Entry No. 27 — the Fort Collins file — filed under: aviation
Owl Canyon Gliderport
About 15 miles north of Fort Collins on 256 acres of high-plains prairie, the Colorado Soaring Association's Owl Canyon Gliderport (FAA: 4CO2) has operated since the 1960s. Scenic rides put you in the front seat of a two-place sailplane while an FAA-certified commercial pilot flies from behind. A towplane hauls you to altitude over the flatlands stretching east toward Nebraska; the pilot releases the tow rope, the engine noise disappears, and you're in silent thermal flight with a panoramic view of the Front Range. Duration flights of over five hours and altitudes above 17,000 feet are routine for members in summer thermal conditions.
The move: Book the $199 scenic ride as your main event — roughly 20 to 30 minutes of silent soaring over the prairie with the Rockies as a backdrop. Arrive early, watch a few tow launches from the gazebo, then debrief over a picnic on the grass. The silence at release altitude is the conversation-stopper.
📍 Before you go Reservations are required — call (970) 568-7627 or use the CSA contact form; credit cards not accepted (cash, check, or Venmo). Passenger weight must be between 90 and 220 pounds. Operations run primarily on weekends and holidays, with some weekday flying. Weather-dependent; expect at least one hour notice if your flight is canceled. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and a camera. From Fort Collins, take I-25 north to exit 281, then follow CR 7 and Hackamore Road signs.
- 📍 Wellington
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 4598 Hackamore Road, Wellington, CO 80549
Hours: Added 2026-06-11 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4
last checked: 2026-06-11