Thomas Mt

Thomas Mountain is a lightly-used flying spot near Idyllwild in Southern California. A local pilot cleared a small takeoff area at approximately 33.599911 N / -116.653854 W, with a bail-out landing zone in forest land just below launch (33.585042 N / -116.663961 W) that still needs some vegetation clearing. On flights with real height gain, the best landing option is Garner Valley (33.629535 N / -116.634438 W) — a 100+ acre stretch of clear forest land with a dry stream to land in, similar to Soboba without the trees. Anza High School is another possible landing further down.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff area at approximately 33.599911 N / -116.653854 W, cleared by locals.

Getting there & local rules

Near Idyllwild, Southern California. Landings: bail-out is a partially-cleared area on forest land just below launch (33.585042 N / -116.663961 W). Best landing on a real flight is Garner Valley (33.629535 N / -116.634438 W) — 100+ acres of clear forest land with a dry stream. Anza High School has also been used.

Local rules & hazards

Site is lightly used and largely unmaintained — the bail-out below launch still needs vegetation clearing. Contact local pilots before flying.

Check conditions before you fly

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