Garlock
📍 California , Kern County · Nearest city: Inyokern (26 km)
12 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 1414 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
35.41800, -117.85000Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 02:46 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Marginal conditions, cloud base ~1056 m, strong wind (51 km/h).
base ~1056m · wind 51 km/hNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~2537 m, strong wind (45 km/h).
base ~2537m · wind 45 km/hNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~2991 m, strong wind (27 km/h).
base ~2991m · wind 27 km/hComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
🌬 Daily wind (next days)
Daily summary (10m wind). Full hour × altitude chart is being added progressively.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 0 | Low |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.00 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.33 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
35.418N 117.85W Elevation 4760 ft. (1450 m)
Rules and notes
Make sure that you stay clear from Restricted airspaces R-2505 China Lake and R-2506. See Sectionals for details.
Pilot comments
This is desert site located 16 miles SW from Ridgecrest CA. Slope facing SSE. There are two main options for XC. 1) Going NE to Trona, or 2) Going north to Owens valley.
Nearby sites
Boomer Ridge (3) · Nine Mile (31) · Lake Isabella (15) · Kernville Slabs (9) · Bakersfield - Ant Hill (3) · Avenue S (4)