Orientation: Faces 340 degrees at 2,300' MSL.

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Type: Unimproved dirt slope launch. PG and HG friendly. Hike up only.
 

GPS Coordinates: 33.3286°, -112.0875°  Google Maps
 

Winds: NW to NNE 0-18 mph. Can be flown in the evenings when South Launch conditions do not shut down launching. (Note: our Holfuy weather station on the South Launch often over-reports north wind conditions due to a venturi effect where the station is mounted. A report of 25 mph NW, N, or NE wind could actually only be 15 to 17 mph on the North Launch.)
 

Driving/Hiking Directions: Follow road to 2.5 mile marker and park at the next pullout. The Ranger Trail is right at the 2.5 mile marker. Very good trail, moderate slope, about 30 minute hike. Follow trail to the ridge top on the east side of ravine. Launch is at trail marker. Hiking from saddle to launch via National Trail (heading west, also about a 30-minute hike). Hiking from North Side: Ranger Trail to National Trail to launch. Approximately 60-minute hike. All hiking times are estimates and dependent on your physical condition.
 

Set-up Area: Directly West of launch. Don't block trail or damage vegetation. Stay within set-up area.
 

Hazards: This launch requires a minimum sustained wind of 7 mph or a solid ability to perform light wind forward launches with a learned experienced feel of the glider. Small sharp rocks and twigs can catch lines on launch. There is limited altitude, so flying toward LZ when not climbing at launch altitude or lower is recommended and could be required due to conditions. Keep site briefing and situational awareness in mind at all times and give extra safety margin due to desert type conditions.

Due to the common occurrence of thermals joining as they ascend, sink can be minimal on many days so it is best practice to exit thermals at 4,300' ASL to make sure you have sufficient time to implement proper descent techniques and stay out of restricted airspace. Conditions can change rapidly in the desert. Please be an active pilot. Do not have final glide/approach to Landing Zone over the wash. Clear LZ immediately. Dust devils are year round here and they show up with no notice or invitation. Pack up immediately.

Desert terrain and weather are extremely unforgiving on unprepared pilots, outdated equipment and pilots not giving extra margin of safety within their operating limitations. Adequate preparation, a sufficient understanding of desert weather forecasting and local on-site briefing is required. Desert heat can be is oppressive (100°-115° F) May through September. Dehydration is a real possibility, and those not used to hiking in these conditions can succumb to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Desert terrain and weather are extremely unforgiving. Give yourself an extra margin for error due to the terrain and weather conditions.

All pilots must read the General Site Guidelines prior to arrival.
 

Flying

Type: Desert thermal conditions. Dust devils are year round. Typical blue thermals, high pressure, sharp edged. It is a rare treat to have consistent ridge soaring conditions at South Mountain. When we do it is usually early morning or at the end of the day and usually in Winter. Stay clear of terrain and avoid "scratching" at all times.

Restrictions: Class B airspace starts at 5,000' ASL. Please refer to the "Know Before You Go" section and Phoenix SkyHarbor airspace chart provided on this page.

Hazards: 300' radio towers with guy wires, unmarked power lines, lots of air traffic flying under the Class B. See an avoid.

Special Note on Thermal Flying:

Thermal conditions create a demand for pilots to not only have solid ground handling skills with a connected feel to their glider, but also a thorough understanding of how the local weather conditions play into the forecast models in order to be sufficiently prepared for a short launch window that demands certain launch techniques. Proficiency in high-wind-with-gusts kiting, no-wind forwards and light-wind dynamic reverse launches on shallow slopes are crucial for many of our sites and conditions.

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Please be aware that strength of conditions will determine if it is better to a.) launch between the thermal cycle, when speeds are zero or light, to then fly away into the next thermal approaching the hill with ample clearance from the terrain, or b.) pull glider up and launch glider directly into the thermal cycle blowing into launch.

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Many times launching during a zero- or light-wind cycle between the stronger thermals is not only a safer window, but a better plan to capitalize on the launch cycles as well as the flight plan.

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It was common to see many pilots "waiting for the wind" (which is the thermal) to cycle through launch because they are not comfortable and/or proficient with forward and light wind launch techniques, only to experience a stronger cycle than anticipated once their glider was overhead.

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Pilots most accustomed to launching in prevailing winds, onshore winds and lighter thermal ridge lift need local, and perhaps local professional, expertise and guidance to gain the needed insight to fly our sites safely.

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Designated Landing Zones