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Description
Miller Canyon is a high-altitude, big-mountain, lee-side flying site located in the Coronado National Forest and the Huachuca Mountains, just south of Sierra Vista, Arizona. This site offers excellent cross-country (XC) potential and scenic morning sled rides. The area is rich in history, with remnants of old mining towns and beautiful riparian zones.
The site is primarily used for hang gliding (HG) but is also suitable for paragliding (PG). It features a cliff launch that is rarely used. The launch elevation is 2322 meters with a height difference of 760 meters, making it a medium-difficult site.
To fly at Miller Canyon, you need to have current memberships with SAHGA (or AZHPA) and USHPA. Pilots must have an H3 rating (or H2 with a local sponsor) for hang gliding and a P3 rating (or P2 with a local sponsor) for paragliding. A local guide is required for all visiting HG pilots and highly recommended for PG pilots.
The site has three designated launches, and parking is very limited. There are no facilities at the launch or landing zone (LZ), but USFS restrooms are available at the lower end of Carr Canyon Road.
The launch area is located on the north rim of Miller Canyon, below Carr Peak. The site can be flown year-round, but access is dependent on weather and USFS control of Carr Canyon Road. The road is often closed from late November until March or April.
The launch is situated at 7600 feet elevation and is oriented southeast. It features a stabilized packed soil ramp. Winds should be between 5-10 mph for a safe launch, with anything over 10 mph requiring a wire crew.
Flying at Miller Canyon involves navigating two peaks, Carr and Miller, separated by Miller Canyon. The site is best flown as a thermal site, and ridge soaring or scratching close to terrain should be avoided. The conditions can change rapidly due to the high altitude and surrounding high-desert terrain.
Pilots should be cautious of strong, turbulent convergence near the peaks and turbulent air over the canyon. The LZ is a high-desert area with a downhill slope and power lines along its boundaries. Pilots should plan to land between the highway and the "Y" in the dirt road.
For more detailed information, visit the Southern Arizona Hang Glider Association's guide to Miller Canyon: [Miller Canyon Guide](https://www.sahga.com/flying-sites/miller-canyon-guide).
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