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

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. Looking directly east from launch, there is a very large meadow in Bear Creek Park, this is suitable however the field is often full of Mullen. There is a smaller LZ meadow north of the big meadow, this is the preferred LZ. There appears to be a large LZ meadow just northeast of launch in the Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This is an old landfill and is strictly prohibited. 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. Must be an USHPA licensed pilot. Must be an USHPA licensed pilot.

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')

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