"I think the potential for distance flying in Central Utah (Richfield with its main sites Monroe/ Cove and also Mt.Edna) lies in the fact that these TO's are situated on very long North-South facing mountain ranges .The Sevier Plateau, and the Wasatch Plateau continue virtually for almost hundreds of miles (if one manages to bridge the gaps), so there is a huge potential. Cloud base being as high (or higher) than 18'000 ft. does also help...Furthermore -contrary to many other sites in the US- there is good wx-info available (wx stations on both Mt. Edna and Cove -with web cams!) and also good access (2WD for Monroe). Not to forget: out-landing doesn't seem too big a problem: not too many un-landable places and roads/ tracks never too far away."
- Taggi (Switzerland) -

Here are a few memorable pictures at Mt. Edna. Stacy, Dave and Jochen pioneered this site mid July 08' and it has been a gem of a find. Not only is it the highest drive up to launch in the state, it can be done with a high clearance 2 wheel drive.

Directions: Sorry, no pictures yet
The scenic Utah Highway 89 runs south from Richfield and heads past the famous Big Rock Candy Mountain in Marysvale canyon. The Sevier River flows adjecent to the highway and opens up just in time to drop down into the country town of Maysvale. There are signs which direct you to Bullion canyon. Take a few minutes to enjoy the sites at the ghost town of Bullion City and then take the road heading south up the mountain right at the town limit. Follow that road until you get to the top of the mountain! There is a gate preventing access to the radio towers, so call Stacy for a site tour and he has a key.

Updated 1/29/22

Site guide

Recommended Winds: North launch
• HG: min 6, ideal 12. Max 15, gust 5
• PG: min 1, ideal 6, max 12 gust 3
• Ideal direction 315-45 degrees, Acceptable 300-60 degrees
• Min GR: 3.7 
Recommended Winds: Southwest launch
• HG: min 6, ideal 12. Max 15, gust 5
• PG: min 1, ideal 6, max 12 gust 3
• Ideal direction 210-240 degrees, Acceptable 190-270 degrees
• Min GR: 3.7 
Recommended Winds: East Launch 
• HG: min 6, ideal 12, Max 15, gust 5
• PG: min 1, ideal 6, max 12 gust 3
• Ideal direction 70-110 degrees, Acceptable 50-130 degrees
• Min GR:3.7
Recommended Winds: South Launch 
• HG: min 6, ideal 12, Max 15, gust 5
• PG: min 1, ideal 6, max 12 gust 3
• Ideal direction 160-200 degrees, Acceptable 130-220 degrees
• Min GR:3.7

Recommended Ratings
• SouthWest launch H3, P3
• North Launch H3, P3
• South Launch H3, P3
• South Launch H3, P3 

This is a view of the launch area and in the background is Delano Peak which is named after President Roosevelt and also boasts the title of highest peak in the Tusher's (12,188 ft.). A little closer is Alunite peak which is distinguised as the highest paragliding launch (11,988 ft.) in Utah. If there are any higher in the US, we would be interested in knowing.

Mt Edna launch is located 7 miles west of Marysvale, Utah near the top of the Tushar Mountains. It is Utah’s highest drive up launch with many launch options in a high alpine meadow that offers 360 degree’s of launching options. Launch altitudes range from 11,500 to 11,700 feet. There is over 5000 feet of vertical drop to the landing zone which is just west of Marysvale. Mt. Edna is a morning thermal site. Launching is not recommended after the canyon winds become strongly anabatic around 1:00 PM. Mt. Edna is home of the world’s highest commercial radio tower. Caution when thermaling in the vicinity of the tower is advised.

     This is a high mountain launch and requires the respect and caution associated with high mountain launches. Even in the morning, thermals can be amazingly strong.

      There is a 3.5 to 6 mile glide out to the landing zone over mountain valleys and unfriendly landing conditions, so head out to the landing zone while you are still high enough to make it. The biggest hazard of Mt. Edna is getting too low late in the day, getting caught in canyon suck and not being able to make it to the landing zone. Both Cottonwood and Bullion canyons offer very few good landing options, so it is imperative that you use your altitude to get clear of the canyons. If in doubt, head out.

     Other risks include longer inflation times because of thin air at this high altitude, thermals converging from different valleys, and higher speeds when top landing once again, because of the high altitude.

     Your safety is determined by clear thinking and understanding the conditions and risks. CUASA and USHPA are committed to your freedom to fly according to the dictates of your own conscience, and decision making, and to making it as safe as possible by informing you of risks so you can make informed, wise, and safe decisions.

Mt. Edna site rules

1)     P3 or instructor supervision required

2)    Membership in USHPA and CUASA and familiarization with site rules and Risk assessment required.

3)  Lock the gates behind you.

4)  Vehicles must stay on established roads

5)  Clean up after yourself.  Leave this beautiful mountain better than you found it.

6)  Helmets are required and must be worn any time you are attached to the glider.

7) Spectators must remain 50 feet away from laid out paragliders, and be aware of launching and flying pilots.

8) Launches for P2’s /H2’s recommended before noon. And P4/H4 before 1 PM. launching after that time is very dangerous because canyon suck can make it impossible to get to a safe landing zone.

9) It is not recommended for mini wings to fly Mt. Edna.

10) Any commercial instruction or site guiding must be done in accordance with USHPA guidelines and instructors must represent a PASA certified school.

11) Tandem instructors must be in compliance with the USHPA FAA Tandem Exemption, and all participants must be issued a 30 day student membership or current USHPA membership.