Soaring through the sky with the exhilarating rush of wind against your skin, wingsuit flying offers an unmatched adventure for thrill-seekers. In the United States, a diverse range of landscapes sets the stage for some of the world’s most breathtaking wingsuit experiences. So what are the best places for wingsuit flying in the US?
From rugged canyons to majestic mountains, in this post, I will introduce you to the best wingsuit destinations that the US has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you are a wingsuit veteran or a novice, these places will leave you excited!
Go Wingsuiting at Twin Falls – The Base Jumping Capital
Located in Twin Falls, Idaho, the Perrine Bridge emerges as one of the most visited places for base jumping and wingsuit flying in the US. With its soaring height of 486 feet above the base of Snake River Canyon, this architectural marvel offers an exhilarating launchpad for wingsuit enthusiasts from around the world.
As a result of this, Twin Falls in Idaho has attracted a vibrant and supportive group of both experienced wingsuit pilots and newcomers. With regular gatherings and a mentor-like essence, it offers an upbeat and optimistic atmosphere where enthusiasts can share knowledge, forge connections, and celebrate the thrill of wingsuit flying.
Is It Legal To Base Jump at the Twin Falls?
Base Jumping is legally allowed at the Twin Falls and the Perrine Bridge when adhering to local guidelines. A skydiving C-level qualification is required to prove sufficient base jumping experience. It is advised to consult with local skydiving communities about the optimal jumping times.
So what are you waiting for, pack your wingsuit and enjoy your flight over the river! But do not forget to bring your parachute – you need one to land. Contrary to some misconceptions, wingsuit pilots cannot land with a wingsuit in water. If you want to learn if this will be possible soon, check out my article “Can you land a wingsuit on water“.
Visit Yosemite Park – One of the Most Iconic Wingsuit Places
Base jumping and wingsuit flying are thrilling activities at Yosemite National Park. Imagine leaping off tall cliffs and feeling the wind rush past as you glide. The stunning beauty of Yosemite, with its huge walls and green valleys, becomes the backdrop for your adventure. It’s like dancing with gravity, seeing nature’s wonder in a whole new way as you fly through the air.
Yosemite is an iconic wingsuit destination not only due to its breathtaking and varied landscape but also because it offers numerous prime exit points for base jumping and wingsuit flying. Renowned wingsuit athletes have taken the leap here, contributing to its status as a legendary hub for aerial adventure.
Dean Potter for example was known to go wingsuit flying at the Yosemite. He was one of the wingsuit pioneers who shaped the sport through incredible jumps and the invention of the subdisciplines. If you want to learn more about people like Dean Potter, check out my article about the wingsuit pioneers and how they shaped the history of wingsuit flying. Unfortunately, Potter died in a jump at Yosemite.
Anywhere else you go is a compromise.
Daredevil Dean Potter about Wingsuit Flying in Yosemite
Is Base Jumping Legal at Yosemite?
Base jumping and wingsuit flying are illegal at Yosemite and at all other National Parks in the United States. Park rangers try to find and arrest base jumpers. The regulations intend to protect base jumpers, other park visitors, and animals in the park.
What Is the Penalty For BASE Jumping in Yosemite?
The penalties for BASE jumping in Yosemite include fines of up to $2,000, gear confiscation, and potential rescue expenses. Gear confiscation is particularly expensive as the equipment costs between $9,000 – $20,000. For repeated offenses, base jumpers face escalated fines and even imprisonment.
Why Is Base Jumping Illegal at National Parks?
Base jumping is prohibited in national parks by aerial law. Reasons include the protection of base jumpers themselves, other park visitors, and wildlife in the parks. In addition, costs associated with searching for missing or deceased wingsuit flyers and base jumpers contribute to its prohibition.
If you are interested in understanding more about the risk of wingsuit flying and the risk of skydiving check out my posts about “how dangerous is wingsuit flying really” and “the true risks of skydiving“. Both articles clarify common misconceptions and will make you look at the sport differently!
Soar Through a Red Rock Landscape at Moab in Utah
Moab, Utah, unveils an enchanting world of crimson canyons and untamed landscapes. Although wingsuit flying is prohibited within national parks, Moab’s surrounding areas offer great drop zones and exit spots for wingsuit enthusiasts. Wingsuit flying does not yet have a strong history in Moab, but due to the stunning landscapes, the community is quickly growing.
