Utah Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association
Camel's
Uintah National Forest
Springville, Utah
Revised 01 Feb 2024
Location
N40º 10' 57.29" W111º 34' 6.07"
40.1826, -111.5684
Elev 7954' / 2412m
Ratings & Skills
UPSHPA H3 / P3 (H2/P2 w/inst)
High Altitude, Foot Launch
Mini-wing Min Glide Ratio 2.4:1
Radio Comm
Primary . . . . . . . . 447.800
Alternate . . . . . . . . 447-8.25
Emergency . . . . . . 146.560
Access
High-clearance 4WD required. Chains recommended Nov-Mar. Six-mile dirt Forest Service road to launch, followed by a steep 300-yard hike from the car park to launch. Warning: Do not drive road vehicles past the car park fence!
Known Hazards
Camel's is a high-altitude mountain thermal site with a steep launch and single landing zone. Midday rotors may be present behind the launch, do not attempt top landing. Midday turbulence. Transmission wires and towers on the bench below launch.
Site Sensitivites
Austere launch site with no emergency services. All launches terminate at a landing zone requiring overflight of residential areas. Junior High LZ NOT AVAILABLE Mon-Fri 0800-1500. Landing during school hours will result in loss of site access.
Attention All Users: Camel's is a challenging, high-altitude mountain-thermal site. No pilot should fly at this site who is not a current USHPA and UHGPGA member holding the minimum USHPA ratings and skills indicated. Visiting and first-time users should obtain a detailed in-person pre-flight briefing from a local UHGPGA member-pilot with recent flying experience at this site. This briefing should take place at the launch site on the day of the flight. Pilots should also familiarize themselves with the known hazards and site sensitivities described in this guide. As pilot-in-command, you alone are responsible for assessing your fitness for flight, the airworthiness of your glider and equipment, the suitability of the current conditions for launch and recovery, and for continuously monitoring glider position and performance to ensure a safe landing at an approved landing zone. If in doubt, do not launch.
The Launch
The small hilltop setup and launch area is rocky and drops off steeply to the east, south and west. There are no tie-downs present. Average slope for the first 300 feet is 76%. Morning sun heats the backside, resulting in tailwinds and downflow. Do not launch with a tailwind! As midday sun warms the valley, thermals cycle through and can be quite turbulent. While primarily a high altitude mountain thermal site, Camel's has ridge soaring potential in prevailing south winds. The evening glass-off is the most promising time to fly this site. The LZ is clearly visible from the launch site. Look for the school's W-shaped white roof to the southwest. See the infographic in the photo below for best wind speed and direction for your glider.
The Landing Zone
The Junior High LZ is on public school property and is unavailable during school hours (Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm). Children may be present at any time, so scout this LZ on your way up to launch. There are no permanent tie-downs in any landing zones or parking areas. The landing zone is an 8-acre field northeast of Springville Junior High. The surface is well-drained level turf, with a usable landing distance of 800 feet. Disc golf baskets dot the perimeter of the field but the center is clear of obstructions. Arriving at 300’ above this field in zero-wind, neutral-lift conditions via direct routing requires a minimum glide ratio of 2.6:1.
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Retrieve crews should confirm the LZ remains clear. After landing, promptly exit the LZ and disassemble or fold your glider. This site is noise- and traffic-sensitive. The Nebo School District hosts this LZ, and they appreciate your professional and considerate use of their property.
