Hammer wrote:Is there a more or less established landing area at Alvord hot springs...I don't mean cones and a wind sock, just an area most people use?

When I flew in we landed south south east of the springs and stopped about 1/4 mile where a road enters the playa. Walking to the springs, one can take the road or can cut more directly through the brush. It gets pretty soggy as you approach the springs via the junipers.

North of where we landed, the outflow from the springs keeps the ground softer and silt runoff makes it sandier. If in doubt, better to land farther out and stay away from brown areas. White (or very light tan) is good.

Craig

Hammer:

Until about ten years ago planes landed on the road along side, but I have since discovered that is not legal; so I have been landing on the desert well south to south east of the springs, it is usually too wet on the north side. I was last there September.

Follow the east side of the dry lake until you spot the hot spring and pool house, then check the wind, usually it is nil or from the north west. Circle and check for other tracks and the color of the lake bed... the lighter the better. Depending on how dry the lake is, I fly a down wind to the south out from over the road, landing to the NW and touching down about a 3/4 of mile out from the vegatation and roll to near where a short road comes down to the desert on the south side of the hot spring. Just once was there a strong south wind that I had to reverse my landing and take off to the south.

You can follow the road or hike a path direct, about a 1/4 mile.
Do remember the hot springs is owned by the rancher to the north.

Is it dry enough this time of year. I plan on heading out there Sunday morning if weather permits. Not looking to good right now. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for the info. I've seen pretty large fly in's there during winter months. Take care. - Marc

usually always dry now unless a thunderstorm hits

Can someone who is smarter with computers pull a picture off of Google Earth and draw an approach path on the Alvord Desert? This might help for those of us who have not been there.

I have only landed at The Fields Station, not the desert.

Anyone stayed over at the Whitehorse Ranch at Alvord? Thinking of stopping there overnight on a trip. Thanks. Tim

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