Marfa in Presidio County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Marfa Soaring Site
Photographed By Craig Baker
1. Marfa Soaring Site Marker
Above the scenic mountains surrounding the Marfa Plateau, an abundance of atmospheric energy attracts gliding enthusiasts from around the world. Since 1960, sailplane pilots have utilized convective thermal updrafts, the "Marfa Dry Line" and wave lift for record setting soaring flights, four US National Soaring Contests (1967, 1969, 1991, 2006) and the first World Soaring Championships (1970) flown in the United States.
In addition to formal competitions, pilots continue to gather at annual soaring camps to explore the superb weather conditions in this area. This marker is dedicated to the men and women who developed Marfa as a historic soaring site.
Erected 2008 by National Soaring Museum, Harris Hill, Elmira, New York, an affiliate of the Soaring Society of America.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical year for this entry is 1960.
Location. 30° 22.301′ N, 104° 0.649′ W. Marker is in Marfa, Texas, in Presidio County. Marker is on Texas Route 17, 4 miles north of Marfa. Located at Marfa Municipal Airport, near the Marfa Gliders hangar. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 45101 Highway 17, Marfa TX 79843, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies
this page online
Photographed By Craig Baker
2. Marfa Soaring Site Marker
The marker is beyond the picnic tables.
courtesy Marfa Gliders
3. Marfa Soaring Site
Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 52 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 19, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
