Hidden Splendor | Utah Back Country Pilots Association

Hidden Splendor

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Airstrip Info

Frequency 122.90
Elevation 4819 ft
Lat/Long 38.5686, -110.9573
38° 34.116' , -110° 57.438'
Runway 17/35 1910 ft x 30 ft
Dirt/Gravel
Rwy 35 Uphill 1.6%
Ownership BLM

Amenities

Weather

See more at the National Weather Center

Information updated November 18, 2022 @ 1:32pm

Description: Hidden Splendor runway oriented north/south with 1000 ft. cliffs and the Muddy Creek skirting the west side. Airstrip is located on a small mesa with steep drop-offs very close to each end of the runway.  There is vehicle access to the airstrip, so watch out for cars, trucks, animals, and people.

Runway: 1910 ft long x 30 ft (average) wide hard surfaced dirt runway in good condition. Slopes to the north 1.62%.

Approach Considerations: Pay attention to the downhill slope when when landing to the south, and use caution for canyon winds. When landing to the north the approach is through a relatively tight canyon, and should not be attempted with strong winds. Use caution for sinking air over the river when approaching from the south. Suggest flying above the canyon first to make sure you are comfortable with the approach between canyon walls. There are steep drops-offs on both ends of the runway. Can be soft when wet. Departing to the south is recommended despite the narrow canyon . The terrain to the north rises fairly quickly and gives the impression of poor climb rates, and could be a problem on hot summer afternoons.

Amenities: Primitive camping areas are available in several locations around the airstrip. Space is available west of the approach end of the runway 34, as well as on the west end of the road that crosses close to the middle of the runway, and east of the runway on that same road. Interesting hikes up and down the river to explore old mining facilities.

Windsock: Yes.

Jeff Nostrom visited 3 weeks ago in a C185 with 8.5 tires

Slightly soft and a light skiff snow off the edges the runway its self was mostly dry and as I walked the entire length only a few soft spots. Great as always.

3 Likes , 0 Comments


Jeanne Henry visited 1 month ago in a Kitfox 7STi with 27.5 tires

Overflew North to South to view the strip, turned around and dropped into the canyon for the approach to runway 35. Flying down through the canyon over the Muddy River was spectacular and scary as all hell (my first time)! The first part of the runway was a little bumpy but fairly smooth and mostly smooth the rest of the way past where the road crosses. The windsock is shredded. We took off to the North, slightly uphill but no factor. And yes, that is a Kitfox on anfibs!

3 Likes , 1 Comment


Gary Hilley

Thanks for the report! We'll get out there with a windsock soon

1 month ago
John Belz visited 4 months ago in a Cessna 185 with 29" tires

The strip was in just-about perfect condition. Came here after finding Mexican Mountain flooded.

2 Likes , 0 Comments


Andrew Skeen visited 6 months ago in a Cessna 185 with 8.50x6 tires

Excellent conditions. Had a bit of a tailwind coming down through the canyon, and opted to land downhill going south.

1 Like , 0 Comments


Kory Cornum visited 10 months ago in a CarbonCub SS with 31 tires

Runway excellent. Scenery amazing. Landed to the south. T/O to the north.

2 Likes , 0 Comments


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