MONUMENT VALLEY, UT

Flying to and across Monument Valley was extraordinary. We came in from the west and landed at Monument Valley Airport (UT25), a small air strip owned by Goulding's Lodge. Then we took off the next morning and cruised the Navaho park. There's nothing like it, from the ground or the air.

I bodged my approach and landing at UT25 / Monument Valley which could so easily have ended in disaster... I had not given myself enough space to set myself up e.g. turned final too close to the runway, its a high altitude / low density strip and you have the added stress of a mountain cliff not far behind the runway, leaving little escape options... Needless to say, I didn;t try to land again..

Landing at Monument Valley Aiport (UT25- Gouldings Lodge) This is a one-way private airstrip with a 1000-feet rise in terrain 0.5-mile south of the runway.

Always wanted to land at Monument Valley, and thanks to Goulding's, was able to mark that one off the list. If you are thinking of landing here, there are a couple of things to be aware of. This is a private airport, so you do need to get Goulding's permission before you land. This is easy to do, and instruction are found at https://gouldings.com/amenities/airstrip/ . As of 7/22/19, the runway is paved with asphalt and is in good condition. I took the landing as a short-field given that density altitude was over 10,000 feet on the day we landed, and the opportunity for a go-around is really limited (watch the video and you will see why) - but the 3,800 feet of runway was more than sufficient for our Piper Saratoga. Special thanks to Goulding's for allowing us to land and their great service.

Canyon approach and landing on runway W at the Hite, UT airstrip in the Utah back country with a Super Stinson 108-2.

This is narrow, paved runway near the Hite crossing overlooking Lake Powell. No facilities (parking area and covered picnic bench which aids in a drop off and pick up point for rafters). Hazards include narrow runway with gradual slope, density altitude, canyon / mountain weather, and windshear. Please proceed with caution and make sure the weather is on your side. Also, make sure your piloting skills are top notch.

Shot with Kodak Playsport zx3

Also, please support the Recreations Aviation Foundation ( RAF ) and the Utah Backcountry Pilots Association ( UBCP ).

Landing at the challenging UT25 airport. The uphill runway and cliff at the end make for total commitment as a go around at this altitude could be dangerous

This gives an idea of what the landing strip looks like. Landings are from north to south with NO go around and takeoffs are from south to north (downhill)

Landing a Cessna C172 at Monument Valley airfield (UT25)

http:///www.ok3air.com Scenic flight around Moab and canyonlands in southern utah with a landing at happy canyon