Selenite / Factory Butte Coal Mine | Utah Back Country Pilots Association

Selenite / Factory Butte Coal Mine

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Airstrip Info

Frequency 122.90
Elevation 4775 ft
Lat/Long 38.4867, -110.915
38° 29.202' , -110° 54.9'
Runway 7/25 1590 ft
Dirt
Ownership SITLA

Weather

See more at the National Weather Center

Information updated April 7, 2021 @ 1:56am

Description: If you’re still waiting on a space flight to Mars, Selenite may offer a preview of a similar landscape and remoteness. Just outside of the San Rafael Swell this is just a short flight from Hidden Splendor. At one point this must have been a busy mine with three runways of which two are still open, useable, and in great shape. Mining artifacts still remain scattered at the east end of the strip and with a short hike it is possible to explore parts of the Morrison Formation. 
 
Runway: A large washout to the east has shortened the main runway. It can be soft here in the spring and fall frost heaves but at other times can be hard as concrete. 
 
Approach Considerations: This strip offers a landing location during higher winds when other strips are too turbulent. Evidence of UTV traffic can be seen here frequently so a good landing survey should be preformed. 
 
Parking: Most the airstrip could be used as parking. A small desert oasis-looking area to the east could offer an interesting place to camp. Limited to no cell coverage. 
Russell Robinson
4 months ago in a H130

Still rutted and previous reports are still accurate. Not the best looking strip but the Factory Butte area is amazing and worth some low, slow, exploring.

1 Like , 0 Comments


William Lipscomb
1 year ago in a PA-18 with 31” tires

Soft. The ruts from last year are mostly gone. Probably a big tire place.

1 Like , 0 Comments


Joseph Barrett
1 year ago in a Cessna 140 with 8.50x6 tires

This is a pretty cool strip to check out if you haven’t done so already. The strip itself consisted of soft loose dirt, fossilized sea shells, and of course the selenite crystals. The previous reports still stand. There are ruts in the western end of the main runway and major water runoff on the eastern end. The crosswind runway has some deep depressions where water has pooled and should be noted if attempting to use. Its also worth noting, the main runway was pretty soft and I would highly recommend high float or tundra tires if landing here.

2 Likes , 0 Comments


William Lipscomb
1 year ago in a PA-18 with 31" tires

Looks like a vehicle was stuck and left ruts on the main runway. Runway is still landable, but the ruts will need some attention. Crosswind runway has several washes from recent rains that make it almost unusable. This area is seeing a huge increase in UTV traffic.

1 Like , 0 Comments


William Lipscomb
2 years ago in a Cub Type with 31" tires

Neato spot, good for windy days. Can be soft here, but was pretty firm today.

2 Likes , 0 Comments


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