Hi guys,

Looking for suggestions.

1-2 day trip out of Grand Junction in a C185 with Robertson STOL, VGs, 29" wheels and a competent Cub pilot (but somewhat amateur C185 pilot) at the controls: me.

Can anyone suggest a good itinerary? I'd like to visit a few of the usual suspects -- Mexican Mountain, Hidden Splendor, Mineral Canyon etc -- and maybe camp overnight at one.

What wouldn't you miss? What route would you take? Where would you go? Where would you stay overnight?

Cheers,

David

I have only been to that area once but it is fantastic. I don't know what to expect for weather that time of year, but hopefully a local will chime in with more info.

We spent a couple nights at Mexican Mountain and I would highly recommend camping there. It is really beautiful. Hidden Splendor is also really great and you should not miss it. Happy Canyon is a really neat spot and so is Dolores Point. Happy Canyon and Dolores Point are both places I would like to camp next time I make the trip.

Rockland Ranch is a very interesting place. We spent a few hours there. It really added a different dimension to our trip.

Lastly, we rented a car out of KCNY and went to Arches National Park for a day. The national parks are beautiful and you won't regret seeing them if it fits into your trip.

Have fun,
Joe

BCB:

You were probably aware of Galen Hanselman's book, "Fly Utah". If you don't have it, would strongly recommend that you get a copy. There are enough strips in that book to keep you busy for the entire month of November and his books are wonderful resources.

By November, cold weather and moisture can be a real factor. Try to get updated pilot reports on the strips (lot of folks on this website frequent UT or try Redtail Aviation in Moab). Dress Warm! It can be really pretty pleasant or it can be downright cold.

Mexican Mountain is hard to beat for overnight, although Mineral is great too and I do believe Utah Pilot Association is having a work party in Oct so it should be in really good shape!! For your first time, Mineral would probably be a little more pilot friendly.

Good Luck!!

Thanks very much to both posters! Yes, I have Fly Utah.

I'll check out the Utah Backcountry Pilots Association. I'll post some pics of the trip here if all goes well.

Cheers,

David

Heading out to SE Utah this weekend -- Friday / Saturday, hopefully. In contact with Ted already. Would be lovely to see anyone else out there. Weather looks perfect.

By the way, went into Dolores this week. Very rutted indeed. Got the heart rate up a bit.

David

I'd recommend Dirty Devil and Happy Canyon as well. I was out that way a few weeks ago and all the strips on your list were in great shape. Another cool spot with a outstanding car museum is Hubbard. Land and hike down to the resort/museum. Well worth the $10 museum entry fee.
Mexican mountain is your best bet for camping IMHO. Lots of firewood around to help stay warm. Wish I could join you! Have a good time.

Thanks. Planning Mineral Canyon for camping and Mexican mountain for a visit if my courage is strong enough. I am very aware that a 185 is a different machine to the Super Cub I am much more used to.

Looking forward to some pics and stories from your trip...too quiet around here lately!

Had a great time with David. Also met Steve Durtschi (President, Utah Backcountry Pilots Association) and his wife Cathy at Mexican Mountain. Mexican Mtn has to be one of the top destinations in Utah--just fabulous! A few pictures below. I'll post a video or two later...

Gorgeous pics, Ted! Let me know the next time you head out that direction.

Here are some short video's I edited from last weekend's trip. One is 5 minutes long; The others are 2 to 3 minutes long. If anyone has any editing suggestions I welcome your input. Thank you for watching!
Mineral Canyon:
Happy Canyon:
Mexican Mtn:
Dirty Devil: