Flying sites

Take-off – Section 16

Direction: NNEESESSWWNW
Coordinates: 38.8244, -104.8970
Altitude: 2308 m
Region: Colorado, US
Landing: 0.8 km from the take-offView on map ↗

Take-off description

Take off is from St. Patrick's lookout at the top of the Section 16 trail. Park at the trailhead on Lower Gold Camp Road and hike the trail to the top of the saddle. A spur trail goes east along the ridge to the lookout. The Take off can be challenging due to the steepness of the launch slope. The hike takes about 1 hour and about 2 miles with a 1500' alt climb.

Getting there

Take HWY 24 to 21st street in Colorado Springs, go south on 21st street to the stop light at Gold Camp Road. Turn right and follow it till the Section 16 trailhead parking lot which is very clearly marked.

Weather

Wind coming over the backside. Usually there are nice easterly thermal breezes for flying, however on high climb outs there can be a shear layer because the prevailing winds are generally west at altitude (12,000')

Rules / airspace

Must be an USHPA licensed pilot.

Comments

Call Ted Smith @ 719.761.1486 for a site introduction. This is a potentially challenging site. A Site Introduction is mandatory before flying.