S. Rotor off rocks is a hazard. Set up further E in strong winds and further W in nil winds. This reduces snag hazards.
There is a steep edge at the E side of the N launch. Ensure you set up your launch to be airborne well before the end of the launch area
SOUTH LAUNCH
Not recommended until you are very experienced with this site. Wind from 120-160º acceptable. 130-150º is ideal. Only to be used when a launch is assured within the first few steps as there are lateral hazards and a cliff at the end of the launch.
New pilots should only use the North launch until they are very experienced with the site and have consulted with locals about the dangers of the south launch. Risk of getting plucked is high, as this is a steep high mountain launch. Ensure your kiting and launching skills are sharp before visiting.
Landing
LZ is at the base of the mountain at 7,340'. Easy to hit with all size of wings. There's lots of open space to pick so pick that first before sending on private property, but there are no designated No Landing zones.
Remain patient and burn altitude at the periphery of the LZ before final approach for landing, keeping the option open to land in the large un-mowed field.There are trees throughout the LZ, but the LZ is extremely large. Ensure you do not have object fixation on the few trees in the LZ while setting up final approach.
Beginning pilots are required to land in the Primary LZ.
Launch and Landing Map
Winds
Speeds
PG: 0-10mph, ideal 5mph, gust factor 5mph
Direction:
North launch: Ideal 40-140, okay 20-160 degrees
South launch: ideal 130-150 degrees, okay 120-160 degrees
Warnings
Air traffic? Hell Yes! Flying over black forest is the main highway for airliners into and out of Colorado Springs. The Air Force Academy has planes flying for skydiving and glider tows. Starting your flight with a call to the Air Force academy will ensure your safety in the area.
Midday flying is recommended for P3+. Morning and evenings would be good for P2s on light windows days. Highly recommend getting with a local site guide for an introduction. See telegram group for contacting a local site guide.
Environmental Factors
Topography: The slope of Herman is forested and undulating with gulleys and small cliffs. This creates wind-direction-dependent risk of rotor and hazard if flying too near terrain.
Turbulence: Herman is a very active thermic site and there can be significant turbulence, especially midday in Spring and Summer months.
Afternoon overdevelopment is common and typically rolls in from the West. Awareness of forecasts and potential for gust fronts is mandatory.
If you have a suggestion, correction, or addition to a flying site, please contact webmaster@rmhpa.org.