Otto's Ridge
2/7/26
Updated:
Reliable ridge soaring & kiting
Secondary site for info only - unassociated with RMHPA. Not maintained by RMHPA. Fly at your own risk.
Min Rating:
Special Skills:
Radio:
P2 / H2 / M2
High Altitude
151.955
Otto's/Dom/Peach
Otto's is a desert ridge soaring site. It's arguably one of the most consistent flying sites in the state. This is a great site for new P2s to gain airtime. Typical flying times are from dawn to late morning.
The most important thing is following ridge soaring right of way rules (ridge on pilot's right, pilot has right of way). The lift band at Otto's is smaller than other ridge soaring sites. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Otto's works off the east winds generated by the valley flow each morning. It's good to see the NAM, HRRR and GFS all starting east north east at dawn and moving east then east south east as the morning progresses.
Launch
Otto's is one of the most accessible sites in the state, just drive and park (or camp) right at the designated parking area. (REFERENCE MAP BELOW:DO NOT PARK NEAR THE KITING/LAUNCHING AREA).
Launch is immediately next to the windsock along the ridge. You'll find a large section of ground cleared of any sage brush.
Glide ratio to LZ is 3.5.
Landing
Top landing at launch is preferred. The lower LZ is marked by a triangle formed from lines of white rocks. There is also a streamer, winds are generally much lighter at the lower LZ. Follow these white rocks back towards the ridge and you'll find a trail leading back up.
Do not top land in the parking area. High risk of injury or property damage by landing on or being dragged into a vehicle.
Launch and Landing Map
Winds
Direction: Ideal for East Launch 40-120, Okay 20-140 degrees
Speeds (all launches):
PG: 0-15mph, ideal 10mph, gust factor 5mph
MW: 0-17mph, ideal 12mph, gust factor 5mph
HG: 0-17mph, ideal 12mph, gust factor 5mph
Considerations
This is a wide open desert landscape. Many known incidents have occurred with vehicles and paraglider collisions from both flight and kiting activities. Cars and Paragliders do not mix. Ensure you do not park in the launch area and do not land/kite in the parking area to minimize risk to you and others.
If you have a suggestion, correction, or addition to a flying site, please contact webmaster@rmhpa.org.