Every flight in Moab becomes a dance with the earth’s geological history
Anonymous quote
If you go to Moab to base jump from the cliffs and other exit points, you should have an advanced wingsuit and base jumping experience. Because the destination is relatively young, there are limited guides on the best spots. You also need to check with local authorities to make sure that you jump in the right terrains.
If you choose to jump from a plane, there are a couple of great drop zones that you can use. You will enjoy the landscape and flight tremendously!
The jump above does not only look dangerous, but it also is dangerous. If you want to see more exciting wingsuit stunts, make sure to read my article about the most-mind blowing wingsuit stunts ever performed. It will be the most amazing thing that you see on the internet today.
Enjoy a Mountainous Playground Close to Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, located near the stunning Wasatch Mountains, is considered another premier destination for wingsuit flying due to several key factors.
The Wasatch Mountains surrounding Salt Lake City offer a diverse range of terrains, from steep cliffs and rugged ridges to expansive valleys. This varied landscape provides wingsuit pilots with a plethora of launch points and flight paths to choose from. As pilots glide through the air in their wingsuits, they are treated to breathtaking views of the cityscape below, the majestic mountain ranges, and the picturesque landscapes that Utah is renowned for.
Salt Lake City also boasts a vibrant wingsuit flying community, comprising experienced and novice wingsuit pilots and base jumpers. Connecting with this community can be invaluable for gaining insights, sharing experiences, and receiving guidance on ideal flight routes and launch points.
Wingsuit flying is permitted in Salt Lake City, Utah, as long as pilots adhere to local regulations and restrictions. It’s crucial to respect designated no-fly zones, private property boundaries, and any other applicable rules to ensure the safety of both the pilots and the local residents. If in doubt, just ask around in the local community, they will help you a lot!
Bonus tip: You can also fine-tune your wingsuit flying techniques in the first wingsuit simulator, which is located in Salt Lake City.
What Is A Hyperreal Wingsuit Simulator?
A wingsuit simulator combines virtual reality and physical elements to replicate the sensation of wingsuit flying. Participants wear VR glasses to experience a visual representation of flight, while an actual wingsuit, suspension system, wind effects, and multi-sensory stimulation create a lifelike environment.
This technology offers a controlled yet immersive way for enthusiasts to engage with the exhilaration of wingsuit flying in a simulated setting. Depending on future developments, wingsuit simulators can play an important role in training skydivers about different maneuvers, critical weather conditions, and dangerous situations.
Wingsuit simulators can also be used for novices that are unsure if they really want to pick wingsuit flying up as a hobby. As such, wingsuit simulators can play an important role in the progression of the sport – similar in the way that indoor wingsuit flying and tandem wingsuit flying do. Despite being both recent developments, indoor wingsuit flying and tandem wingsuit flying have created great enthusiasm in the community.
If you want to learn about it, make sure to read my guides about “everything you need to know about tandem wingsuit flying” and “the ultimate guide to indoor wingsuit flying“. Both articles will leave you stunned and enthusiastic about the future of wingsuit flying.
Fly Over a Tropical Paradise in Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai, an island gem nestled within Hawaii’s stunning archipelago, emerges as an exceptional landscape for wingsuit flying, combining exceptional flight experience with breathtaking natural beauty. This tropical haven boasts lush greenery, striking cliffs, and captivating coastlines, composing an awe-inspiring backdrop for soaring wingsuit journeys.
However, before embarking on these aerial escapades, it’s crucial to navigate the legal landscape responsibly. While wingsuit flying is allowed in Kauai, there are local statutes about the timing and specific places where you can go. Safeguarding designated no-fly zones and respecting environmental safeguards are important to preserving both the island’s splendor and the safety of its inhabitants.
One of the upsides of Kauai is that it is also a beginner-friendly place. You will most likely jump from an airplane which provides you with the opportunity to glide over the beautiful landscape for several miles. If you are curious to find out which distance you could cover, make sure to check my article about answering the question of how far can wingsuits go.
