Walt's Point is the starting point for legendary big-air flights. Located at the southern tip of the Sierras, just south of Mount Whitney (the highest point in the continental US), the launch provides access to some of the most remarkable flying in the world. It's common to reach altitudes of 15K to 18K in thermals going up at 4000 fpm. Come prepared for BIG AIR.Getting up can be tricky at Walt's Point. There is a house t...
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Walt's Point is the starting point for legendary big-air flights. Located at the southern tip of the Sierras, just south of Mount Whitney (the highest point in the continental US), the launch provides access to some of the most remarkable flying in the world. It's common to reach altitudes of 15K to 18K in thermals going up at 4000 fpm. Come prepared for BIG AIR.
Getting up can be tricky at Walt's Point. There is a house thermal in the saddle to the south of launch, but only if you're above it. Launch aggressively, head straight to the saddle, and work whatever you find there. If you miss the house thermal, stay in whatever you can on the ridge. It becomes progressively more difficult to recover once you've slipped below 8K -- get up fast or be prepared for a bitter day in the car.
If you do make it up, 100-mile days are common. The favored route is to race from ridge-to-ridge up the Sierras to Mount Tinemeha, cross the valley over Big Ears to Black Mountain, and then race up the Whites to Boundary Peak. Landing at the Janey's LZ at the north end of Boundary gives a 100-mile flight. Longer flights can be had by continuing north to Minah or turning east towards Tonopah.
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