Airstrip Info
| Frequency | 122.90 |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 5946 ft |
| Lat/Long |
37.2787, -110.5721 37° 16.722' , -110° 34.326' |
| Runway 07/25 |
2100 ft
x 10 ft
Dirt/Gravel Rwy 7 Uphill 1.1 percent |
| Ownership | BLM |
Amenities
Weather
See more at the National Weather Center
Information updated May 7, 2025 @ 10:51pm
Description: Add Nokai Dome to your camping bucket list immediately. Located high on a plateau, a steep cliff to the east overlooks Monument Valley and to the west, Lake Powell. A jeep trail that follows the ridge offers some easy hiking.
On two occasions we have seen a desert tarantula near the large rocks on the east side. He offered only a quick photo opportunity before finding cover under a rock. His name is Jumper, and still suffers from stage fright. We happened to notice on another camping trip an abundance of mountain lion tracks around our tent in the morning. So, let's zip up our tents at night and put away any curious cardboard boxes that might attract play time!
Runway: A soft layer of dirt covers the runway and is normally very smooth. A higher float tire may be required under certain conditions. The strip is narrow with shrub trees relatively close for larger wingspan aircraft. It slopes uphill considerably to the east but is still manageable for a takeoff and landing in both directions. OHV traffic is common here so a close landing survey for any surface defects or large rocks tossed on the runway should be accomplished.
Approach Considerations: Crosswinds are very common and may have negative consequences due to the narrow runway and proximity to shrub trees. The cliff to the east and Nokai Dome itself will create significant mechanical turbulence. The tendency to become low on final may be a threat as the upslope of the runway can create that visual illusion.
Parking: Several airplanes can be parked here but will block some of the runway. Multiple flat camping areas and fire rings are found on the south side of the runway. Excellent cell phone service here.
Amenities: Cal Black airport, which has some basic services, is only a short flight from here. Based on past experiences, a phone call to Cal Black Airport to ensure adequate fuel would be prudent. A restroom, water, picnic table, and indoor lounge area is available.
We camped overnight at Nokai on my way to Ibex. Winds were "sporty" landing in the afternoon as well as leaving the next morning and that seems to be the normal at Nokai. A few bumps on the runway that I had to be more careful of with the nose wheel. As Karen mentioned in her post, we hiked to the mine/dino tracks and that was fun. Take some water as the trip back to camp is uphill. There is also a random "junk tree" not too far from camp that was fun to find just SE of the east camping areas across the road where it bends to the SW.
Runway is good. Turn around area at west end could use some minor clean-up…some of the clumps could use a shaving…or removal. This trip we took a hike to some Dino tracks. Around the tracks is an old mining camp with quite a bit of equipment to poke around at. It’s a 1.5 mile hike from the main camping area on the airstrip towards the west down the road. It’s easy to see an old road off shoot to the left on a satellite view map. Just follow that washed out road to the area where the mine camp is and then see the tracks. Here’s the coordinates: 37°17'09.5"N 110°34'56.1"W
Camping at Nokai Dome is best at the east end of the airstrip, where the ground is more level. The airstrip has a commanding panoramic view of the water pocket fold, which is on the north side of Lake Powell, within Capitol Reef National Park. The airstrip also overlooks Lake Powell and Navajo Mountain. Stargazing is excellent, since the airstrip is at the top of a mesa.
There is a unique artistic curiosity near the Nokai Dome airstrip. Turn right at the east end of the airstrip and after a short 5-min walk down the dirt road, you will behold the Tin Can Tree on the left side of the road.
The Nokai Dome airstrip, perched atop a striking mesa in the heart of Utah's canyon country, carries a storied past intertwined with the rugged beauty of the American Southwest. The name itself, Nokai, from the Navajo word "Naakaii," meaning "Mexican," starts the story of such a historic area full of superstition and lore. Located near the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the airstrip served as a critical access point for those venturing into this remote region. Its history reflects the broader story of aviation's role in connecting isolated communities and enabling exploration of the West's most inaccessible landscapes.
Nokai Dome itself, a prominent geological feature, became a focal point for ranching and mineral exploration during the mid-20th century. As uranium mining boomed in the region during the 1950s and 1960s, the need for efficient transportation into these remote areas grew. The airstrip was established during this period, offering miners, surveyors, and geologists a convenient way to access the rugged terrain. Its location atop the dome provided a natural flat surface for a dirt runway, making it an ideal site for light aircraft operations. It was here that the Skelly Oil Company had drilled for oil, yet found nothing. The well was abandoned November 12, 1951.
In addition to its utilitarian role, the airstrip gained a reputation among pilots as a challenging and rewarding destination. The high altitude, unpredictable winds, and surrounding cliffs demanded precision and skill. Pilots were drawn to the adventure and the breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons, mesas, and the Colorado River below. For decades, the airstrip was a hub for small-scale aviation, supporting not only mining operations but also recreational flyers and backcountry enthusiasts.
As the uranium boom waned in the late 20th century, activity at the Nokai Dome airstrip diminished. Environmental concerns and changing land management policies further reduced its use. The airstrip's location within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area eventually led to discussions about its impact on the surrounding landscape and its compatibility with preservation efforts. Over time, the airstrip was sporadically used, though its legacy as a testament to the pioneering spirit of backcountry aviation remains.
Today, the Nokai Dome airstrip stands as a relic of a bygone era, a symbol of human ingenuity and determination in the face of nature's challenges. While carefully maintained through the efforts of volunteers with the UBCP, it continues to capture the imagination of aviation historians, adventurers, and those who appreciate the intersection of human history and the natural world. The airstrip is a reminder of the transformative power of aviation in opening up the American frontier, connecting people to places otherwise out of reach.
The Nokai Dome airstrip was recognized by the USGS as part of their 1953 Lake Canyon, Utah 1:62500 topographic map. You can view this map by clicking here.
Works Cited:
Nokai Dome, SummitPost.org, viewed 2025
Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining, records viewed 2025