Marshall (San Bernardino)

Marshall Peak, above San Bernardino, is one of the most reliable sites in the United States — from May 1 there are often 100 soarable days in a row. The 1,205 m launch works from east through southwest, with southerly wind the most common setting. How high you get and how far you might fly XC depends on your skill but also on the day's inversion: Southern California often caps soaring at 300–600 m over launch, with occasional days going much higher. Marshall is mostly blue thermals — clouds are the exception. USHPA membership is required, and Crestline Soaring Society (CSS) charges a temporary $20/month membership for visiting pilots. Andy Jackson Airpark is the LZ and, importantly, the only place in the valley where landing is legal — San Bernardino has an ordinance against flying or landing within city limits, and police issue tickets. Summer mid-day conditions can be dangerous with dust devils in the LZ.

Launch & conditions

Marshall Peak has a forgiving gentle slope that drops off steeper below. Room to set up several gliders at once when winds are southerly (the usual case). Grass gets trimmed periodically but sticks in the lines are possible. Get a site briefing from a local pilot before flying — the site has its own patterns. Summer first-flight advice: launch after 5 pm and work earlier as you learn the site. Watch for sea-breeze fronts and occasional gust fronts from thunderstorms building back in the mountains.

Getting there & local rules

The normal way up is to drive around the back in a truck — about 30 minutes. Most of the road is paved with the last couple of miles a variable dirt road; 4WD isn't usually necessary but clearance helps. Drive slowly — two-way traffic with blind corners. Andy Jackson Airpark is the LZ: level, well-maintained, defined patterns to separate hang-gliders and paragliders, shade structure and chairs, grassy fold-up area. Limited camping and RV parking is available (no hookups, just a portajohn). Rides to launch via Gene Embree (+1 909 260 0131) — 2022 rate $20.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Marshall (San Bernardino), read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Marshall (San Bernardino) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.