Flying the Salton Sea and Joshua Tree on Paramotor
The Salton Sea is a winter mecca for paramotor pilots. With near-perfect conditions that allow for flying at any time of day, it’s no surprise that this destination draws PPG pilots from across the country. Winds are either katabatic or anabatic from the surrounding moutains depending on the time of day, making launches and landings a breeze. My first trip to the Salton Sea was an unforgettable weekend of flying, exploring, and connecting with the paramotor community.
Arriving at Salton Sea
I arrived at the Salton Sea on Friday night, not knowing exactly what to expect. This was my first time visiting, and I wasn’t sure where to go or what to do. Within 30 minutes of arriving, I was warmly welcomed by other pilots, who quickly gave me the lay of the land. That evening, I enjoyed a one-hour flight with old and new friends, setting the tone for an incredible weekend.
Without finding the camp host on Friday, I claimed an RV spot to get some power for the night. On Saturday morning, after my circumnavigation flight around the lake, I caught up with the camp host to settle up for the spot.
Pilots in photos:
https://www.instagram.com/xtina_tersine/
https://www.instagram.com/gottsmochalk/
Flight 2: Circumnavigating the Salton Sea
The Route
My planned big flight was a full, counterclockwise circumnavigation of the Salton Sea, launching at sunrise on Saturday morning. The 85.78-mile journey took 2 hours and 41 minutes, and I used 7.8 liters of fuel — an efficient 2.9 liters per hour or 11 miles per liter. My preparation was minimal; I simply confirmed the distance using Google Maps to ensure I could cover the mileage with my fuel. Emergency landing areas are everywhere and I follow roads usually. 👍🏻
Equipment
- Frame and Engine: Aviator Limitless 1530 with Moster 185 EFI engine
- Wing: Ozone ViperSix 22
Highlights
The Salton Sea offers a mix of sights. Along the east side of the lake, I followed the trains running parallel to the shoreline, their long lines of cars cutting through the desert landscape. Bombay Beach, an artistic ghost town, came into view as I flew low, offering a surreal contrast to the stark desert surroundings. Bombay Beach was actually the template for Sandy Shores, Trevor’s hometown in GTA V, BTW. At the southern end, I passed the geothermal plant and its rising steam plumes.
Flight 3: Joshua Tree National Park
The Route
Saturday afternoon, I launched from Chiriaco Summit Airport (L77)for an out-and-back flight over Joshua Tree National Park. The journey took just over an hour and involved crossing a mountain range to reach the park. Staying above the recommended altitudes, I ventured halfway into the park before turning back to Chiriaco Summit. Staying above recommended altitudes over the park ensured compliance while enjoying the incredible views.
Challenges
Crossing the mountain range brought turbulence, with rotor making for an uncomfortable ride. Afternoon conditions, with thermals rising from the heating terrain, compounded the challenge. Despite the discomfort, I managed a safe flight and gained experience handling these conditions; something I believe will come in handy for some 2025 plans I have.
Highlights
The park’s rock formations and desert flora stretched out below me, offering a unique perspective on this landscape. An interesting observation though, after driving through the park on the ground after the flight, I feel this park is best observed from the ground. While there are massive mountains to see, the uniqueness of the landscape is better observed on the micro level. On the return flight, after exiting the park boundaries, I dropped lower near dispersed camping areas, waving at campers who seemed delighted by the sight of a paramotor overhead.
Through Joshua Tree and Onward
After the flight, I took some time to drive through Joshua Tree National Park, revisiting 29 Palms to reflect on my time in the Marine Corps. It brought back many memories. I see equalities between the camaraderie of military service and paramotoring/paragliding.
From there, I continued to Soboba Flight Park for Sunday morning, where I had the chance to free fly a bit and meet some new friends.
Equipment and Safety
For these flights, I used:
- Frame and Engine: Aviator Limitless 1530 with Moster EFI engine
- Wing: Ozone ViperSix 22
- Safety and Navigation: Garmin InReach, cellphone
My EFI engine’s five-hour flight range eliminated the need for fuel stops; regardless, I mapped refueling stations along my routes. There are roads surrounding the lake so it wouldn’t be too much of a walk if you need to land unexpectedly provided you give yourself enough glide.
Water landings on a paramotor are a serious threat. The route image above shows that I was above water for most of the trip however, the lake is receeded from that map image and I was over land the entire flight. Keep in mind that you can’t control where you land when under reserve (ignoring steerable reserves here) and if the wind drifts you over water while under reserve, be ready to get out of that harness quick and as far away form the sinking motor and wing lines as possible.
Reflections and Future Plans
The Salton Sea and Joshua Tree offered two very different experiences. The circumnavigation of the Salton Sea was serene and visually diverse, while the Joshua Tree flight tested my skills with turbulence and mountain crossing. Both were unforgettable.
That said, I feel there’s more to explore in Joshua Tree. A point-to-point flight from Yucca Valley Airport (L22) to Chiriaco Summit Airport would allow me to experience the park’s main valley more thoroughly. It’s now on my bucket list.
As for the Salton Sea, I know I’ll be returning often. The flying conditions there are unparalleled, making it a perfect winter destination for paramotor pilots seeking an unforgettable experience. There is a yearly gathering there in February that I hope to attend.
Tips for Other Pilots
- Be Safe: Always let someone know your plan and stay in communication using tools like a Garmin InReach.
- Plan for Emergencies: Map out safe landing zones and fuel stops along your route.
- Prepare for Conditions: Turbulence and rotor can be unsettling, especially near mountain ranges, so fly during calmer parts of the day when possible.
- Respect the Parks: Stay above recommended altitudes and avoid landing within protected areas.
