Nokai Dome | Utah Back Country Pilots Association

Nokai Dome

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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%
Ownership BLM

Amenities

Weather

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Information updated May 13, 2021 @ 7:54pm

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.

Rich Wellner visited 2 years ago in a N81WT with 8.5x10 tires

Nokai Dome, ribeye https://youtu.be/syFxpmxVyB0 PIREPs have mentioned the strip being soft. That's not unfair, exactly, but I think it overstates the case, at least when dry. If wet, I could imagine it being soupy and sticky pretty quickly. It's plenty long, but tight. Directional control is at a real premium. If you make an excursion, your in the bushes and rocks in a heartbeat. In addition to being tight, it *looks* really tight. So the landing will really get your full attention. Once on the ground, it's an awesome place. There are several camping spots and a UTV road off the end of the runway that provides tons of easy hiking to the many, many vistas of the surrounding canyons and mountains. Despite being very remote, there is good quality cell coverage.

4 Likes , 0 Comments


Marc Lassaux visited 2 years ago in a ICP Savannah S with 8.00-6 tires

Great spot. Everything in good shape.

1 Like , 0 Comments


Chris Ewald visited 2 years ago in a C170 with 8x6 tires

Fun, challenging strip. Spectacular views.

2 Likes , 0 Comments


Jack Holt visited 3 years ago in a C-180 with 31 tires

Stopped in and the road/runway was in great shape. Dry, no ruts, no big rocks. Significant easterly wind with some crosswind component so took off uphill, using the flatter section (didn't use the westernmost 1/3 or so which is steeper). Was no problem. Can't wait to camp there someday!

3 Likes , 0 Comments


William Lipscomb visited 3 years ago in a Cub Type with 31” tires

Pictures from several adventures.

4 Likes , 1 Comment


Craig Gustafson

great photos man!

7 months ago
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