Looking at overflying Marble airstrip in CO this weekend. Does anyone have any advice as far as to going into that area. Will be coming from the Colorado Springs area. No, I haven't contacted Mr Conger as I don't plan on landing. My aero clubs regulations won't allow us to land on a grass strip.

Mr. Conger doesn't own it anymore. It has been sold to Glen Gallegos of Grand Juncion. Anyone wanting to land there should contact him before going there. He and his wife are very nice, and sofar, are keeping it open for flying.

As for flying by the strip I would want winds to be fairly light, approach from downstream, announce your intentions as you near the area, and as you get close to the strip, (reception won't be very good from very far out), and stay to the right side of the canyon to give yourself (and possably others)plenty of room.

It's a great place, possably the best in Colorado

Gary

Thanks for the info Gary. Renegade had posted this picture back in Feb of the approach so hopefully he won't mind me using it to ask questions.


After looking at the Denver sectional I plan to head to Aspen then fly around the north side of Capital Peak, then southeasterly into the canyon to Marble. I'm assuming this is what you mean by approaching from the downstream. Is this a southeasterly heading shown in Renegade's picture? What frequency are they using there? I do plan on staying high since I don't have any intenetions on landing. My main goal for this flight is to get a feel for the area, then bring a Super Cub there if I ever manage to find a decent one at a price I can afford. For now, I am stuck flying an Air Force T-41 that they won't allow me to land on anything but pavement. It is a great mountain bird though.

Yes, that is the usual direction to approach from, unless winds dictate otherwise. There is a sock midfield on the north side. They discourage straight in approaches, preferring that you approach from downstream, overflying the field to check for field conditions, animals, people, and traffic.

Once you have passed the field go accross the canyon, turn downwind on the other side. As you get past the downstream end of the runway you will notice a pond (Lilly Lake) and cabin part way up the hill. For the first time, if you use this for reference, turn base there, at about 150'-200' agl., fly to the other side of the canyon, gradually descending, and turn back east again on final. This sets you up for a fairly long and easy final with lots of room and options.

Gary

Thanks Gary, this information is going to be very helpful.

One thing I forgot. The frequency for most backcountry airstrip communication is 122.9. Use this for position reports and airstrip intentions. Plane to plane (chatting with friends) is supposed to be done on 122.75, or 122.85

Thanks again Gary, I tried to make it to Marble today but the winds ended up winning. The forecast looked good and nothing major was being reported at the passes. I took off and headed up Ute Pass, Wilkerson Pass, and then through Weston Pass. I overflew Leadville and headed towards Hayden Pass. Upon reaching the pass I noticed the clouds started to drop and they were moving across the ridge fairly quick. Figured I would feel it out so I approached it at the 45. It got extremely uncomfortable so I opted to play it safe and bailed on the pass. Popped back into LXV for a touch and go with winds variable at 3, go figure. Decided to over to my buddy's cabin on 170 acres near near Current Creek Pass. I circled his cabin a few times until I seen him waving. He called me later and told me the winds were screaming at the cabin. I guess it just goes to show you that the weather CAN change within minutes in the mountains. I do plan on heading back to Marble next weekend. Just wish I was allowed to land there.

Yes it is a great spot. And there is a town of Redstone about 10 miles North that is pretty cool also. The town of Marble is a mile or two east from the airstrip and has a great BBQ, but only open marginally this time of year, but a defineate "to do" in the summer.

If you are over that way again and have time another real good spot is Gateway(Hubbard). It's about 40 south of Grand Junction, on the Delores River, and one of the best stops in the SW. Very good 2600' dirt strip, and a great resort 10 min. walk away. Lot of times they momnitor 122.9 and will pick you up at the strip if you like.

shortfielder wrote:Yes it is a great spot. And there is a town of Redstone about 10 miles North that is pretty cool also. The town of Marble is a mile or two east from the airstrip and has a great BBQ, but only open marginally this time of year, but a defineate "to do" in the summer.

If you are over that way again and have time another real good spot is Gateway(Hubbard). It's about 40 south of Grand Junction, on the Delores River, and one of the best stops in the SW. Very good 2600' dirt strip, and a great resort 10 min. walk away. Lot of times they momnitor 122.9 and will pick you up at the strip if you like.

Oh, I'll have to mark this, I hadnt heard of Gateway before. I was just at Grand Junction about 2 months ago in the Twin Otter.

Yes it is a great spot, and always improving. Old car to muscle car museum, great restaurant for b'fast, lunch and dinner, lots of acivities, lots of backcountry strips in the area, you can get a room or camp at the field, nice little store with food, deli, alcohol,gas, most anything you couldn't carry, or forgot

Gary, maybe I need to drop into Durango and pick you up sometime. Sounds like you know alot about the western part of our state. Sure would be nice to fly with someone who has local knowledge in your area and it would give you a chance to fly a T-41.

Not really sure how much I know. Only been at this for a couple years, but I am "hooked" on it. I just love it. Almost every time I go out is an adventure.

I fly almost every week, and try to find out as much as I can from others. That is why I am here. And try to share with others what I have found, feeling that there are many like me that would like to know about the cool places out there.

I really haven't found much in Western Colo., but there are a few. Found a new one this weekend with a road going to a campground that was on a little lake with outhouses. "What a score" . But the road you land on is at 10,000', so it is not for everyone.

You, as well as anyone else are welcome to stop by anytime and talk about this stuff, and go check some of it out. I do most of my flying in SE Utah. There are a lot more strips and some incredible scenery. It's especially good this time of year, being a little cooler, and snow will be showing up here before long.

If you don't have Galen's book, Fly Utah, and want to do this type of flying, it is a must have, along with his map.

I'll let you know if I'm headed that way. For now, I'm limited to just overflying the unpaved strips. I am trying to work a deal for a super cub though, then the real fun begins.