Sand Turn, WY

• Wind directionENE (68°) → ESE (112°)
• Ideal speed6–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 22

East-facing escarpment launch (~6,467 ft MSL) on the eastern flank of the Bighorn Mountains, ~10 mi west of Dayton/Ranchester, WY, at the Sand Turn Interpretive Site. The cliffs face out over the valley/plains to the east, so the site works on an upslope/valley wind blowing INTO the mountain from the east. IDEAL is straight E (~090), with a working arc roughly ENE-ESE (68-112 deg); MARGINAL/cross extends to about NE (~023) and SE/SSE (~158). NE and SE octants are usable but more cross. The site is primarily a thermal + ridge-soaring launch: best lift is midday in the thermal cycle (reports cite ~11:30 a.m. to 2-3 p.m.), when valley wind pulls into the mountain and a known trigger point produces repeatable thermals; typical sled-to-soaring flights run 8-10 min, with strong XC days reaching Custer MT (north), Kaycee (south), and Wyarno (east). Hazards/cautions: high-elevation launch with afternoon thermal turbulence and gusty conditions; lee/rotor risk and venturi acceleration if the gradient wind picks up or backs west/northwest (off the back) — west or NW winds make it unflyable and dangerous. As an exposed mountain site, overdevelopment and rapid thermal strengthening can make midday cycles punchy. Numeric wind-speed limits are inferred from orientation and Rocky Mountain thermal-site norms, not from an explicit club/USHPA guide. Access is public via the Sand Turn Interpretive pullout on US-14; historically flown since the 1970s, with organized hang gliding fly-ins on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Local instruction has been offered (Johann Nield). Confirm current site rules and a guide/local before flying.