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.
Runway smooth and firm, far north end has some small diameter loose material. There's a shallow dip about 1/3 of the way down from the north end. Flying the canyon to the south is exciting but tight spaces, keep your wits about you if you take that approach or departure. Virtually zero wind on the morning I was there.
What more can you say but ICONIC!!! I did the canyon approach and landed on 34, departed on 16 with a steep left 180 to depart to the north. Make sure you are comfortable in tight terrain otherwise depart out the canyon to the south. Runway was in excellent condition, smooth and firm. Not for the faint of heart, but if you are prepared it is a real adrenaline rush.
Flew in to explore on Wednesday and the airstrip conditions are in great shape. Tough camping as there is no shade on the RWY but the area's down by the river that do offer some shade. We explored the Delta mine and I'd like to hike up to the Susan mine next trip. Here's a link to a video I put together of a trip earlier this spring: https://youtu.be/0KN3jltyfqQ
Landed northbound on Sunday and the RWY was in excellent condition with no signs of ruts or damage. Windsock is in great shape too. This was my first time landing at HS so I took some time to explore. I have Galen's Fly Utah books and there is an error regarding the Susan Mine location. The first mention of it under "Hike to Little Susan Mine" says to hike 'upstream'..so I did...for a few miles. Nothing but cows and beautiful country....but no cabin. As I read the next section...it mentions to hike downstream. I had to chuckle and while I never had the pleasure of meeting Galen, I knew it he was getting a good laugh out of it. I saw the cabin downstream of the airstrip during my previous scouting trips but I just figured there were a few in the area due to all the mining. I'll go explore it next visit.
We haven't written a history for this airstrip yet. If you would like to provide us with some information about this strip, please contact us today!