Rainbow Ridge
📍 Nevada , Washoe County · Nearest city: Cold Springs (2 km)
13 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 1700 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
39.69430, -119.98400Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 02:45 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Marginal conditions, cloud base ~1147 m, strong wind (38 km/h).
base ~1147m · wind 38 km/hMarginal conditions, cloud base ~1434 m, strong wind (33 km/h).
base ~1434m · wind 33 km/hFlyable day, decent conditions, cloud base ~1958 m, wind 13 km/h.
base ~1958m · wind 13 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
Two different launch sites. The lower site, and most often used, is an East facing launch. To get to the launch, you can either walk a somewhat steep but short dirt road, or drive. If you elect to drive, you can follow the 4x4 road system to reach the launch without having to go up the steep road.
Rules and notes
Unrestricted
Pilot comments
Hazards: multiple power lines and intersecting power lines exist below and to the right of the primary launch. In general, there are fewer lines if you head North, or to pilots' left of the launch. The area is also known for choppy conditions. Best to fly in cooler weather as this is a winter site. Caution flying with any wind direction <90 degrees. North wind at this site will begin to generate rotor off the larger peak to pilots' left of the launch. In general this is a decent ridge soaring east site, best described as a winter site. In the right conditions, you can launch at the lower ridge and work your way north, up the larger face to the left. From there, you can continue north, flying the Peterson Range.
Nearby sites
NevadaGanya (19) · Peavine Peak (8) · ParaglideTours (33) · Tow road (32) · Day Dreams (14) · Slide (20)