Rustler Canyon

09UT

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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	UBCP lease from 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 May 23, 2025 @ 6:55pm

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.

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

First time landing Rustler in 2026. Runway is in great shape! A winter season of tamping down the dirt makes the surface less soft. Still nice and wide and long! You can see where vehicles drive through as part of the road, but no ruts so far! Parking/camping area still nice and clear. Windsock still visible and in great shape. And bonus: the beautiful canyon backdrop is still there!

1 Like , 0 Comments

Ron Freier visited 2 months ago in a Rans S20 with 850 tires

Runway and windsock still in great shape

2 Likes , 0 Comments

Bill Hawley visited 4 months ago in a Zenith 750SD with 27 tires

Runway is fine condition. No hazards. Good walk into the canyon to the south of the strip

1 Like , 0 Comments

Bill Hawley visited 4 months ago in a Zenith 750SD with 27 tires

Runway is fine condition. No hazards. Good walk into the canyon to the south of the strip

0 Likes , 0 Comments

Marc Lassaux visited 4 months ago in a ICP Savannah S with 21 tires

Rustler Canyon is in good shape. I am guessing this is the first time there has ever been two Savannah‘s at Rustler Canyon!

1 Like , 0 Comments

Colorado River

Added by Scott Conner 1 year ago

The Colorado River is appoximately 5 miles, one way, from the turnaround of runway 13. You can access tributary washes to Ruster Canyon by scrambling into the wash directly to the N of rwy. 13. Follow downstream for about 2.5 miles where there is dry falls that you have to skirt and down climb; look for the small cairn of rocks marking the easiest way down. Continue down the canyon for another 1.75 miles to the Colorado River.

Make your Flight Plan at SkyVector.com

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.