Dunlap Hang Gliding & Paragliding Site Guide (Fresno)

Dunlap is a foothill mountain site on Highway 180 east of Fresno, run by the Central California Hanggliding & Paragliding Club (CCHPC). It is an H3/P3 site with about 2,600 ft of drop from launch to landing, and it is one of the best places in central California to learn mountain thermal flying. Every pilot needs USHPA membership, a signed club waiver and current club dues before flying.

Overview

Dunlap sits in the semi-arid Sierra Nevada foothills on the road into Kings Canyon. Pilots fly it for thermals, ridge lift and cross-country attempts, and it is known as a friendly place to step up from coastal soaring to inland mountain air. The Bay Area Hang Gliding Club site list calls it “a good first mountain site,” and Airtime Paragliding brings students here for the same reason.

The site has a long local history. Dan Fleming was among the first pilots to fly from Highway 180 in the early 1980s, ran the Dunlap Sky Park landing zone and was the Fresno area’s hang gliding instructor for decades, according to ABC30 Fresno. He died in 2016 after a medical event in flight. BHGC notes the site was closed from late 2017 until it reopened in September 2018 under new owner Tim Fleming. Launch and landing areas involve private land, which is one more reason to follow club rules closely.

Location and access

Dunlap is about an hour east of Fresno on Highway 180, the route into Kings Canyon (Sierra Hang Gliding). Pilots meet in the landing area and drive or shuttle to launch. Winter snow can block the launch road at times, so check before a cold-season trip.

ParaglidingEarth lists the launch at 36.7642, -119.0980 (site 7007), and BHGC gives a landing zone at 36.7361, -119.1047. Use these for orientation only and follow the club’s current directions.

Launches

The CCHPC Dunlap page lists three launches, all rated H3/P3:

Dunlap Main West Launch, facing SW to W, about a 5:1 glide to the LZ.
Dunlap Main West Launch Ramp, facing SW to W, about 5:1, for hang gliders only.
Dunlap North Launch, facing W to NW, about 5.2:1.

Launch is around 4,600 ft MSL. ParaglidingEarth describes a large flat setup area behind launch with launch spots on each side of a cabin, and room for only one paraglider to lay out at a time. Sierra Hang Gliding notes that both the hill and the ramp need a strong takeoff run, and that north winds can block the airflow near the launch tree.

Landing

The club lists two landing zones, the Millwood Road LZ and Verna’s LZ, both on the valley floor near 2,000 ft MSL. Sierra Hang Gliding describes the LZ as “long and spacious” but warns of crosswinds at times. Ask the club which LZ is in use on the day you visit and walk it if you have not landed there before.

Wind and season

CCHPC posts these wind limits:

	Optimal	Maximum
Paragliders	5-8 mph	gusts to 15 mph
Hang gliders	10-12 mph	gusts to 20 mph

Pilots fly Dunlap most of the year. ParaglidingEarth calls it very consistent from spring through early fall. In summer, Airtime advises that midday flights are for expert pilots only, while mornings and evenings are excellent. Air gets more turbulent as the day heats up, and the site sometimes has evening glass-off conditions. For cross-country, Airtime mentions the “Last Chance” and “Next To Last Chance” ridges. ParaglidingEarth notes that longer flights mean crossing a few miles of rolling hills with weak lift.

Check the forecast before you drive. Our weather links page collects the tools our club uses for inland sites.

Required rating and rules

According to the CCHPC site page, checked October 2026:

Minimum USHPA H3 or P3 rating, plus current USHPA membership.
H2 and P2 pilots may fly only under an instructor’s supervision or with a USHPA observer.
Every pilot signs the online waiver and holds annual or temporary club membership.
Helmets and reserve parachutes are mandatory.
No dangerous maneuvers, no speed wings and no towing.
Radios are strongly advised. The club lists 147.405 MHz.

Instructors must give the club proof of insurance listing its sites as additionally insured before teaching there. If you are still working toward your rating, our USHPA ratings guide explains what H3 and P3 involve and how pilots earn them.

Managing club and site fees

The Central California Hanggliding & Paragliding Club manages Dunlap and also Tollhouse. In October 2026 its home page listed a $100 annual membership (January to December) and a $50 one-month temporary membership, paid online, with a new waiver each year. Members living within 50 miles of Fresno have voting rights. Airtime’s guide also mentions a $25 day-use fee that includes camping at Dan’s LZ. We could not confirm that figure on the club site, so ask the club before relying on it.

The club relies on volunteers for mowing, weed control, pruning and fence repair. Visiting pilots who help out are welcome. For a wider view of what flying costs, see our hang gliding cost guide.

Camping and facilities

Airtime lists Dan’s LZ campground, Sequoia Highlands cabins and the St. Nicholas Retreat about half a mile before Dan’s LZ. Sierra Hang Gliding mentions yurt rentals and notes that Verizon coverage works well, with WiFi near the dome visitor center.

Hazards

Midday summer thermals can be strong and turbulent. Newer pilots should fly mornings and evenings.
Crosswinds in the LZ.
North winds can disturb the air near launch.
Launches need a committed run, and the paraglider setup area is tight.
Long cross-country flights cross rolling hills with weak lift and limited retrieve options.

Our safety guide covers the general habits that matter most at a mountain site like this.

Nearby sites

Dunlap pairs well with a trip to the Owens Valley on the other side of the Sierra for experienced pilots. Northern California pilots stepping up to inland flying often fly Ed Levin first, and Hat Creek is the next big inland site to the north. Our own club flies St. Helena and the other sites in our Sonoma Wings site guides. For more options, see our California flying sites directory.

Site details, fees and rules change. Everything above was checked in October 2026; confirm with CCHPC before you fly.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Dunlap hang gliding site?

Dunlap is in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Fresno, on Highway 180 on the way to Kings Canyon. Plan on roughly an hour's drive from Fresno. The launch sits around 4,600 ft MSL and the landing zones are near 2,000 ft MSL.

What rating do I need to fly Dunlap?

The Central California Hanggliding & Paragliding Club lists all Dunlap launches as H3/P3. H2 and P2 pilots may fly only under an instructor's supervision or with a USHPA observer. Every pilot also needs current USHPA membership, a signed club waiver and club membership.

How much does it cost to fly at Dunlap?

When we checked the club site in October 2026, CCHPC listed a $100 annual membership (January to December) and a $50 one-month temporary membership, both covering Dunlap and Tollhouse. Fees change, so confirm on cchpc.club before you go.

Can beginners fly at Dunlap?

Dunlap is often called a good first mountain site, but it is not a novice site. New pilots fly it with an instructor, ideally in the calmer morning or evening air, and should avoid summer midday thermals until they have real thermal experience.

Is there camping at Dunlap?

Yes. Pilot guides describe camping at the landing zone, and Airtime Paragliding lists Dan's LZ campground along with nearby cabins and a retreat center. Check current camping arrangements and any day-use fees with the club or the campground.

Dunlap: hang gliding and paragliding near Fresno