Paraglide Coloma, owned and operated by Kelly Foreman, reflects a deep connection to the breathtaking beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. A native resident of California's Gold Country, Kelly grew up in an environment that fostered adventure and exploration. His formative years were spent working alongside his father in decorative concrete, where hard work and community values were instilled in him. Each week, he dedicated himself to his responsibilities, only to escape the hustle and bustle of Sacramento Valley on weekends. As city lights twinkled in the distance, Kelly would embark on exhilarating journeys into the backcountry, engaging in activities such as hiking, canyoneering, and expedition kayaking. These early adventures not only nurtured his love for the outdoors but also shaped his mission to share the beauty and thrill of paragliding with others in this stunning region.

In May 2019, Kelly stumbled upon the exhilarating sport of paragliding at the renowned Point of the Mountain Flight Park in Utah. Eager to learn, he completed the P2 novice program with Cloud 9 and quickly immersed himself in the community. By June, he was in Southern Oregon, volunteering at the Woodrat Open, further deepening his passion for the sky. September brought his first SIV clinic at Lake Berryessa, solidifying his obsession with the sport. As he explored mentorship opportunities with the industry's top pioneers, Kelly's dedication to paragliding grew immensely. In December 2019, he discovered a unique 5 acre property that would change his life. Unbeknownst to him at the time, this sacred land would become the intermediate training hill of the Shasta Valley, a perfect place for him to hone his skills and share his passion with others.

After spending a year driving to Mount Shasta every weekend to camp and fly during the 2020 lock down, Kelly and his wife, Stella, decided to embrace a fuller life by moving to their Hornbrook property, for almost all of 2021. Their days were filled with the simplicity of nature, as they immersed themselves in gliding in the local paragliding community and deepening their bond as a couple. However, a concrete work opportunity pulled them back to Auburn. Despite the chance to earn a living, Kelly felt the call of the mountains and chose to prioritize his passion for flying. He began to extend his stays in Mount Shasta, often sleeping by the river as he soared through the skies. This joyous pursuit was made possible by the strong friendship and support he found at Apogee Paragliding, owned by Nate Scott, a pillar of the paragliding scene in the area.

With the unwavering support of the Scott family, Kelly embraced his passion for paragliding and committed to flying full-time, immersing himself in the thrill of the sport alongside his newfound paragliding family. Winters in the northern part of the state could be harsh, often driving him back to the comforts of home. However, it was during his third winter that he discovered Cronan Ranch in Pilot Hill, California. This hidden gem, a small piece of BLM land nestled in the heart of state parks, provided ample recreational opportunities. Its central location in the state meant that flying was possible year-round, allowing Kelly to train daily, just 20 minutes from his doorstep. With each flight, he chased the exhilaration of paragliding, grateful for the community and the breathtaking landscapes that surrounded him.

In 2022, Kelly and his friends embarked on an adventure to create an endless summer by taking their paragliding expeditions to Colombia during the winter months. Upon returning to the United States, Kelly dedicated himself to becoming an USHPA certified instructor, officially starting his training in February 2023. His passion for paragliding and teaching led him to accumulate nearly 500 hours of professional training as an apprentice instructor. He had the incredible opportunity to work alongside world champion pilot Kari Kastle in Bishop, California, global acrobatic sensation Max Marian, and the San Diego Paragliding team, alongside Rob Black and his penguin colony in Vallejo. In 2024, Kelly further enhanced his skills by training with Max Acro Paragliding, ultimately earning his certification as a tow technician for SIV, marking significant milestones in his paragliding journey.

"For years, it has been our dream to bring this experience to life, and we are thrilled to finally share it with you. We truly value the privilege of being able to dream alongside all of you who share this passion for flight. Our mission is simple: we aspire to teach you the art of flying. We believe that, just like us, you have a dream to soar above the ground and embrace the freedom of the skies. Together, let's turn that dream into reality and embark on an unforgettable journey." -Kelly

Location Details

ParaglideColoma is situated conveniently between Interstate 80 and Interstate 50, 20 miles north of Placerville, and 20 miles south of Auburn, this location offers easy access for outdoor enthusiasts. As part of the stunning landscapes of El Dorado County, it lies along the historic Highway 49, making it a perfect spot for adventurers seeking to explore the beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, or paraglide, this area provides a diverse range of activities against the backdrop of California's rich history and natural beauty. Experience the thrill of outdoor adventures while enjoying the peaceful surroundings that make this destination so unique.

Cronan Ranch Region Trails

Pilot Hill, CA 95664

Hours

9am-9pm 7 days a week