* Junction Launch *
Even though this is the page for Mt. Edna, I have left the directions to Junction Launch on this page for reference in case there is interest. Before Edna, Junction launch was the standard morning thermal/cross-country site for Piute county

Directions to Junction Launch;		Click on thumbnails to see pictures
Junction is a morning thermal site. Hang gliders have gone from Junction to Point of the mountain and Paragliders have done 100 milers.	A: B: C: D:	A. From the junction of I-70 and Hwy 89, head south on scenic highway 89, through Marysvale canyon - the home of Big Rock Candy Mountain. Pass Marysvale and the next town is Junction. Juction has a P on the hill to signify Piute High School in Piute county. B. In the center of Junction there is the old courthouse renovated to be an Inn. Turn up hwy 153. C. From the hwy 153 turnoff, the launch site is about 10-12 miles up the canyon, but you will pass the bail out LZ at about 8 miles. D. Go to the summit to check winds and make sure you aren't launching into rotor, then return to the first switchback for closest proximity to thermal trigger.

Updated 1/29/2022

Site guide

Recommended Winds: Junction Launch
• HG: min 8, ideal 12, Max 20, gust 5
• PG: min 5, ideal 6, max 12 gust 3
• Ideal direction 80-105 degrees, Acceptable 65-105 degrees
• Min GR: 1.3
Recommended Ratings
• H3, P3 Mini wings not recommended
Site rules and risk assessment for Junction Launch.

Junction is not one of our insured sites. It has some amazing cross-country potential but has some downsides. For more information on this site contact us. stacy@cuasa.com - jef@cuasa.com -jonathan@cuasa.com

Junction is a small vert with a quick pick up and try again turn around. It is a cliff launch. It is rocky and unforgiving.

This is a mountain cliff launch and requires the respect and caution associated with high mountain launches. Even in the morning, thermals can be amazingly strong.

If you are not trying to fly mid-day and brave the cross country thermals, this site is not for you.

Other risks include a disconnect between stronger - possible catastrophic prevailing winds, longer inflation times because of thin air at this high altitude, thermals converging from different valleys. We had a pilot die after launching Junction during 2019. It was attributed to pilot error because his harness was not buckled correctly. Neverthless, the terrain and conditions are complex.

Your safety is determined by clear thinking and understanding the conditions and risks. CUASA and USHPA are committed to your freedom to fly according to the dictates of your own conscience, and decision making, and to making it as safe as possible by informing you of risks so you can make informed, wise, and safe decisions.

Junction site rules

1) P3 cliff launch or instructor supervision required

2) Membership in CUASA and familiarization with site rules and Risk assessment required.

3)  Helmets are required and must be worn any time you are attached to the glider.

4) Spectators must remain 50 feet away from laid out paragliders, and be aware of launching and flying pilots.

5) Launches for P2’s /H2’s is not recommended except under direct instructer supervision. And P4/H4 before 11 PM. launching after that time has lost the sun's angle of elevation and therefore its power against the cliffs for thermal activity.

6) It is not recommended for mini wings to fly Junction.

7) Any commercial instruction or site guiding must be done in accordance with USHPA guidelines and instructors must represent a PASA certified school.

8) This is not a Tandem site.