Stacey and I are taking a whole week off for the Caveman fly in this year. We plan to fly to many of the backcountry strips and also camp at a few of them before we make it to Caveman. Right now we are thinking about Mexican Mountain, Mineral Canyon, and Happy Canyon. We have the Fly Utah book and there is a lot of good info in there. But what I want to know is where can we go to restock on supplies like ice, water, food, and most importantly BEER? Is there any airports with a courtesy car and a store near by? It looks like Monticello might work? Any other suggestions? Is there any places to go get a good lunch or breakfast? Also feel free to add anything else you want about cool things to do or see at any of the Utah backcountry strips. I would have put this in the Caveman thread but I figured this information might help others planning trips to Utah in the future. Thanks in advance!

If you're going to Mexican Mt ( a VERY cool place) you may want to camp there under the trees next to the river. Also go to Cedar Mt and Hidden Splendor. Mex Mt and Cedar Mt are close to Hunting Airport. They have a paved strip and two crossing dirt strips, a motor home to stay in, a courtesy car, the cheapest fuel you'll find anywhere and the friendliest people in Utah. Study up in getting into Mex Mt as it is a little tricky. Over fly the river next to the airstrip, do a 180 degree descending turn between the big cliffs and Mex Mt and land at the strip from the box canyon end. It looks much harder than it is.

Thanks for the reply that's the kind of info I was looking for, I didn't even know Huntington had fuel. I have been to Mexican Mountain and Hidden Splendor before but never Cedar Mountain and that one is on the list for this year. Huntington will work great being just about 10 minutes away from Cedar Mountain.

Hubbard aka Gateway is always a great stop for lunch, dinner and the resort offers float trips and other outdoor activities. If you need a beer stop feel free to stop by our place at CO43. We have a car for a trip to GJT and tools if needed. We are looking forward to Caveman!

You can fuel up at Mack and they have a courtesy car as well. They will have a discount on fuel for Caveman fliers. Good on field camping there and an apartment is often available if you need hot showers and a warm bed for a night. Talk to Ladd to work out the details. Short drive to Fruita for supplies. Pinyon is a cool strip and the drive to Junction is very scenic. Don't forget Dolores Point if you are headed to Hubbard. When you leave Dolores you can just about dead-stick it to Hubbard.

Thanks for all the good info!

I stopped at Huntington a couple years back. Talked to the airport manager, one of the nicest guys I've ever met. Didn't notice an RV to stay in but the manager said there was a shower in the pilot lounge and that we could put out our bed rolls in the lounge if we decided not to continue on that day.

Richfield has 3 airport cars, cheap gas and plenty of restaurants and grocery stores nearby. Good breakfast at the airport if you happen to be there on a Saturday as well. Good mechanic on the field too.. Great guys who will help you with anything.

Huntington is good too. The only time I landed there (that wasn't the UBCP fly-in) I couldn't find a soul at the airport but that was 2 years ago.

Green River has self-serve fuel and $35 hotels but you'll have to call for a ride into town. Hanksville has killer breakfasts at 'Blondies' but its a half-hour walk into town.

Canyonlands had a crew car too but there is always demand as its prolly the busiest airport in the region.

Oh yeah, there is a nice supermarket in Mt. Pleasant.. 5 minutes walk

Pretty sure there is no more gas in Green River. Last couple of times I was three they were shut down. Even if there was fuel there it would be hard to tell how old it was as the airport is all but abandoned and very little traffic. I'd bet that Mexican mountain has more traffic than Green River.
It's just a few minutes by air to Canyonlands so it's no big deal if you are low on fuel and in the area.

No reason to land at the intergalactic spaceport unless 1. You want to put it in your logbook, or 2. You are on fire.

When I landed there some years back it was for number 1. No operating fuel service then either.

You're thinking the wrong Green River, that's in Wyoming.

No longer fuel in Green River.

Closest is Moab.
Self serve or full serve.

I have thought about a Go-Ped just for going in to town from an airport.
Does anybody do this?

SE6601KF wrote:I have thought about a Go-Ped just for going in to town from an airport.
Does anybody do this?

