Apache Maid (Flagstaff)
📍 Arizona , Yavapai County · Nearest city: Village of Oak Creek (Big Park) (20 km)
16 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 2161 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
34.72310, -111.55200Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 02:29 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Marginal conditions, cloud base ~2856 m, strong wind (33 km/h).
base ~2856m · wind 33 km/hNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~2266 m, strong wind (40 km/h).
base ~2266m · wind 40 km/hNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~2966 m, strong wind (40 km/h).
base ~2966m · wind 40 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
Launch is quite tight with a steep drop-off. Tree hazard right behind launch.
Rules and notes
Launch is P3, but air is generally mild enough for a P2 in mornings and evening.
Pilot comments
Produces spectacular thermal-into-glassoff flights most seasons. About 10 miles of dirt road to launch. The road is closed seasonally in winter after first snowfall and at times of high fire danger.
Nearby sites
Mingus LZ (5) · Mt. Elden (Flagstaff) (14) · Mingus (11) · North Sheba Crater (Flagstaff) (4) · Merriam Crater (4) · Shaw Butte (12)