Shaw Butte
📍 Arizona , Maricopa County · Nearest city: Glendale (11 km)
12 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 567 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
33.59350, -112.08800Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 02:47 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Not recommended for flying, cloud base ~4288 m, wind 24 km/h.
base ~4288m · wind 24 km/hNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~3219 m, wind 24 km/h.
base ~3219m · wind 24 km/hNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~3987 m, wind 23 km/h.
base ~3987m · wind 23 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 | 0.39 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
Very small rocky launch. Not for beginners. You must have confidence and skill kiting your glider. Expect to be lofted while still in reverse position when the winds are above 8 mph. Snagging and breaking of upper lines is a real possibility.
Rules and notes
Deer Valley Airport to the North. Scottsdale Airpark to the East. Sky Harbor to the South, and also a 6,000 foot ceiling above. Best to consult charts or use a GPS with airspace loaded in.
Pilot comments
In spring a resident redtail hawk WILL attack your wing, so fly there at your own risk. Best to pick a day when you know you'll be up and out almost immediately. Sticking around longer than 5 minutes is a guarantee you'll get attacked.
Nearby sites
South mountain (17) · Rainbow Valley - North Bullard (20) · Rainbow Valley - East Patterson (11) · Rainbow Valley - South Bullard (3) · Rainbow Valley - West Patterson (11) · Mingus (11)