I'm looking for recommendations in southern Utah for a good place to fly into and do some backpacking. Headed back to that area with my son in a few days. We have the option of stopping in Pagosa Springs CO and getting a car but hoping we could drop in somewhere with direct access.

Lots of the backcountry strips sound great for camping on site and hiking around, but hoping to do a 2-3 night backpack in some of that gorgeous country. We've stopped and camped at Fry Canyon last summer on our way to Alaska and it was really nice, and maybe that would work, but I'm not familiar with extended hike possibilities there.

Mexican Mountain looks promising for this, but haven't been in there. And have to consider the length of that strip. I'm flying a stock 170B with 850's. Fry canyon is a much longer strip but we used maybe 1,000' of it on takeoff in June, as we keep it pretty light. Of course it has a pretty good slope which helpsl... So I think we would be okay with shorter strips in that region at this time of year, but better if not too short and not requiring too much on the climb out. I can usually get her off the ground pretty quick but the climb can be slow with that stock motor.

Anyway, I'd really appreciate input from those who know the airstrips there. Also haven't seen many recent trip reports for that region, except for Fry Canyon...

Check out amacbeans post on this page:

https://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/where-did-you-fly-today-697?p=149205&hilit=fry#p149205

Here is another good one:

https://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/camping-adventure-and-hiking-the-happy-canyon-slot-17390?p=241095&hilit=happy%20canyon#p241095

You'll have to scroll to the top of the page, I'm not sure how to get this link to post there automatically.

BR

Thanks a bunch, blackrock. Happy Canyon looks especially good with the slot canyon as a destination. We will likely stop at Fry Canyon again in any case.

square-J
An interesting hike that has caught my attention is the old mail trail between Escalante and Boulder. We were considering that one for February of this year, but went to Paria Canyon instead, since water for dogs was a consideration. If it were me, a good weather stretch of a few days and finding a local to help you position your airplane at the other end, would make this a real fun one.

http://www.summitpost.org/old-boulder-mail-trail/954504

Flew my RV-4 to Monument Valley for lunch about 2 weeks ago and
continued on North to check out a few of the conditions of Fry Canyon,
Hite, Happy Canyon, Mineral Canyon, and stopped in at CNY for fuel
and talked to Nick (chief pilot at Redtail). Continued on to Mex Mt.
and Hidden Splendor. Made low passes and circled each and they
are all in good shape. Watch out for the cows at Mex. Mt and be
careful of the winds. Landed at Hidden Splendor. I'll try and insert
a few photos.
https://www.backcountrypilot.org/me/my- ... toid=36088

Larry

Fred54 wrote:square-J
An interesting hike that has caught my attention is the old mail trail between Escalante and Boulder. We were considering that one for February of this year, but went to Paria Canyon instead, since water for dogs was a consideration. If it were me, a good weather stretch of a few days and finding a local to help you position your airplane at the other end, would make this a real fun one.

http://www.summitpost.org/old-boulder-mail-trail/954504

Great find! That looks like a very scenic hike through Death Hollow.

Although you won't start your hike from the airplane, an excellent place to consider heading is Escalante (1L7). Chris, otherwise known as Slohawk here, lives at the field and more or less care takes the excellent camping facility there. He's just a great guy to share a beer with some evening right there at the field. From Escalante, there is relatively quick access to a huge variety of backpack and dayhikes. Head high into the Aspens of Death Hollow or access the multitude of choices around the Canyons of the Escalante. Good outfitters in town can help you with shuttles to just about anywhere you want to go.

I'm heading out at the end of the month myself. Love that place.

If you haven't hiked the slot canyon at Fry Canyon yet, it's pretty awesome. It does require a harness and rope for one rappel of about 35-40 feet, and then a swim through some chilly water at the bottom, but the Anasazi ruins around the next bend are worth it.

I am getting excited about using my electric Montague this year, further, faster then just pedaling, easier too. Some of these sites maybe good for biking, don't think I want to rappel with it though.

Hey, Larry. My two buddies and I met you at Hidden Splendor that day. The Bearhawk & Supercub. Thanks for the great air show!!! That was sweeeeet!

I know this may not help you in the next few days but you should check out Kelseys guidebooks- http://kelseyguidebooks.com -especially the Robbers Roost, San Rafael Swell and Colorado Plateau books. Sooo many hikes and soo little time. I have read most of these a few times and done a few of the hikes but mostly dream about the time I will have time off to do more.

Angel Point Airstirp will put you on the cusp of Robbers Roost where you can hike for a day or 50 days. Dark Canyon would be an epic backpack. There are so many hikes and airstrips down there you need to prioritize what you want to see the most. Happy Canyon and Dirty Devil are in the heart of it also.

Take pictures please

Steve, really enjoyed meeting you guys also. Hidden Splendor is a beautiful
place and I hope to get back soon in the 180 and spend more time. Just
won't be able to do the airshow! Also got High Sierra Flyin for next year
on my calendar. Maybe see ya in Idaho this summer.
Larry