Section 16
📍 Colorado , El Paso County · Nearest city: Manitou Springs (4 km)
12 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 2308 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
38.82440, -104.89700Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 0 | Low |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.00 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.25 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff 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.
Rules and notes
Must be an USHPA licensed pilot.
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.
Nearby sites
Almagre Mountain South (8) · Summit House (28) · Hell Creek (5) · Mt Herman (14) · bald Mountain (5) · Monkey Face (31)