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 Franklin visited 2 years ago in a Glasair Sportsman Tailwheel with 850x5 tires

Runway is in good condition. Larger gravel on the north end of the runway blow up easily with prop blast. River is still too high to cross. The hike up to the mine on the west side will give you a great view of the entire valley. Take the road from the midfield intersection.

3 Likes , 0 Comments


Joseph Barrett visited 2 years ago in a Cessna 140 with 8.50x6 tires

Flew into hidden splendor on Saturday. The runway was very firm and in great shape. I didn’t note a single divot or rut throughout.

2 Likes , 0 Comments


Nicholas Maughan visited 2 years ago in a RANS S-20 with 6.00X6 MAINS AND 5X6.00 NOSE WHEEL tires

The runway and windsock are looking great, no issues anywhere on the runway. Camping looks nice too. Met up with a fellow flyer and saw some campers leave in an SUV (and they left their fire smoking). Beautiful airstrip this was my 3rd visit and I'll be back for more in the future.

3 Likes , 0 Comments


Cory Wolf visited 2 years ago in a C205 with 850 tires

The strip is in excellent shape. If you’re coming to hike the Chute, bring wadders. I was surprised at how much water was coming down the river, even this time of year. 5 other planes came in while we were there. Great to visit with some fellow backcountry pilots.

4 Likes , 0 Comments


Adam Rosenberg visited 2 years ago in a Piper PA29-180 with 6.00-6 tires

I haven't been in here in a while, but the last guy who said it was as good as paved wasn't kidding. (It didn't hurt that there was no wind that afternoon.)

3 Likes , 0 Comments


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