2026's first launch at Agua Blanca is here! This high power launch at SARA's Agua Blanca launch site is in Ironwood Forest National Monument (INFM), at the West end of Manville Rd (~ 8 miles northwest of TIMPA). Ceiling for this launch is 14,838 ft above ground level (17,000 ft MSL).
About this Launch
All flyers must individually register.
All attendees (members, non-members, and spectators) must register.
No entry beyond the flight line without a flyer wristband.
Attendance will be granted on a first come, first served basis.
There is a wait list available, so if you make a reservation and can't attend, please cancel your reservation up to 72 hours in advance for a full refund so someone else can use your spot.
Access to this launch site includes a poorly maintained dirt track that is directly in a wash in some places.
Seasonal disruptions to access are possible and unpredictable.
High ground clearance (7"+) required; modest SUVs or trucks should be fine.
Plan to caravan with the group so you have support in case you get stuck.
This is a waivered class 2 (high power) launch, subject to weather, sky, and field conditions.
Bring your NAR or Tripoli card as proof of certification.
ALL High Power FLYERS Must show proof of Currently Paid NAR or Tripoli membership and certification level!
SARA will provide launch gear required by registered flyers; we routinely support motors up to M power, with N and O distances possible.
SARA policy requires rail guidance for F power and above. SARA will have a tower launch pad available if your rocket does not support rail guidance, but please let us know if you require the use of the tower.
Be sure to indicate what motor impulse and altitude you intend to fly and what launch gear you will need during registration.
Please actually read the terms and conditions also linked from the registration page. They are not just disclaimers, but contain important logistical information about this launch site and expectations of all attendees.
Launch Schedule
Launch Logistics
Setup crew, plan to meet at the TIMPA barn at 7 am Saturday to collect fire fighting gear and launch equipment before heading out to the Agua Blanca Site.
No organized camping is planned this time. It's daytime flights between 9 am and 3 pm, weather permitting.
Plan to carpool from the Ironwood Forest Access Point on Manville Rd if you do not have a suitable vehicle to navigate a rough dirt road with some significant loose sand in places.
Launch operations will transmit on FRS/GMRS radio channel 18, so bring an FRS or GMRS radio to stay informed while out recovering.
Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, long pants, long sleeves and closed toe shoes; bring plenty of water, a cell phone, an FRS or GMRS radio, and always recover rockets with a partner.
Watch out for gopher holes, snakes, and other desert hazards when recovering rockets.
Dec 20, 2025 Road Conditions update: The road is passable in December. November's launch was cancelled due to flooding in the first quarter mile of Manville Rd. just west of the Agua Blanca Access Point parking lot. Beyond the flood zone, road conditions inside Ironwood Forest National Monument have deteriorated some since James' April 19 2025 road conditions video. Although April conditions were excellent, the sandy parts of the road now are much looser, with some slippery spots, and periodically, a prominent ridge between the tire tracks that can strand a low clearance vehicle. Despite the added risk for low clearance vehicles, most of the route in late December was easy to drive at 10 - 15 mph, though there are a few slower sections, particularly before the first bend in the road around the cattle pond. The bet strategy is to keep moving 10 - 15 mph through the sandy spots to avoid getting stuck, and caravan when possible so you have help.
Immersive 360 degree video of a rocket flight from this launch site to 2300 ft AGL can give you some perspective on the terrain.
Ironwood Forest National Monument Access Point (carpooling site) https://goo.gl/maps/Wkzqt6kMNe3dJt7UA
Launch site entrance gate coordinates: https://goo.gl/maps/zaQ5zehxKmmEYHhBA
Area overview, with the IFNM Access Point at the yellow pin in the center right of the map. Launch site spectator area is in the green triangle near the junction of the two dirt roads.
Range Officers
RSO: James Cramton NAR 88816 / TRA 16127 L3
LCO: James Cramton and others as needed
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