I flew to Hidden Splendor yesterday. We had a stormy weekend and the above normal temperatures changed to below normal. Yesterday was the first day after the storm. That made a good day for flying the desert. I still left early. This was my first time at Hidden Splendor. The approach through the canyon is not for the faint hearted! My wingtip was about 30' from the canyon wall at one point. The "Fly Utah" book rates this strip as a bit less risky than Mexican Mountain. I think it is much more hazardous due to the narrow canyon. I've flown other canyons but this is the narrowest. Then the climb out back out of the canyon from the airstrip is tricky. You have to know your airplane will climb enough to take the shortcut across the loop near the mouth of the canyon. I doubt whether a plane could turn the 180 degree loop in the canyon bottom if it didn't have the altitude needed to cross the shortcut. It really doesn't take as much climb as you might think to get over the loop shortcut because the canyon is descending.

Here's a video:



Enjoy!
John

Nice video skypony! I really enjoyed watching it while I was safely in my chair with a cold diet coke!

Thanks, Skystrider.

I think these videos are invaluable for those who are planning on flying into one of the strips.

I thoroughly studied the youtube videos of Hidden Splendor, especially the ones by the-adam, before I attempted to land there. Then, I flew over the airstrip and canyon to familiarize my self with the topography.

John

John,

Thats a great video!! The X-Air seems to take some of the drama out of Hidden Splendor but I'm sure the approach had your full attention. I was in there 2 weeks ago but we were kayaking (trying to in low water) instead of flying. Google "the chute of muddy creek" to see the amazing canyon above the airstrip. There are some cool videos as well.

Hopefully you spent some time on the ground just to "feel" the place, its one of my favorites. Looks like you chose an perfect day as well. Nice job! Keep the vidoes coming. Say hi to Phil as well.

Lanny

Hi Lanny. Philip told me you were on this group but I didn't know you were SixTwoLeemer.

I did search for "the chute of Muddy Creek" and found lots of info. I didn't find your trip though. One of the most interesting things I found is a November, 1954 Life magazine article about Vernon Pick's discovery of the Hidden Splendor Mine (originally called the Delta Mine). Here's the link:
http://books.google.com/books?id=qVIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA112&lpg=PA112&dq=Vernon+Pick's+$10+million+Ordeal&source=bl&ots=C9IRF-cktV&sig=2Ic-i1KXOMgmLQOoWatr_oNvu7g&hl=en&ei=FZMXTKiAConwMp3xrLkL&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Vernon%20Pick's%20%2410%20million%20Ordeal&f=false

I didn't finish reading it yet because I've got the grandkids today. They get into trouble whenever I try to get on the computer!

John

Nice video. Definitely some pucker factor there but you made it look like fun!

Great video,

Thanks. The camera distorted a bit so perhaps my question is silly but....It appears that the strip itself sits in a wider, more open area? Is it possible to approach closer to the end of the runway and avoid flying up that narrow canyon? Also is it possible to depart the opposite direction away from the narrow canyon? If not...then this older less bolder pilot is going to pass on that one. I have Fly Idaho. Guess I need to buy Fly Utah.

My wife and I volunteered at Natural Bridges National Monument for the months of March and April. Been missing Utah ever since. We may do it again next spring. If so...I plan on bringing the Maule next time.

Looked like a thrilling flight for sure.

Bob

Perfect place for the canyon turn.

z3
Yes, it is doable(depending on what you are flying and your ability to make it do what you want) to land coming from the north and landing to the north. I have done it using a right hand pattern. The strip is in a fairly open area, but relatively tight to the canyon walls on the south end. Listed as a 1900' strip, so that is what you have to work with.

You don't have to fly up the canyon to land from the south. It is easier to be above the canyon, and drop in at a point where you feel comfortable, yet giving you enough room to descend, and set up for your landing. Probably best to do a few practice passes until you feel comfortable with what you are doing.

Taking of to the north is uphill, so, once again, depends on plane, ability, winds, load, etc. Nothing in your way except for rising terrain .

This is a strip that you sould pay extra attention to. This strip is accessable by 2/4 wheeled vehicles. There have been stories of people sabotageing the strip , so look close that you don't run into some junk. Or people walking, driving, or camping on the strip.

I have heard that there are hot springs in the canyon below the airstrip. Does anyone have directions to the hot springs?


Gary

Thanks Gary,

That is what I thought. First time I went into Moose Creek I followed the advice of a McCall Aviation pilot and flew up the river, fifty feet above the water, down among the narrow ridges. Runway came into sight maybe 500ft. from touchdown, with a last minute turn to land. Got on the ground and watched a guy in a red C-180 fly overhead, make a rather normal pattern and land the opposite direction, on a cross runway. Felt like a dummy. Did make for an exciting video however. When I get the Maule out to Utah....I'll try your technique. No problem making the Maule approach, touchdown and stop within it's capability.

Bob

Bob, maybe this photo will give you a better idea of the layout. I took it while learning the layout before landing. The valley is rather large and it slopes toward the pointed end of the valley where the airstrip is located. The south end of the runway is near the high ridges that surround that end of the valley. This photo is looking south.


The runway was built across two smaller canyons and I was surprised to see drop-offs along the edge of the runway. You don't want to lose lateral control during the landing roll! I was also surprised at how big the drop-offs are at both ends of the airstrip. They are probably 150 ft deep but too narrow to dive off while picking up airspeed!

Google Earth is also a good reference.

John

Z3, here is another view of the terrain to the south. It may show why most use the canyon instead of trying to turn downwind-base-final in the small confines.


Gary,

I talked to my hiking buddy and he says the pool is downcanyon, head up the first drainage/canyon on the left and you will see a pool at the top of the canyon. don't remember though if it is a hot-spring or run-off pool???

For those that like to glow in the dark, the mine there is for sale.

http://www.landandfarm.com/lf/asp/full_new.asp?id=283891