New Mexico’s vast landscapes and high-altitude locations make it a great destination for hang gliding. With numerous launch sites and companies offering lessons and flights, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced gliders.
Top Hang Gliding Locations in New Mexico
Dry Canyon (Alamogordo, New Mexico)
A popular site with excellent thermals and panoramic desert views.
Farleys Ridge (Grants, New Mexico)
Known for its scenic open spaces and steady winds, perfect for hang gliding.
La Bajada Ridge (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Offering stunning views over the Santa Fe area, La Bajada Ridge is a prime launch site for gliders.
La Jara Ridge (Grants, New Mexico)
This launch site near Grants offers wide-open skies and consistent winds, making it a favorite for hang gliders.
La Luz (Alamogordo, New Mexico)
Located near Alamogordo, La Luz offers great conditions for gliding, with beautiful desert landscapes.
Sandia Crest – Radio Towers Launch (Alamogordo, New Mexico)
A high-altitude launch site offering breathtaking views and excellent thermals for experienced gliders.
Sandia Peak Tram – Restaurant Launch (Alamogordo, New Mexico)
A popular launch spot, offering high-altitude flights with views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
Hang Gliding Companies in New Mexico
Crossroads Windsports
- Website: www.gravsports.com
- Location: 6524 North A Street, Hobbs, NM 88240, New Mexico
- Details: Crossroads Windsports provides lessons and tandem flights in the Hobbs area.
High Desert Hang Gliding
- Website: www.highdeserthg.com
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Details: Offering lessons and tandem flights, High Desert Hang Gliding serves the Albuquerque area.
Up Over New Mexico
- Location: 9770 Elena Dr NE Albuquerque, NM 87122-3912, New Mexico
- Details: Up Over New Mexico provides hang gliding experiences in the Albuquerque area, though no website is available for additional details.
Alternative Outdoor Activities in New Mexico
For those seeking more outdoor adventures, New Mexico offers:
- Hiking: Explore trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park or White Sands National Park.
- Rock Climbing: Try climbing at El Malpais National Monument.
- Hot Air Ballooning: Experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Safety Tips and Best Time to Visit
The best time to hang glide in New Mexico is during spring and fall when weather conditions are favorable. Always check the weather and ensure all safety protocols are followed.
Conclusion
New Mexico offers a variety of scenic and thrilling hang gliding locations, from the desert landscapes of Alamogordo to the high-altitude launches at Sandia Crest. With companies like High Desert Hang Gliding and Crossroads Windsports, both beginners and experienced gliders can enjoy New Mexico’s wide-open skies.
Hang Gliding in the US – Choose a State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
