South mountain

• Wind directionSSE (160°) → SSW (200°)
• Ideal speed8–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

Two-launch site near Phoenix, AZ (AZHPA chapter; USHPA RRRG insured). PRIMARY = SOUTH LAUNCH: faces 180 deg at ~2,625 ft MSL; ideal wind FROM due S, acceptable SSE-SSW (~150-210); ideal ~8 mph, max usable ~15 mph; gust limit ~5 mph change in 5 sec; min sustained ~7 mph or solid light-wind forward-launch skill. Best daytime window ~10am-4pm (summer). ALTERNATE = NORTH LAUNCH: faces 340 deg at ~2,300 ft MSL, works NW-NE (acceptable NNW-NNE); ideal ~10 mph, max ~18 mph; hike-only (~30 min via Ranger Trail), best used evenings when south launch shuts down. This is why paraglidingEarth lists N,SE,S,SW octants. Rating H3/P3 (H2/P2 needs H3/P3 sponsor). HAZARDS: unmarked power lines right of south launch and in 'the bowl' (cliff + guy wires); comm towers with guy wires behind launch; 'the South Mountain Pop' thermal lift near the LZ (land short to avoid floating over houses); dry wash west of LZ produces sink on final; year-round dust devils; very unforgiving desert terrain; limited altitude on north launch. Exit thermals by ~4,300 ft ASL to stay clear of restricted airspace and allow descent. ACCESS: south launch drive-up via Central Ave (Silent Sundays / Sunday AM road closures may force a hike).