ELEVATION: Launch 3800ft, top of mountain 4200ft MSL.

LAUNCH: Faces West, so W to SW winds are best, though launch may be possible in light NW or N.   At present the only launch is at the end of the middle spine.    Hike glider out 1/3 mile along trail.

SEASON: Normally only flown in the spring and fall.

RATINGS: H4/P4, H3/P3 if sponsored by SW.   Pilots must be current USHPA (United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Assn.) members.   Pilots must be members of Sonoma Wings, or be a sponsored guest of Sonoma Wings.   Sponsors are responsible for their guests, and for ensuring that they are familiar with the rules.

CAUTIONS: Locked gate, 8:1 glide out; vineyards abound! There are few safe places to land on the way out to Knights Valley, so don't get low on the mountain!   Paraglider bailout LZ on Ida Clayton Road is tricky for hang gliders - use only in emergency.

FLYING: In summer the marine airmass tends to dominate, so soaring conditions are usually not good here at this time.   Best times are spring and sometimes in the fall.   Soaring can be very good over the mountain, and often out over the valley too.   5,000 - 6,000ft MSL is typical, but on rare occasions pilots have reached 8,000ft or more, and over 11,000ft over the back.   XC is possible to the north and east; the record is over 100 miles to the eastern Central Valley, but there is a lot of restricted airspace near Travis and Sacramento.   XC south down the Napa Valley is not recommended because of the scarcity of LZs.

LANDING: Large field in Knights Valley, privately owned.   We are VERY lucky to be able to use this field - almost everywhere else is vineyards!   Gate is usually locked - do NOT climb OVER gates or fences.   Pick up any litter you see.   There are usually cows, and sometimes bulls, in this field.   Conditions are usually light winds out of the N or W, but it can be switchy, and in spring winds can sometimes be strong and turbulent.   Watch out for wires and turbulence from trees.

PARK REGULATIONS AND SITE PROCEDURES

• All Robert Louis Stevenson State Park rules and regulations must be observed.
  Park Info here   Here   and Here  
  Pilots and their guests are responsible for knowing these rules.   The Flight Director, or the senior Sonoma Wings Committee member present, shall be responsible for ensuring that Park rules, Club rules, and safe operating procedures are followed.
• Use is limited to 3 vehicles and 20 pilots maximum.
• Drivers must exercise extreme caution while driving on Park roads due to hikers.   Do not exceed 15 mph. and go dead slow when passing hikers.   Hikers have right of way.   Drive so as to create a minimum of dust. We want no complaints about this.
• Dogs are not allowed in the park.
• Smoking is not allowed in the park because of the high fire risk.
• Hang glider vehicles must stay on designated roads.   They are not allowed on the road to the North Peak.
• Hang gliders may launch only from designated launch areas.
• All streamers, windsocks etc. must be removed at the end of each day.
• Drivers of vehicles must ensure that the gate is locked when leaving the Park.

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