Otto's Ridge

Basic Description: Otto's ridge is a 200' tall ridge located 2 miles from the Colorado-Utah border on the Colorado side. The land is all BLM, which means free camping and light regulation. The site is primarily a paragliding ridge soaring site which works most sunny mornings. It is a great option to visit when driving to Utah or when the front range weather is not cooperating.

Local Club: High Desert Paragliding - The local club is somewhat unofficial, but the facebook page serves as a great way to see who is heading out to fly. There are no membership fees but the club does ask that you sign in at the registry at each of their sites. This allows them to prove land use to the BLM and keep the road maintenance up to date.

Getting There: Your best bet is to go with someone who has gone or just plug [ 39.2789N 108.995W ] into your GPS. You should have full cell service all the way out there. There are a few paths out there on BLM roads. A high-ish clearance vehicle is recommended. There is a "back" route that is good for small vehicles but it is difficult to explain.

The nearest town is Mack, Colorado. From the front range, take I-70W to Mack and take exit 11 for Old U.S. 6. Head North on Old U.S. 6 until you dead end into Business HWY 6/US HWY 50. Take a left (West) onto HWY 6 & 50. Head down this road until you reach #2 Road/Bookcliff Ridge Road. Take a right onto this (gravel/dirt road) and then keep an eye out for the first road which offshoots to the right. Take this road (dirt). Take the first offshoot to the right again. When you reach the next fork near the cliff edge, turn left and follow the ridge to the main camping area.

'''Launch: 39.2789N 108.995W | 5056' MSL. '''Please avoid parking right in the nice big dirt area, this is the primary launch and kiting area. There can be significant rotor ~20' behind the ridge, avoid flying here.

Landing Zone: The LZ is just about anywhere at the bottom of the ridge. Most try to top land. There is a significantly less rocky area marked by a fixed windsock skiers right of the main launch.

Exposure: This site works best for an East wind. **TO BE ADDED: LOCAL WEATHER STATIONS**. The GJT airport can be a good reference for forecasting.

Media:

Harrison's video shows some of the fun that can be had here on larger wings, including an opportunity to tow on the long, straight #2 road: