I have had some requests for info. on this airstrip. I was there today so this is current.

It was 04CA and is still listed on Shortfield.com as 04CA so look there for details. (except length/width) Anyway it is in pretty good condition but needs some TLC. The current length is about 2,000 ft by 15' wide it is now dirt. Don't try to use the areas to the sides. Rocks/brush. No good.







Glidergeek posted a current photo of the strip from above. How about posting it here again.

If you worry about things like this there are X's on each end of the runway. They are hard to see.

O.K. It is at 10.000' so on a warm afternoon... Well you get the idea.

Here is a quote from the Forest Service in a letter to me.
"Coyote Flats is not within a designated Wilderness area. as such, the management prescription for this area does not preclude use by aircraft. It is not our intent to change that direction."

This was taken when the asphalt was removed.

When the original 3,000' runway was there.

Coyote flats was just fine for the T206 I used to take in there. Make sure you Do a real good low recon as there are a couple of non-aviation environmentalist that like to scatter small (8"-12") rocks over the strip. Last time I was there had to clear out the first 500'-700' of runway before departing. Also watch DA in the summer as it can get really high.

Appreciate the strip update, thankyou.

Sad to see what once was. When I make it up there, via 4x4, I will make sure to clear the area of FOD. No definite plans to head up anytime soon.

Hi,
I just joined the forum and thought I'd post that I drove to Coyote Flats on 8/4/12 and the strip was clear of any rocks down the middle. The middle is mostly clear of vegetation. Landing distance between the Xs is slightly more 2600 feet. The surface is hard packed and very smooth.

I'm considering landing there in the next month or so with a Super Cub Driver. I'll be in my RV-8.

We're planning on hiking over to the Coyote Ridge strip that has been quoted elsewhere on this forum to see what that strip looks like, how long it is etc.

I'm probably going to hear lots of nay-sayers telling me my RV-8 tires are too small but after walking the strip and comparing it to other strips I've been into I'm sure that it will be fine. There is one in SoCal that has 4 inch deep holes from animals and while it beats my wheel pants up I've not had any issues there. The strip at Coyote Flats is much smoother. Besides, RV wheel pants are practically disposable.

I'd like to know if anyone has any info on the current posture of the forestry service on landing at Coyote Flats. I've seen other posts saying that the forestry service doesn't care.

Thanks,

RV8

RV8:

Thanks for the intel!

I did my summer field project for Geology in Coyote Flats. Beautiful spot, spent a month mapping it. It does get hot in the summer, real hot. The area does abut the Wilderness Area but is not in it, so it is just regular old forest service land. You really need to pay attention up there, go early, leave early, or plan to spend the night. Bring really good tie downs. The thunderstorms can form in what seems like minutes and the weather get violent. The scariest thunderstorm I was ever in on the ground was up there. Lighting strikes everywhere with really high frequency, hid in an old mine. So the wind will whip up quickly to fierce proportions. If your plane isn't tied down it will be a kite.

There are some alpine lakes to the south of the strip, but it is a good hike of a couple of miles. Nice to camp by the lakes, clean clear water at a near freezing refreshing temperature.

Up there in the 80's mapping: