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Local Flying Its a little known secret, but the Sacramento area has two very nice hang gliding areas: Rancho Murieta and Coloma. Rancho Murieta has both a training hill for beginning instruction and a tow site for high altitude flying. At the tow site, pilots tow to 1,000-2,000 feet using a special winch. After they release, they may find thermals, or warm rising air currents to gain altitude. The record altitude is over 6,000 feet and the longest cross country flight is over thirty miles! To check out the training hill, please go to the training page. Coloma is a scenic traditional foot launch site nestled in foothills. Its a favorite place for many of our local pilots.

A pilot takes off. The winch is behind the van. (The tow line is going through a turn around pulley about 1,500 feet away.) Photo by Koz Afghami.

A take-off at Coloma.

Mike Johnson on final approach at the tow site. We can see the Rancho Seco cooling towers in the background.