Rustler Canyon

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Airstrip Info

Frequency	122.90
Elevation	4628 ft
Lat/Long	38.2724, -109.7263 38° 16.344' , -109° 43.578'
Runway 14/32	1848 ft x 45 ft Dirt Road Rwy 14 Uphill 0.4%
Ownership	SITLA

Amenities

Windsocks

Weather

See more at the National Weather Center

Backcountry airstrips are inherently dangerous. It is the sole responsibility of the Pilot in Command to ascertain airstrip conditions prior to use. Be certain to consider environmental, aircraft, and personal factors when determining suitability. Use of the airstrips is at the sole discretion of the Pilot in Command. Fly safe!

Information updated October 17, 2024 @ 2:10pm

Description: Sitting at the base of the Needles Overlook Rustler Canyon is one of the closest airstrips to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. An intense 4x4 trail named Lockhart Basin connects Moab to the Needles District and runs along the base of the canyon. The road passing through the airstrip heads out to Newberry Butte Overlook which is part of the Indian Creek Wilderness Study. A section of the Hayduke Trail which spans from Zion to Arches National Park can be accessed from here. In the evening the light on the cliffs can offer a spectacular photo opportunity. Please be cognizant of the proximity to the park areas.

Runway: Runway drops of rapidly on the northwest edge. Terrain rises 15 to 20 feet on the southeast edge. Should be considered soft as of Oct., 2024 until rains harden it. Soft ½ to one-foot berms both sides of runway, full length. No cell service. Generally the winds are favorable here even if the surrounding areas are not. The runway orientation is well suited for the prevailing winds. Each end has a turn around that will accommodate most type aircraft.

Parking: Parking area at the northeast end of the airstrip.

Approach: Nothing over complicated here. This is shared use with a road and a good runway survey is prudent.

Attractions: Landing strip is located in Lockhart Basin near the Bears Ears National Monument and is extremely remote. Pilots seeking solitude will appreciate the area. Dark Skys. May be possible to hike to the Colorado River. Estimate 2 to 3 miles. This landing strip is open for recreational use by any pilot. Prior permission is not required but use at your own risk as is not inspected regularly. UBCP does not allow commercial use of the
landing strip.

Inspected: The airstrip was recently bladed by San Juan County in October 2024.

Kyle Stone visited 1 month ago in a Glasair Sportsman (Trike) with 8.50 tires

Flew into Rustler Canyon with a buddy and the strip is in much better shape than previous trips in there. Explored the canyons for a while and had a great visit. Thanks for installing the windsock!

2 Likes , 0 Comments

Andy Deeds visited 1 month ago in a C180C with 8.50’s tires

Runway was firmed up by recent rains. Landed 14, departed 32. Camped by the turn around near the northeast end and windsock. Spectacular in every way!

2 Likes , 0 Comments

Karen Larson visited 1 month ago in a Carbon Cub FX2 with 31" tires

WOW!!!! The newly graded Rustler is now one of the BEST strips around!! Nice and wide (like maybe 40'!!), a bit dusty, but not that soft! You can spot the runway several miles out! It's such a picturesque location. AND...bonus...a new windsock!! Dead calm this morning so I took the opportunity to take off and land in both directions to check it out. Parking area in the middle for camping. I've been told you can hike down to the Colorado (a couple of miles), so that's on the short list for next time I'm there! Thanks to Steve Durtcshi for overseeing this improvement on a special airstrip to me personally!

6 Likes , 1 Comment

Paul Barry

It's a beautiful spot, nice to hear that it's been worked on!

1 month ago

Marc Lassaux visited 9 months ago in a ICP Savannah S with 21 tires

Stopped through again today. Rustlers is a great place. Nice canyons to hike to and overlook to the west and north.

3 Likes , 0 Comments

Marc Lassaux visited 10 months ago in a ICP Savannah S with 21 tires

Landed Rustlers today. Runway ok. A little soft but not bad.

1 Like , 0 Comments

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Thanks to the hard work of the UBCP Board, the Rustler Canyon Airstrip is open for private non-commercial recreational use. Through this relationship, the airstrip has been recently re-graded as of October 2024.