People use the parking area as a lauching point for hang gliding.
Occasionally, thermals near the mountain will lift gliders well above the elevation of the mountain and above the observatory. The first, in 1928 or 1929 and at which I was not present, was from the hill just to the northeast of the 100-inch dome. Here a fire-break led down the hill passing between two tall pines. The glider was a primary trainer, the pilot seated out in front of the wing without benefit of enclosed fuselage. Launch was accomplished by a ground crew who stretched a long shock cord attached to the front of the glider which was held in place by two or three men at the tail.