Updated 12.17.24
Junction is a great early morning thermal site located at the base of the Tushar Mountains. As an East facing launch, thermals begin early and allow for gentle morning soaring or an early start to an epic XC flight. Usually only flown by a handful of pilots at a time but has seen over 100 pilots circling together taking in the views of the Tushars during competition days.
Facing East, the Junction Launch often begins to produce anabatic flow and can produce strong thermals early in the morning. Be very diligent about forecasting weather to fly here as it is in the lee of the predominant West flow. Don’t be “fooled” by thermals and anabatic flow, thinking it is the predominant wind.
High altitude general flying information can be found HERE.
Quick Info
- General Site Guidelines HERE
- High Altitude Launch at 8100 ft
- H3/P3 Required
- Skills needed but not limited to high wind launching, high wind kiting, no wind launching, active piloting in turbulence, high altitude launching, high altitude landing, descent techniques, thermalling, and ridge soaring
- Wind Direction: Ideal 80-105, OK 65-105
- Wind Speeds: H3, Min 8, Ideal 12, Max 20, gusts to 5 P3, Min 0, Ideal 6, Max 12, gusts to 5
- Min Glide Ratio, 1.3
- Membership in USHPA and CUASA. CUASA membership form HERE
Launch
Please park by the Forest Service sign taking care not to block the road. From the sign, it is a short walk along a game trail to the launch area.
Launch is a little overgrown and has quite a few snag hazards, but there are a couple of more optimal spots to lay out a glider. Teams of pilots have put in work to clear and smooth out the area and is a continual effort. Search around for the best option. A tarp can be very handy to protect lines from snags.
Be vigilant when launching to avoid the bushes to he south of launch. There have been close calls with these bushes.
Landing Zone
Welcome to landing in the Wild West. Sage bush and tumbleweeds abound, but landing options are plenty. You just may need to spend a little time picking your lines out of the weeds. It is a good idea to scope out the landing zone and Bailout LZ to note any rocks or undulations that may be encountered.
Bailout LZ Coordinates:
38.24917252070145, -112.31745036820655