How Much Does Skydiving Cost in Hawaii?
Tandem skydiving in Hawaii costs between $200 and $300 per jump without video and photo footage. Solo skydiving costs between $30 and $50 with own equipment and between $50 and $80 without own equipment. Savings can be achieved when booking in groups or during marketing campaigns.
Admire Wilderness from Above at the Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana is like a big natural playground with awesome mountains and wilderness. It is an exceptional wingsuit place because of the stunning views and the mountainous terrain, which offers a variety of exit points for base jumping.
But there’s a catch: you can’t fly with wingsuits inside the actual park because rangers want to keep the park safe and beautiful. The good news is that you can still do wingsuit flying nearby from certain spots outside the park, like cliffs.
If you’re thinking of trying wingsuit flying around Glacier National Park, you need to learn the local rules, get any permissions you might need, and most importantly, chose the right spots. Chatting with experienced wingsuit flyers or local folks who know the rules can help you have an awesome time while looking out for the cool nature around the park.
If you jump from cliffs at Glacier National Park, you will need a high level of experience in both wingsuit flying and base jumping. If you are new to the sport, make sure to read my ultimate guide to wingsuit flying. It explains everything you need to know about the sport such as how many skydivers you need before going wingsuit flying.
Soar Over the Beautiful Landscape of Owen Valley in California
Owens Valley in California has become a sought-after spot for wingsuit flying thanks to its unique geography. Situated at the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada, this valley stretches over a hundred miles. Wingsuit flyers are drawn to the valley’s updrafts, which offer them a lengthy and uninterrupted flight, making it a prime location for setting records in the sport, like achieving the highest speeds.
For those curious about wingsuit speed capabilities, you can check out my previous post about the speed of wingsuit flights where I delve into the different factors influencing wingsuit speed and the top speeds ever reached during wingsuit jumps.
During their journey, wingsuit enthusiasts can enjoy breathtaking vistas of mountains, deserts, and even the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, Mt. Whitney.
Master the Canyons and Cliffs at Zion National Park
Zion National Park offers a diverse landscape featuring deep canyons carved by the Virgin River, soaring mesas, intricate arches, and narrow slot canyons. The vibrant red rock formations contrast with pockets of lush oases sustained by water sources.
The park’s mountainous terrain offers expansive vistas, while the meandering Virgin River adds a dynamic element to the environment. This unique blend of geological features creates an ever-changing and captivating natural canvas for wingsuit enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
Besides the beautiful landscape, you can find many great exit points at Zion Park, which allow for cool stunts and proximity flights.
Can You Base Jump in Zion?
Base jumping and wingsuit flying are prohibited in Zion National Park, as well as in all other National Parks in the United States. Park rangers actively work to identify and arrest base jumpers. Many base jumpers chose to ignore the ban due to Zion’s great exit points and unique terrain.
These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of base jumpers, other visitors to the park, and the wildlife that inhabits the area. If you chose to ignore the ban, make sure that you are an experienced wingsuit pilot and get to know the exit points before jumping off it.
Can You Fly Over Zion?
There is a designated no-fly zone over Zion National Park due to its status as a national park, aiming to protect the environment and wildlife. While direct flying over the park is prohibited, flying around the area is permissible, allowing for observation while respecting preservation efforts.
It is great that there are designated no-fly zones across the states and reduce environmental harm. If you are unsure about the environmental harm of skydiving, make sure to check out my article “How does skydiving affect the Environment“. You will learn also how you can minimize your environmental impact!
Enjoy the Rocky Mountains at Boulder in Colorado
Wingsuit flying in Boulder, Colorado, is a fantastic choice due to the stunning Rocky Mountain scenery, featuring tall mountains and deep canyons. You’ll find exciting take-off spots and thrilling flight chances thanks to the varied landscapes. Plus, wingsuit flying is allowed as long as you follow the rules and regulations, respect designated zones, and stay updated on any changes.
In addition, Boulder hosts a lively community of wingsuit flyers, allowing you to link up with fellow local enthusiasts or experienced instructors who can offer valuable advice and direction to enhance your flying experience.
