Reeder Mesa

Reeder Mesa on the western Colorado plateau is a well-loved but access-sensitive site — a soaring and thermal launch facing north to north-west that only stays open thanks to a fragile, guide-only agreement with the landowners. As of 2019 only nine named guide pilots have written permission to cross the private driveway to launch, and carpooling is mandatory. Alternative walk-in access on public land remains available to any pilot or group who contacts the local paragliding community first. Guide pilots are volunteers, not a service — plan ahead, message on WhatsApp or Facebook, and treat the arrangement like the last-chance situation it is.

Getting there & local rules

Driveway access is guide-only under a limited trial agreement with the landowners: nine pilots have written permission and pilots must carpool. Anyone else crossing the driveway is treated as trespassing. Walk-in access on public land is still open — contact the local paragliding community in advance for the map and directions.

Local rules & hazards

Access is fragile and permission-based. Only the named guide pilots may use the private driveway; carpooling is required. Alternative public-land walk-in access is available to everyone — coordinate ahead, don't just show up. Losing this arrangement means losing site access for the community.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Reeder Mesa, 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 Reeder Mesa with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.