Box Canyon (Tucson)

• Wind directionSW (235°) → NNE (15°)
• Ideal speed4–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 16 mph base · gusts ≤ 21

Box Canyon is a multi-launch site on the W side of the Santa Rita Mtns, ~40 min S of Tucson; the given 6096 ft coords correspond to the Top Launch. SAHGA club guide gives explicit per-launch "Go"/"Caution" arcs (wind FROM, met deg): Lower SW launch 235-265 (caution 225-275); Lower NW launch 320-350 (caution 310-360); Lower N launch 350-15 (caution 345-25); Mid launch (5700 MSL) 265-310 (caution 255-320), requires 4WD/high-clearance; Top launch (6100 MSL) 335-350 (caution 320-360). Aggregated, the site works across a broad W-through-N arc (~235 to 15). Pilots should "really look for northwest winds" - NW is the prime direction. With NNW follow the E-W ridge S of launch; with W use the smaller ridge N of launch. Speed: 4-16 mph, ~8-10 mph ideal, MAX GUST FACTOR 5 mph over 5 sec (a hard limit - very low-gust site). HAZARD: rotor at lower launch when winds from the WEST; the due-W sector (~275-305) is a no-go at lower launch (mid launch covers W). Rocks, shrubs, cactus below each launch are hazards in weak winds. Ratings: lower launches P2; mid H3 (or H2 w/ sponsor), P3; top P3 (or P2 w/ sponsor); ridge soaring needs RS endorsement. ACCESS: current SAHGA/AZHPA + USHPA membership required, mandatory site briefing for visitors; site is hard to find/access - fly with a local guide first time. Good conditions year-round.