Any suggestions on a route from Alpine (46U), WY to Cody (KCOD), WY?

I'm planning to fly from Austin, NV to Cody, WY next Sunday morning (8-23-09) with a planned fuel stop in Alpine, WY. I notice on the sectional some big azz mountains in my way to Cody (direct). Without going alllll the way around these mountains (and not having to climb to the severe nose bleed section), is there a better route to navigate the canyons from Alpine to Cody?

Thanks soo much in advance for your intelgent response!

Landing in Alpine will leave you with two choices. 1- climb like a rocket, clear the mountians to the NE and head directly to Cody, 2- depart Alpine fly the snake river canyon and slowly climb up to altitude. Either way you will be passing through Jackson Hole and it will take 11,000+ to get to Cody. I guess you could do the whole trip at 10,000 or slightly less but that route will take you over Togwotee pass and then over Dubois and along way east till you can turn north to Cody.. A VERY long way.. IM me for any further details.

Ben.

There is no fuel for sale in Alpine last I heard, but that may have changed since its been partially converted to a residential airpark. The closet food is a fair walk also.
Nearby Afton for sure has self serve fuel and if you taxi to the nearest point after landing great food and service is a 3 minute walk across the highway.
Last time I went that route I just followed the highway......plenty high and rugged enough, very scenic also. Cody can get a bit breezy!

Alpine Aviation put in new self serve pumps two years ago. They are the cheapest prices for 200 miles too. They also have JetA for sale to feed the kerosene burners...... Nice little airport....

I bought gas at Alpine last month for $3.75/gal. I thought it as one of the nicest airparks I had ever seen. You might also consider getting gas in Brigham City Utah. They had pretty reasonable gas last time I was there. Or Delle for mogas.Not too far out of your way and possably some friendlier mtns(on the BC. route).

Cya this weekend Gary

I will be leaving Austin Sunday AM headed to Brigham City if you want to go that route we could go together that far.

The Alpine then Snake RIver Canyon would be beautiful if the weather allows.

UtahMaule wrote:I will be leaving Austin Sunday AM headed to Brigham City if you want to go that route we could go together that far.

The Alpine then Snake RIver Canyon would be beautiful if the weather allows.

Sounds good. I'll look you up at Austin. As long as the weather is good, I'm planning to stop in Alpine for fuel.

To a newbie pilot, just studying the sectional, looking at Google Earth and pictures of the Tetons/mountains in that area is very intimadating

I've made this trip several times in a 172. I used the same route that Ben described (choice #2). After years of driving it isn't that long 1:40 ish. I'm usually around the airpark and I'll be happy to show you on a sectional the route and a few shortcuts if the weather is nice. Check out our web site Alpineairpark.com and call me if you have any questions Rex Doornbos

meadowlarkrex wrote:I've made this trip several times in a 172. I used the same route that Ben described (choice #2). After years of driving it isn't that long 1:40 ish. I'm usually around the airpark and I'll be happy to show you on a sectional the route and a few shortcuts if the weather is nice. Check out our web site Alpineairpark.com and call me if you have any questions Rex Doornbos

I'm planning to stop at Alpine to take advantage of cheaper fuel along my planned route to Cody. If I get there early enough and in no hurry, I'll come looking for you. Sounds like the Snake River route is a good choice (be neat to see that part of the Snake River also). I'm a little more at ease after talking to Joecub last night telling me it's not any worse than flying around the Sawtoothes here in Idaho.

Thanks for the reply's!

Weather is deteriorating pretty fast this morning here is western wyo. I might go for breakfast in alpine but...
maybe not ...

be safe .

Stol wrote:Weather is deteriorating pretty fast this morning here is western wyo. I might go for breakfast in alpine but...
maybe not ...

be safe .

Rained all morning in Austin, NV. Called my buddy in Cody and he looked up weather along my route and it wasn't good. A few of us at Austin kept checking the weather and I decided to fly back to Boise (I don't play with crapy weather much). Thanks for the info and advice!! I'll try to fly to Cody in Oct, weather permitting!!

Flying a Cessna 182, you have plenty of airplane to fly direct. Just keep safe terrain clearance and pick good weather. Fly early in the morning, bring a camera, and have another great adventure.

Pat

You made the right call.
It was an ugly day. Always stay in your comfort zone, and you'll get to enjoy another day. We are only doing it for fun anyway. Like they say at Ben and Jerry's, "If it ain't fun, why do it."

Gary