Parapente Miller Canyon 2, AZ

Miller Canyon, located in the Coronado National Forest and the Huachuca Mountains just south of Sierra Vista, Arizona, is a big-mountain, lee-side flying site. It offers excellent XC potential and scenic morning sled rides. The site is occasionally used and has a site record of 95.1 km. The region is rich in history, with remnants of the townsite of Palmerlee and old mining digs. Miller Creek, which usually has water year-round, features old carbon steel pipes from the 19th century. The area is shaded by large sycamore trees and Douglas firs. Site Requirements: - Current SAHGA (or AZHPA) and USHPA memberships. - H3 rating (or H2 with a local sponsor) for hang gliding. - P3 rating (or P2 with a local sponsor) for paragliding. - Local guide required for all HG pilots visiting or new to the site. - Local guide highly recommended for all PG pilots visiting or new to the site. General Rules: - Launch only from one of the three designated launches. - Park only in designated parking areas. - Familiarize yourself with site details and hazards using provided images. - Bring your own windsock. - Driving to launch requires a local guide with a key, or a one-mile hike with a 400’ gain in altitude. - Visit the LZ before heading to launch and install a windsock on the fence using the pole lying on the ground. - Avoid restricted airspace and landing in Mexico. Parking: - Very limited. Specific vehicle limits at various launch areas. Facilities: - USFS restrooms at the lower end of Carr Canyon Road, about 1.8 miles from AZ-92. None at launch or in the LZ. Launches: - High-altitude, big-mountain, lee-side site above a high-desert (4,800’ MSL) floor. - Location: North rim of Miller Canyon, below Carr Peak in the Huachuca Mountains, eight miles south of Sierra Vista. - Usage: HG and PG. - Season: Year-round, subject to weather and USFS control of Carr Canyon Road. - Land ownership: Launch is Coronado National Forest; LZ is private with permission contingent on insurance. HG and PG Launches, East and Northeast: - Required HG and PG special skills: FL, HA. - Elevation: 7600’. - Orientation: East and Northeast. - Type: Steep, rocky slope. - HG Winds: 5-10 mph with peak gust differential of 5 mph over 3 seconds. - PG Winds: 3-12 mph with peak gust differential of 4 mph over 3 seconds. - East-facing launch: Wind direction “Go” 45°-90°, “Caution” 30°-100°. - Northeast-facing launch: Wind direction “Go” 350°-30°, “Caution” 340°-45°. - Setup area: Top of hill, west of launch slopes, tie-down hooks present. Flying: - Two peaks: Carr and Miller, separated by Miller Canyon. - XC potential in all directions. - Fly as a thermal site; avoid ridge soaring or scratching close to terrain. - The E and NE launches are steep, rocky slopes ending abruptly with a cliff obscured by vegetation. - Conditions often change rapidly due to high altitude. - East-facing launch requires a solid cycle for launching; no-wind launches are not recommended. - Prevailing SE wind can cause turbulence shortly after launching. - Strong, turbulent convergence is common near the peaks. - Air over the canyon is almost always turbulent. - Avoid getting pushed back into Miller Canyon. - Plan to head toward the LZ as soon as you are below launch, staying above and on the windward side of the east-west ridge between launch and the LZ. - Surface winds in the LZ often defy prediction, so plan to arrive high enough to fly a rectangular pattern around the LZ. - The LZ slopes downhill and has power lines along the boundaries. Location: Hereford (just south of Sierra Vista), Arizona, USA. Season: Year-round (subject to snow closures in winter). Conditions: Prevailing wind pattern is light SE in the morning and 10-15 NW in the afternoon. Perfect launch conditions are light SE winds. However, the launches are east of Miller Peak (~9500’) and Carr Peak (~9000’), leaving it in the lee of the mountains in prevailing afternoon winds. Thermals often block the winds, allowing for safe launching and great tailwind for XC routes to the E and NE. Winds are often shifty on launch due to rotor and thermal activity. Major XC potential from April through July. Ratings/Requirements: USHGA Membership required. H3/P3 with CL, TURB, AWCL, FL, and appropriate experience. H2/P2 if local sponsor and conditions are appropriate to skill level. Local pilot guidance is highly recommended. Launch access: 4WD controlled access (key, special use permit). Parking: Room for 5 vehicles and 25 gliders right at launch. More if the road is used. Facilities: No phone or facilities at launches. Dry campground 2 miles from launch includes outhouses and fire pits. USFS fee for camping is $10 per night. LZ: Elevation 4781.1 ft MSL. Nice big field, right next to Nick’s Bar. Slightly upwards sloping towards the south. Mostly low grasses and shrubs, occasional small prickly pear cactus, and a few bushes on the north end. LZ is not visible from SE launch but is visible from E and NE launches. LZ is a little less than a 4:1 glide from launch, but with a west wind, you may not make it. LZ directions: Visitors please see the listed site contacts below for information. Hazards: Barbed wire fence on the southeast corner and along the road on the NE side. Stay clear of the cows if present. The signpost at the ‘Y’ in the road in the LZ is hard to see on some approaches. Powerlines on three sides of the LZ but are pretty far away—arrive at LZ high to ensure avoiding. Expect turbulence over LZ if winds are from the SW. Parking: More parking than we’ve ever had people. Facilities: Phone, beer, restrooms, pool tables (free on Saturday), etc., at Nick’s Bar—about 100 yards south of LZ. Mini-mart, gas, and restaurant right next to Nick’s. LZ owner: Private. Landowner’s house overlooks LZ (distant). Owner doesn’t appreciate public urination. Contacts: - Eric Smith, Arizona Airfoils, HG Instructor and SAHGA HG Flight Director, Tucson (520) 790-3507 - Aaron Cromer, SAHGA PG Flight Director, Tucson (520) 490-3333 - Emergency: 911 Cochise County Sheriff’s Department; Sierra Vista Hospital, 10 miles. For more information, visit the Southern Arizona Hang Glider Association (SAHGA) website: [SAHGA Flying Sites](https://www.sahga.com/flying-sites/miller-canyon-guide) and their Facebook page: [SAHGA Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sahgpa/). Additional site details can be found at [Flying Lizard Paragliding](http://www.flyinglizardparagliding.com/sites.html).