Marshall (San Bernardino)

Marshall Peak is a forgiving gentle slope launch that drops off steeper. There is room to set up several gliders at once when the winds are southerly, which they usually are. Grasses around launch are trimmed from time to time but sticks in the lines are possible. The top of the peak is dusty dirt but it doesn't seem to stick to gliders much. The normal way up is to drive around the back in a truck, which takes about 1/2 an hour. Most of the distance is paved, with the last couple of miles being a dirt road in variable condition. Four wheel drive is not usually necessary, but some amount of clearance is helpful. Drive slowly on this road, as it is two way traffic with blind corners. Collisions do occur. It is also possible to hike up to launch, and elevation gain of about 2300 feet (700m). Be aware that rattlesnakes are common in the summer, and mountain lions and bears are sometimes seen. No mountain lion or bear attacks on people have been recorded, but hiking alone at sunset might not be the best idea.

There is another launch 1200 feet (365m) higher in the town of Crestline. This launch is flat grass becoming steep quickly. It is often windier at Crestline; there are many days when Marshall is good for paragliding and Crestline is too windy. Hang gliders launch there more often than paragliders. On days with good lapse rates and light base winds it can be great for paragliding too. Driving to Crestline is all paved roads. Hiking is not an option unless you are an ironman or plan to camp half way.

Marshall is an unusually reliable site, especially in the summer. Beginning May 1 there are often 100 soarable days in a row. How high you get and how far you might go XC depend on your skill but also largely on the day's conditions. Southern California often has a temperature inversion that limits soaring to 300-600 meters over launch, but some days are much higher.

Marshall is most often blue thermals. Only occasionally are there clouds to fly with.

Be sure and get a site briefing from a local.

Other Marshall websites:
Jerome Daoust: http://www.expandingknowledge.com/Jerome/PG/Site/Marshall/Main.htm

USHPA AND (temporary) CSS membership required (20USD/ month)
> see: https://crestlinesoaring.org/join/

Takeoff altitude: 1205m