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.

Gary Hilley visited 4 months ago in a PA18 with 31 tires

everything looks good. some vehicle based campers off the north end of the strip

0 Likes , 0 Comments

Joe Bechtold checked in 8 months ago

1 Like , 0 Comments

Marc Lassaux visited 1 year ago in a ICP Savannah S with 21 tires

Rustler canyon is in great shape. Thank you to everyone who put in work on it. The windsock is fantastic and is located on the north east side of the runway behind the parking area. Rod, Steve, and Karl from UBCPA stopped through on a road trip and it was nice to meet them.

3 Likes , 0 Comments

Scott Alperin checked in 1 year ago

3 Likes , 1 Comment

Scott Alperin

Scott Alperin Strip is in excellent shape. Smooth. Our group tried to hike to the River but honestly it was very far and we never saw the water. Great views. There were cattle on both sides of the strip so we did several low passes to ward them off. We had 6 planes and a great day.

1 year ago

Kyle Stone visited 1 year 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!

3 Likes , 0 Comments

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.