Dawson – Sunnydale

Dawson – Sunnydale sits in the Yukon at Dawson City, giving an east-wind launch above the Yukon River and cross-country potential up the Top of the World Highway (arrange retrieval or plan to hitchhike back). The catch: you have to cross the river to reach the LZ. In summer that makes it an Advanced site — a moving-water landing is a real possibility if you don't leave the ridge with enough height. In winter or spring when the river is frozen, it's much safer.

Launch & conditions

East-wind launch. From the trailhead it's about a 5-minute hike. The launch is fairly small, with trees to clear and the river to fly across to reach the LZ. Advanced pilots only in summer because of the river; much safer in winter or spring when the river is frozen.

Getting there & local rules

Take the ice road (or ferry) over to West Dawson and head up the Top of the World Highway. At Sunnydale Road, stay right and pull over just before the road banks right — the trail head is there. Contact the local pilot who developed the site before flying (he can help you find the trail). Landings: in winter, anywhere the river is frozen — friendly Dawson residents will usually give you a lift back. In summer, you MUST cross the river and land at the designated LZ — leave the ridge with sufficient height.

Local rules & hazards

Float plane and helicopter traffic in the area — contact the airport by phone or air-band before launching. In summer, carry an emergency knife to cut away lines in the event of a moving-water landing. Advanced pilots only in summer.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Dawson – Sunnydale, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Dawson – Sunnydale with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.