top of page

Cherry Canyon

Wasatch National Forest

Logo Graphic Only White.png

Draper, Utah

Revised 25 Feb 2026

Location

40.515992°,  -111.817091°

Elev 7110' / 2168m

Ratings & Skills

UPSHPA P3 / M2 / S2 (P2 w/instr)

High Altitude, Foot Launch, Advanced Ground Handling, Restricted Landing Field

Radio Comm

Primary . . . . . . . .  146.560

Emergency . . . . . . 146.560

Access

A hike-and-fly site, typically accessed via Cherry Canyon Logging Trail near Draper, UT (Orson Smith Park area). Trail is well-marked and can be steep and rugged (approx 2.5 miles); allow sufficient time for gear carry. No dedicated vehicle access to launch zone.

Known Hazards

Midday thermic turbulence and strong, shifting upper level winds. Open slope launches can be affected by variable winds and rotor near terrain edges. Long, steep hike to launch.  Mini-wings note required glide ratio.

Site Sensitivites

Austere launch site with no emergency services. The Cherry Canyon area is a multi-use recreation area (hiking, biking, trail running) — minimize conflicts. Use established trails where possible to reduce environmental impact. Be aware of local access rules and respect any private property boundaries.

Attention All Users: 

  • UHGPGA and USHPA membership recommended for access to local information and safety briefings.

  • First-time pilots at Cherry Canyon should seek a field briefing from experienced local pilots before flying.

  • As pilot-in-command, you are responsible for assessing:

    • Your fitness for flight

    • Airworthiness of equipment

    • Local conditions on the day

    • Suitability of wind and landing areas

  • If conditions are uncertain or unsafe — DO NOT LAUNCH.

Trail Conditions

Cherry Canyon is a hike-and-fly site. Hikers, bikers and trail users share access routes — be wary during setup and carry-up. The distance from the Orson Smith Park trailhead to the North and West Launches is a little over 2.5 miles, with a 2400-foot elevation gain. About a 0.7 miles up the trail you'll meet the Bonneville Shoreline trail. Continue north for 1/2 mile, then turn west up the Cherry Canyon Loggin trail.  Watch out for rattle snakes, especially on warm days, and give any rattlers you encounter a wide berth. Be familiar with First Aid for a snake bite.

N

Setup & Launch

  • Setup Area: Open slope where the trail crosses an open hillside (approx. upper trail crossing).

  • Terrain features: Rocks, trees, and scrub near launch and below ridge can influence airflow.

  • Lay out in an area free of loose rocks and brush.

  • Launch Technique: Standard forward launch in most good conditions: strong control needed in thermic or gusty conditions (though flying in such conditions is not advised)

  • Face prevailing winds up the slope; verify winds at shoulder height.

  • ​Ground Handling: Advanced ground handling recommended due to slope and potential cross winds.

N

Winds

  • Prevailing: Site winds are terrain dependent; morning light winds often build into thermic winds midday.

  • Direction: Best launches occur when winds are on-slope/up the primary ridge axis. (Local knowledge advised.) The site is not flown when there is south and especially strong south wind in the valley. Strong north wind also places the takeoff in the lee of the adjacent ridge. For these reasons, it is almost exclusively flown in light wind.

North Launch Wind Speed
P3: Min = 0 mph, Ideal = 5-8 mph, Max = 9 mph, Gust 5 mph

Wind Direction: NNE - NNW

​

West Launch Wind Speed
P3: Min = 2 mph, Ideal = 5-8 mph, Max = 9 mph, Gust 5 mph

Wind Direction: WNW - WSW

The Landing Zone

  • Primary LZ: Dirt road south of the trailhead — between the tree and the gate. This is an extremely demanding landing place. Less experienced or precise pilots are encouraged to 1) land well south of the big tree 2) consider landing on the large mesa above the trail (caution that the terrain is a bit un-even).

  • Ensure adequate approach planning; space can be limited near trailhead vehicles or hikers. Use the 1) south of the big tree or 2) mesa above the trail landings when the trail is crowded.

Cherry-LZ-1.png

N

Notes

This site guide draft should be treated as preliminary. Conditions, access, and advisories may change seasonally or with land management updates. Always confirm local flying conditions and permissions with UHGPGA members or current pilots familiar with Cherry Canyon flying before planning a trip.

bottom of page