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.

Sam Patrick visited 3 years ago in a C185 with 29” tires

Usable runway is much wider than the description, however probably a bit shorter. Surface seems to have been dragged with something in the not so distant past, but has a lot of small bumps similar to brake bumps that form on dirt roads. Surface solid and in good condition.

2 Likes , 0 Comments

Marc Lassaux visited 3 years ago in a ICP Savannah S with 8.00-6 tires tires

Runway and parking area in good shape. The recent rains have firmed it up some. Beautiful area.

3 Likes , 0 Comments

Marc Lassaux visited 3 years ago in a ICP Savannah S with 8.00-6 tires

The SW edge of the runway seems a little smoother as opposed to the NE edge from vegetation clearing. Amazing spot. Would be fun to try to hike down to river which looks like it is about 4 miles.

2 Likes , 0 Comments

William Lipscomb visited 3 years ago in a PA-18 with 31” tires

Runway is now about 25ft wide and 1300ft long. The surface still fairly rough from clearing vegetation. With a proficient pilot most backcountry type aircraft should be able to land here. The north end of the strip is somewhat less rough. Enjoy this great place.

2 Likes , 0 Comments

Gary Hilley visited 3 years ago in a Super Cub with 31 tires

Awesome, secluded spot! Runway narrow, some rutting

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.