Dinosaur is a famous flying site located in Colorado (USA) in Rocky Mountains. As described by 2014 Rocky Mountain Region Site Guide it is at approximately 8,000ft MSL, 2,000ft above the primary LZ. Launches face SW, S, and SE. Normally launchable in almost any wind direction as cliff creates its own weather pattern, unless winds are strong. Primarily a thermal site with some ridge soaring opportunity. Great XC potential, several competitions have been completed here. First competition to have a 100 mile goal. Very open, landable areas when going XC over the back. Try to land near a road, distances can be deceiving! Oxygen highly recommended. Primary LZ is about 1 mile from the base of the mountain, called the Snake Pit. Corral LZ is another mile further from ridge. Recommended Pilot Rating - Hang 2 for Hanglider (mornings) and P4 for Paraglider pilots (challenging air). Times to Fly - Mornings are usually light winds, suitable for experienced Hang and Paraglider pilots. Midday finds very strong thermal activity. Infrequent thunderstorms occur from May-August. Evenings occasionally glass off. One of the more popular XC sites, flown mostly by Hanglider pilots. Please check in with Mike Warden of the Hi-View Motel in Dinosaur. He offers pilot discounts on lodging and is the only local pilot. Call Mike at 970-374-2267.

TOPOGRAPHY
The area is high desert averaging 6,000'msl, punctuated with numerous peaks at approximately 8,000‘ and river valleys at 5,000‘.The terrain in the contest area varies from spectacular rocky cliffs to river valley pastures. There are expanses of level desert and various sized hills. Ranch and oilfield service roads form a network for easy pilot retrieval. Vegetation includes ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and aspen at the highest elevations and irrigated grassland and cottonwood trees at the lowest. In between are juniper, cedar and pinyon pine trees. For safe landing, open fields of desert grasses and sage brush are plentiful at all elevations. Wildlife is abundant, particularly soaring birds. Everyone will see deer, elk and antelope. Pilots can count on flying with eagles.

WEATHER
While no one would be so foolish as to guarantee the weather for any hang gliding contest, the period scheduled for this meet should yield eight straight days of outstanding flying conditions. The desert area around Dinosaur is not affected by the high mountain weather which makes many mountain sites inconsistent. While a high mountain site could have a solid week of virtually unflyable conditions, it is unlikely that there will be even a single day at Dinosaur on which a safe, valid task cannot be called. During the post-monsoon period of this meet, pilots can expect a weather pattern dominated by high pressure, with light westerly winds aloft and blue thermals/small cumulus. Climbs above l7,000'msl are normal.

Take off - (2460m ASL, 40°22.257', -109°05.171')
Takeoff will be from Cliff Ridge on the Blue Mountain Plateau, slightly west of the Colorado/Utah border, just north of Dinosaur. There are several launches facing south to southwest at 8,l00 ft msl, 2100ft above the nearest landing area at an approximate 4.6 to 1 glide (1 ft = 0.3048 m). Driving time from that landing area to launch is 45 minutes (2-wheel drive). Driving time from Dinosaur is 50 minutes, mainly on the paved U.S. Park Service road and then a good 2-wheel drive dirt road through BLM grazing land. Light, straight-in thermal cycles are the usual summer condition throughout most of the day. The launches are 150 and 200 yards apart, allowing several pilots to safely take off simultaneously. The area behind the launches is clear and perfectly level, with space to set up several thousand gliders. There will be an ordered launch that will minimize shuffling of gliders while providing the opportunity to back off if the pilot is not comfortable with conditions. Pilots will be able to drive close to their favorite setup spot, unload their equipment and park nearby. Unlimited parking is available on top, with a level walk to any takeoff. A clearly marked, convenient parking plan, with a separate area for spectators’ vehicles, will be overseen by staff. Spectators will be very cordially, but definitely, restricted from moving into cordoned-off areas surrounding the actual launches.
SAFETY
With several thousand competition and free-flying foot launches over 29 years, an excellent safety record has been established, especially in comparison with other well known big air sites. Safe landing fields and roads are plentiful. Fences, power lines and other hazards are sparse (except in the oilfield near the town of Rangely, an area that will be avoided in task calls). Prearrangements for search and rescue, ambulance and medical facilities will be made and coordinated by the Safety Director for all potential routes of flight.