Rainbow Valley – West Patterson

Rainbow Valley – West Patterson is one of the four launch sites of the Arizona Tow Group in Rainbow Valley south-west of Phoenix. With four launches in different directions, the group can always tow into wind — so the site is flyable year-round unless it's too windy or raining (both rare in Arizona). The AZ Tow Group runs winch operations basically every weekend and often on weekdays; guest pilots are welcomed enthusiastically, but tow-launch familiarity is required — as a minimum you should be comfortable forward-launching on tow in nil wind, and ideally reverse-launching on tow in a 45° crosswind (a common scenario here). Spring and summer mid-day conditions can be demanding, so good kiting is expected.

Launch & conditions

One of four launch sites in Rainbow Valley — always tow into the wind by picking the site that matches the day. Winch fees $40/day, unlimited tows. Minimum requirement: comfortable forward-launching on tow in nil wind (reverse-launch on tow in 45° crosswind strongly preferred).

Getting there & local rules

From central Phoenix, take I-10 to Estrella Parkway. Head south to Willis Road, right; to Rainbow Valley Road, left; several miles to Riggs Road. From there, check the wind to decide which of the four launches is active — most likely Riggs+Bullard or Patterson+Bullard.

Local rules & hazards

Sky Harbor Class B airspace to the north. Luke Air Force Base jet corridor active on weekdays. Rainbow Valley is a training area for many general aviation pilots — expect to share the airspace with many aircraft, often below you. Extreme summer heat and 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 – West Patterson, 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 – West Patterson with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.