Walt s Point - Horseshoe (Owens Valley- Lone Pine- Bishop)
📍 California , Inyo County · Nearest city: Lone Pine (16 km)
51 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 2771 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
36.47270, -118.11500Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-19 16:21 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
No recomendable para volar, base de cúmulos ~1920 m, viento fuerte (39 km/h).
base ~1920m · wind 39 km/hNo recomendable para volar, base de cúmulos ~380 m, viento fuerte (40 km/h), precipitación 7.1 mm.
base ~380m · wind 40 km/h · precip 7.1mmCondiciones marginales, base de cúmulos ~1474 m, viento 8 km/h.
base ~1474m · wind 8 km/hComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 4 | Medium |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.81 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.28 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
Launch is either known as Walt's Point or Horseshoe. This is more a HG site than a place for PG - as the launch requires a special technique: lay out your glider across the TO with the right wing tip right at the edge of launch; the bring up the right side first... After TO turn right towards the small saddle (but don NOT fly across) - normally the thermals are right there.
Rules and notes
Max Alt: 17999ft!
Pilot comments
From http://www.karicastle.com/flyingsites.htm This is the famous launch point of many world records that were set years ago! It's a great morning site, and launch is directly off a pull-off on the paved road. It's a cakewalk launch for hangies and a flat slope then off a cliff launch for PG's. Advanced pilots only! Make sure the winds are not out of the west before you fly! It's not a fun ride flying the Sierra's when its blowing over the back!!!
Nearby sites
Alabama Hills (3) · Black Eagle (Bishop, Owens Valley) (16) · Mazourka (6) · Nine Mile (31) · Springville - Slick Rock (3) · Kernville Slabs (9)