Pass Creek
📍 Montana , Gallatin County · Nearest city: Belgrade (27 km)
22 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 1846 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
46.01650, -111.10600Takeoff 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 | 0.60 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
The launches here are all hike up. And considered to be a thermal site for pilots hoping to get up and leave the area for XC flights. Most popular destination is the M. There are cruxes along the flight path where if you land you will not be welcome by the landowners. Please contact a local and get the intel of where to avoid landing. The lowest launch is a flat area on the hillside visible from the parking area with room to set up and kite before launching. This launch is rarely used. West wind is the preferred direction, winds from the South can cause rotor at launch. The LZ is 300 ft. below, across the road on State land, surrounded by private land. Midway Launch is above and north of the Lowest Launch, it is launchable in west to southwest winds. This launch uses the same landing zones as the Lower Launch and has an area behind launch with some potential for kiting. It’s rarely used. Upper Launch (P3 recommended) can be reached by hiking south east, above the Midway Launch until reaching a deep ravine (here you’ll be able to see the Upper Launch), then turn to hike up. Launching is good with South to West winds, definitely avoid North to East winds. Bomb out on a South launch and you’ll need to pick a clear spot in the Sage brush on the state lands below, south of the Cemetery. The South landing zone can be located by standing on launch, imagining the area between a line directly from launch to the intersection of Morgan Lane and Rocky Mountain Road, then another line due east from this intersection.
Rules and notes
From the parking area, follow the road back south to the first large bush on the east side of the road where the fence is lower and easy to cross. Follow the fence line till your on the south side of the 1st drainage, then head up the drainage to the Training Hill Launch or the Midway Launch. Recreational land use permit required. Conservation license that comes with hunting/fishing license covers this permit.
Pilot comments
Parking is a small dirt turnout, don't block the gate if livestock are present. room for 3-4 cars. Hillside has mature trees that should be avoided when low. Barbed wire fences on sides of the road and surrounding LZ areas. LZ's are not flat and have clumps of sage brush. Target shooting occurs in this area, if you see shooters near the LZ, let them know your plans to hike and land. Carrying a whistle and sounding it at your landing approach to alert shooters is suggested. Some of us carry a small sign in our vehicle to hang on the LZ gate to advise that pilots are planning to land here.
Nearby sites
Johnson (12) · Corbly Gulch (4) · Big Lew's Launch (4) · The Bozeman 'M' (17) · Little Ellis (4) · Bear Canyon Bozeman Learning Hill (6)