I've thought about it but I'm lazy enough as it is so I got a folding bicycle instead so at least I'll get some exercise.

The old airport(before the FAA changed it) in Green River, Utah, was E-W immediately along the main drag just west of downtown, easy to get supplies, fuel, rooms, melons, etc., unfortunately, gov't wisdom prevailed and now we have an abandoned airport SW of town with no services, too far to walk to town, probably vandalized, too.

robw56 wrote:You're thinking the wrong Green River, that's in Wyoming.

Ah Well I've landed at the one next to I-70 too, albeit with someone else at the controls, and the same applies

Huntington is definitely the place to refuel and get supplies if you are anywhere near it. I can vouch for the existence of the motorhome - Noreen and I spent a night in it last month. They have at least 1 courtesy car, and I think maybe 2. The pilots lounge does have a shower, and they always have plenty of firewood cut and ready to go. Either burn it there or pack it up and take it with you to Cedar Mtn or wherever you go. That's what it's there for.

All the strips you mentioned are great, and if you can spend a day there, go to Fry Canyon. There is a great slot canyon within walking distance (you'll need rope and a harness to do the whole thing, but the anchors are already there), and some cool Anasazi cliff dwelling ruins you can get to as well.

For a night of luxury, go to Gouldings Lodge just outside of Monument Valley. The strip is paved, and the hotel will shuttle you across the street. They have a restaurant, too.

amacbean wrote:Huntington is definitely the place to refuel and get supplies if you are anywhere near it. I can vouch for the existence of the motorhome - Noreen and I spent a night in it last month. They have at least 1 courtesy car, and I think maybe 2. The pilots lounge does have a shower, and they always have plenty of firewood cut and ready to go. Either burn it there or pack it up and take it with you to Cedar Mtn or wherever you go. That's what it's there for.

All the strips you mentioned are great, and if you can spend a day there, go to Fry Canyon. There is a great slot canyon within walking distance (you'll need rope and a harness to do the whole thing, but the anchors are already there), and some cool Anasazi cliff dwelling ruins you can get to as well.

For a night of luxury, go to Gouldings Lodge just outside of Monument Valley. The strip is paved, and the hotel will shuttle you across the street. They have a restaurant, too.

Thanks Allen, that's good to know they have firewood! That's another thing I was worried about, camping isn't camping with out a good fire. I saw your Fry Canyon video, that looked like a cool place to see, we might have to check it out ourselves. What's the deal with Gouldings? Do you need permission first or would it be ok if we just show up for breakfast or lunch one day?

I just posted a video of Dolores point from today on the "where did you fly today" thread.
Strip is in great shape after the winter. Last year it was one of the poker run stops.

robw56 wrote:

amacbean wrote:Huntington is definitely the place to refuel and get supplies if you are anywhere near it. I can vouch for the existence of the motorhome - Noreen and I spent a night in it last month. They have at least 1 courtesy car, and I think maybe 2. The pilots lounge does have a shower, and they always have plenty of firewood cut and ready to go. Either burn it there or pack it up and take it with you to Cedar Mtn or wherever you go. That's what it's there for.

All the strips you mentioned are great, and if you can spend a day there, go to Fry Canyon. There is a great slot canyon within walking distance (you'll need rope and a harness to do the whole thing, but the anchors are already there), and some cool Anasazi cliff dwelling ruins you can get to as well.

For a night of luxury, go to Gouldings Lodge just outside of Monument Valley. The strip is paved, and the hotel will shuttle you across the street. They have a restaurant, too.

Thanks Allen, that's good to know they have firewood! That's another thing I was worried about, camping isn't camping with out a good fire. I saw your Fry Canyon video, that looked like a cool place to see, we might have to check it out ourselves. What's the deal with Gouldings? Do you need permission first or would it be ok if we just show up for breakfast or lunch one day?

Back when I lived in Page and landed there they wanted you to sign a release and fax it to them, then give them a heads up when you would be arriving (mostly so they can pick you up.) That release is still on their web page: http://www.gouldings.com/more/airport-information/

Nice place to spend a couple of hours for lunch and kicking around the gift shop.