I had some family come in from out of town and so at the last minute decided to bring them in to Telluride for a quick visit this weekend. Upon landing I noticed a familiar silver wagon shining on the ramp. After a quick message to BCP member Skalywag, we set up a time the following morning to go check out a few nearby strips. I had only met Skalywag once briefly during a fly-in a few months ago, but his plane is hard to miss and he's a great pilot. Turned in to a fun day!



Started at KTEX: Elev 9070'


Then to a nearby private ranch strip: Elev 9580' & 1500' rwy


Lot's of cows on this airstrip...




Enroute to Lake City:


Landing deep within the canyon at Castle Lakes Airstrip @ 9300 ft elev. The airstrip is surrounded by numerous 13 & 14k peaks. If that wasn't interesting enough, it had water filled ditches and trees all along the runway and the approach/departure ends.


Looking West at the tree-lined approach end of the RWY:


The lakes surround the airstrip on all sides.


Looking at the East end of the airstrip where we will take-off towards:


Skalywag flying against the backdrop of the rocky mountains:


Back to Telluride:




For an unplanned trip this turned out be a great day. Note- The airstrips are private, unmaintained and require owner permission, capable aircraft, etc, etc

Great trip report and flying!

Great px, I saw your nice 180 hanging out a Longmont a few days ago.

Ed

Thanks for sharing, looks like a fun day!

Looks great! Haven't been to Wilson Mesa in forever...

Had a heck of a time buzzin around with MtnWest. Here's some more pics, gotta love the San Juan's!!!
The first pic is MtnWest's, to good not to put up, the rest are from the ol iPhone










Life is good...Real Good!!!

Nice work fellas's!!!

Great TR...

AKT

The spur of the moment trips I find are some of the best! Great pics of our beautiful west.

G'Day

Hey! I have been looking at doing Castle Lakes for a while. I'd like to ask you guys a few questions about the trip if you have a sec?

Deleted

89E, you can check out FlyColorado.org or shoot a PM to MTNWEST. It's a really neat airstrip, but not for those without CO experience.

Gary, I believe you are talking about the Wilson Ranch strip north of KTEX.

Damn, that is some real high country, not like the little bumps I fly here Great pics.

89echo - PM Sent

A great way to experience some of these high altitude airstrips is during the upcoming La Garita Creek Ranch Fly-in where a few of us (who have flown in before) coordinate with the airstrip owners and lead a group of aircraft in on a tour. Keep an eye out for dates on flycolorado.org

Alec,

When is the GRF fly in going to be? I'm excited to try the fly fishing down there....

soyAnarchisto wrote:Alec,

When is the GRF fly in going to be? I'm excited to try the fly fishing down there....

Good timing... I was just typing up the date for the CPA newsletter.

Gunnison River Farms - May 15-17th
La Garita/Hooper Spring - June 5-7th,
La Garita/Hooper Fall - Aug 28-30th or Sept 17-19th (TBD)

Sweet. Looks like I'll miss the spring LaGarita but will hope to be at Gunnison. Should we reserve cabins now?