The Rainbow Canyon, officially called “Jedi Transition” or by the army R-2508 is located at 282km from Las Vegas Int’l Airport so approximately a good 3h drive. You may also come from Los Angels Airport which is 376km so approximately 4h drive.

It is one of the most famous well-known “low-level” flying training area in the world which is mainly used by the United States Air Force. The traffic come from those bases, Nellis AFB, China Lake, Fresno Air National Guard Base, Edwards AFB and NAS Lemoore but other forces may be seen if you are lucky.

The area is open for public at any time however note that it is not guarantee to see any jets, you may see a few or zero. You’ll need to take your chance, stay, hope and wait until something shows up.

Aircraft most seen in the area includes: The United States Air Force – Hornets, Fighting Falcons, Thunderbolt, Harriers, Raptors, Lightning, etc / if lucky some Hercules or Globemaster have been spotted.

Written by Jeremy Denton, Northern Skies Aviation, Pierrick G. & Thomas Schneider. Last Update: October 2020

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Spotting Information
Car/Public Transport	Car is the only option you have to come at the area.
Restrooms	Available at the parking for spot 1.
Drinks/Food	Not nearby, you’ll need to drive down 13 minutes towards Panamint Springs where a gaz station is available as well as a shop and a restaurant.
Hotels	The closest hotel is the Panamint Springs Resort or the Panamint Springs RV Park located at 10 minutes from the spot.
Season	We recommend you to avoid high temperatures during summer as not only heat haze may appear on the pictures but you won’t stay long with some crazy +50° temperatures. It can be very dangerous.

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	Spot #1 – Father Crowley Overlook (Main Spot)
WHERE	From Panamint Springs drive on the road “190” “Nadeau Trail” for around 10 minutes until you reach the first road rest on your right with a big parking. Park your car here and you have many options where to stand to make great pictures (see our map).
WHAT	Some will be already at a low altitude in the canyon, some a bit higher or some will simply overfly above you. You’ll never know until you see it coming. Just be ready and listen.
TIME	All day.
MISC.	Nothing nearby unless you drive back down to Panamint Springs to get some drinks/foods. Very important to take a hat as well as enough foods/drinks and be prepared to wait hours. Toilets are available at the parking place.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm depending on how the aircraft come.

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	Spot #2 – The Red Rock
WHERE	From Panamint Springs drive on the road “190” “Nadeau Trail” for around 7 minutes until you reach a huge red rock on your right side. You’ll have a small parking remote location on a dirty land on your left side in the corner of the road. Refer to the map.
WHAT	Some will be already at a low altitude in the canyon, some a bit higher or some will simply overfly above you. You’ll never know until you see it coming. Just be ready and listen.
TIME	All day.
MISC.	Nothing nearby unless you drive back down to Panamint Springs to get some drinks/foods. Very important to take a hat as well as enough foods/drinks and be prepared to wait hours.
FOCAL LENGTH	F16: 310-360mm (depending on the angle) FA18: 330-350mm (depending on the angle) C27J: 300mm & 440mm (depending on the angle)

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	Spot #3 – Entry Point
WHERE	From Panamint Springs drive on the road “190” “Nadeau Trail” for around 12 minutes until you reach the first road rest on your right with a big parking continue straight until you see on a corner a small dirty path where you can put your car. Refer to the map.
WHAT	Some will be already at a low altitude in the canyon, some a bit higher or some will simply overfly above you. You’ll never know until you see it coming. Just be ready and listen.
TIME	All day.
MISC.	Nothing nearby unless you drive back down to Panamint Springs to get some drinks/foods. Very important to take a hat as well as enough foods/drinks and be prepared to wait hours.
FOCAL LENGTH	200-400mm depending on how the aircraft come.

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