Rainbow Ridge

Rainbow Ridge is a winter ridge-soaring site facing east near Reno, Nevada, best flown in cooler weather when the soaring band sits around 090–130° at 7–15 mph and under 60°F. The lower, most-used launch is an east-facing platform reached either by a short, steep dirt-road walk or by 4x4 road for those who would rather drive up. From there pilots can work north along the larger ridge face and continue on into the Peterson Range on the right day. Conditions here can get choppy, and a few hazards are worth planning around before committing: multiple power lines cross below and to the right of the main launch (fewer of them if you stay north, to pilots' left), and a north wind builds rotor off the larger peak on that same left side. Landing is flexible — most pilots simply top-land back at launch — with backup options on nearby dirt roads, a gravel pit clear of obstacles, and a grassy field that's only reachable with good altitude in hand, since it sits upwind of launch.

Launch & conditions

The lower, most-used launch faces east and is reached by a short but steep dirt-road walk, or by the 4x4 road system if you would rather drive up. A second launch option exists further along the ridge.

Getting there & local rules

Dirt road or a short hike; a 4x4 road system reaches the lower launch without the steep walk.

Local rules & hazards

Watch for wind direction under roughly 090°: a north wind builds rotor off the larger peak to pilots' left. Multiple power lines cross below and to the right of the main launch — fewer of them if you stay to the north. Soaring conditions run roughly 090–130°, 7–15 mph, under 60°F.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Rainbow Ridge, 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 Rainbow Ridge with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.