Cedar City Training Hill

Cedar City Training Hill launches from the top of the third of three hills at 1,921 m in Utah, with south-southwest the best launching angle, though the site can work across a wide range of directions from north around through southwest to northwest. As the name suggests, it's built around easy, repeatable sessions — hike up, fly, land, all within about 45 minutes and a short walk back to your car. Getting there starts at a residential street parking spot near Crimson Heights; from there it's a flat dirt trail south for about an eighth of a mile, then a steep climb over the first hill (marked by large 'CV' letters on the hillside), down its backside a bit, up a second steep hill, and finally up a third, gentler hill to the S/SW-facing launch area on the right at the top — hiking poles are worth bringing. The flyable window here is narrow, and a light 7–8 mph south-southwest reading is considered close to ideal. Landing is either in the empty lot at the base of the CV Hill, or, if that's not workable, on the golf course's 16th hole, which angles south and uphill — though flying over the golf course itself is something to avoid where possible.

Launch & conditions

Launch is on top of the third hill, with south-southwest the best angle. The climb up all three hills is steep — hiking poles help.

Getting there & local rules

Park on the street in front of Crimson Heights (near 1789 N Wedgewood Lane). Walk the flat dirt trail south about an eighth of a mile, then climb over the first hill (marked with large 'CV' letters), down its backside, up a steep second hill, then up the third, gentler hill to the launch area at the top.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Cedar City Training Hill, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Cedar City Training Hill with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.