Rainbow Valley – North Bullard

Rainbow Valley – North Bullard is one of the four Arizona Tow Group launches in Rainbow Valley south-west of Phoenix. The four sites together mean the group can always tow into wind on any given day. Site is flyable year-round unless too windy or raining (rare in Arizona). Tow-launch familiarity is required — forward-launch on tow in nil wind at minimum, reverse-launch on tow in 45° crosswind is the common scenario. Mid-day spring and summer conditions can be demanding.

Launch & conditions

One of four launches in Rainbow Valley — always tow into the wind. Winch fees $40/day, unlimited tows. Solid tow-launch skills required.

Getting there & local rules

Same access as the other Rainbow Valley launches. From central Phoenix: I-10 to Estrella Parkway, south to Willis Road (right), to Rainbow Valley Road (left), several miles to Riggs Road. Choose the launch based on the wind — most likely Riggs+Bullard or Patterson+Bullard.

Local rules & hazards

Sky Harbor Class B to the north. Luke AFB jet corridor active on weekdays. Rainbow Valley is a GA training area — share the airspace carefully. Extreme summer heat, violent September afternoon thunderstorms.

Check conditions before you fly

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