Greens Peak
Greens
Peak is located about 180 miles Southeast of Flagstaff near Springerville
and the Sunrise Ski Area. This tree and grass covered cinder cone rises
700' above alpine meadows and forests to create one of Arizona's most
scenic slope soaring sites. (Greens Peaks is 10,133')
Greens Peak can be slope soared in WSW to ESW wind. Thermal activity can be very strong as well. You can launch from the top of the peak, anywhere along the road, or even from the bottom. Since the top is covered with tall trees, most landings are usually slightly downhill and crosswind... but all that soft grass softens most mistakes.
When is is really blowing on top be careful not to get blown over the top or around the sides of the cinder cone. The more vertical winds (best lift) is out in front.
Driving Directions from Flagstaff (about 180 miles):
- From Flagstaff, go East on I 40 to Holbrook (about 90 miles)
- Go South on State Road 77 to Show Low (about 50 miles)
- Go East on State Road 60 to Vernon. (about 20 miles)
- Go South on McNary Road to Forest Road 61 (about 4 miles)
- Go Southeast on FR 61 to Greens Peak (about 16 miles on a well maintained dirt road)
- Take the graded dirt road to the top; drive around the towers and back down along the tree line to flying area.
The Albuquerque Soaring Association has a Spring, Summer, and Fall fun fly at Greens Peak. Some of their members fly huge scale gliders at these events. Check the ASA website for 2007 dates.