Specifically, for newcomers Boulder and its community is a great starting point! If you want to learn more about how hard it is to get into wingsuit flying, make sure to read my article about how long it takes to learn wingsuit flying. It also sheds light on the difficulty and required persistence to learn wingsuit flying.
Can You Just Buy a Wingsuit?
As a general rule, it is allowed and possible to just buy a wingsuit and own it. In practice, you will not be able to use the wingsuit because no drop zone will give you a lift without the necessary license. In addition, you will not know how to use the wingsuit properly without any experience.
Glide Above the Desert in Sedona Arizona
Wingsuit flying in Sedona is a thrilling choice because of its breathtaking red rock formations and canyons. The desert landscape adds a unique touch as you glide through the air, enjoying the amazing views all around you. It’s a fantastic spot for beginners and experienced wingsuit flyers alike as it offers great exit spots for base jumping and multiple dropzones that will bring you into the air.
There are also a few drop zones at which you can learn and improve your wingsuit flying skills. If you are new to the sport and wonder if you start the hobby, make sure to check out my article about the reasons why people go wingsuit flying. It will make you view the sport with new eyes!
Admire Grand Teton National Park from Above
Grand Teton National Park, located in northwestern Wyoming, is renowned for its towering mountain range, stunning alpine landscapes, and diverse wildlife. The park encompasses the majestic Teton Range, which features some of the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains.
Its rugged terrain provides a haven for base jumpers and wingsuit enthusiasts, offering a multitude of potential exit points. Besides wingsuit flying, the area is also great for other outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.
In addition, the area around Teton Park was also rated as one of the most beautiful places for paragliding and hang gliding. If you like wingsuit flying, the chances are high that you will also like paragliding and hang gliding. In case you are interested, check out my guide about the main differences between wingsuit flying and paragliding. It will give you all the information needed to decide whether to try paragliding.
Enjoy Alpine Beauty in Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is a hidden treasure and one of the best wingsuit and base jumping destinations in the US. Firstly, it stands as the tallest volcanic peak in the contiguous United States, soaring at a height of 14,410 feet. Secondly, the mountain boasts the largest alpine glacial system in the country outside of Alaska. Thirdly, its summit crater houses the world’s largest volcanic glacier cave system. These exceptional features, combined with its accessibility from Seattle, make Mount Rainier a truly extraordinary wingsuit destination.
Unfortunately, base jumping and wingsuit flying are not allowed in the park. So you need to check surrounding areas – or do not follow the ban.
Explore Appalachian Thrills at Great Smoky National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, situated on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, ancient mountains, and vibrant cultural history. The park encompasses over 800 square miles of lush forests, mist-covered peaks, and rushing streams. It’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, underscoring its ecological significance.
Due to its peaks, and long valleys, it is an ideal wingsuit location. Unfortunately, wingsuit flying is illegal at the park. Nevertheless, there are a couple of skydiving companies around the park which will lift you in the air – even though not directly over the park. However, you will still be able to enjoy the beautiful background.
There are also other outdoor activities such as hiking and camping that you can do in the park. If you want to feel a rush similar to wingsuit flying, make sure to check out my ideas for 13 activities that are similar to skydiving! You will have new activities on your bucket list afterward!
Jump From New River George Bridge West Virginia
Although the New River in West Virginia is renowned for its exceptional whitewater rafting opportunities, it also offers a great wingsuit spots – specifically given its powerful rapids and stunning natural surroundings. In addition, the Bridge Day festival takes place at New River George Bridge, offering a dynamic competition and celebration of wingsuiting prowess. Experienced wingsuit flyers converge here annually, showcasing remarkable jumps and aerial feats that captivate both participants and spectators.
As you can see, the United States offers a diverse tapestry of breathtaking landscapes that offer prime locations for wingsuit flying and base jumping. From the towering cliffs of Yosemite to the lush expanses of Kauai, each destination presents a unique opportunity for wingsuit enthusiasts to embark on unforgettable flights. If your thirst for incredible wingsuit locations is not quenched yet, make sure to check out my article about the 15 most stunning wingsuit places worldwide. It will give you a long bucket list for your next vacation!
Enjoy your freefall!
Foto credits
laskan Dude, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Thank You (23 Millions+) views, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
Prashanth314, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
