Take Me Home, Backcountry Strips

You’ve packed your Cessna 206 with two friends, gear for a weekend in the Utah desert, and a spirit of adventure. You’re headed to Hidden Splendor Airstrip, a beautiful backcountry strip perched on a mesa with cliffs on either end, Muddy Creek skirting the west side, and no services whatsoever. There’s no fuel, no ramp lights, no structures—just you, the airplane, and 1,910 x 30 feet of dirt runway.

Excited? Absolutely. Nervous? Hopefully a little. Planning—and a lot of “what if” thinking—need to be at the forefront before you leave home.

Fuel Planning Before Departure

Start by calculating your total fuel requirements—not just to get there, but to fly against strong headwinds. Ensure that you have enough fuel to make it to the next fuel stop at the end of your stay, even if you have to fight stronger-than-forecast winds.

Account for all the things that might go sideways, like multiple approach attempts, which become much more likely when your runway is basically just a narrow strip of dirt in the wilderness.

Of course, erring on the side of caution with fuel is smart—as long as you also consider takeoff performance on a 1,900-foot dirt strip. What are the daily high temps again?

If the numbers are tight, look for factors and conditions you can adjust to make the trip safe. This is exactly the kind of flight that puts aeronautical decision-making (ADM) to the test. The phrase “Well, technically it’s possible” is often another way of saying “This flight is an unnecessary risk.”

Understanding Hidden Splendor Airstrip

Hidden Splendor is special—and tricky. The runway is 1,910 feet long, 30 feet wide on average, with a 1.62% slope to the north. Steep cliffs border both ends, so there’s zero margin for overshoot.

The approach from the south involves a downhill landing, with potential canyon winds and sinking air over the river. Approaching from the north means threading a relatively tight canyon, which can present treacherous wind conditions.

Wildlife is also a hazard. Deer, cattle, and smaller animals have been reported on the runway and can cause damage to aircraft.

It’s obviously an uncontrolled airport—so uncontrolled you might be tempted to forgo standard traffic pattern ops and radio calls. Don’t give in to that temptation.

Approach and Landing Considerations

The Utah Back Country Pilots Association advises the following.

• Pay attention to the downhill slope when landing to the south, and use caution for canyon winds.
• When landing to the north, the approach is through a relatively tight canyon and should not be attempted with strong winds.
• Use caution for sinking air over the river when approaching from the south.
• Fly above the canyon first to evaluate whether you’re comfortable with the approach.
• Be aware of steep drop-offs at both runway ends.
• Note that the surface can be soft when wet.
• Departing (or going around) to the south is generally recommended despite the narrow canyon. To the north, terrain rises quickly and can make climb performance appear worse, especially on hot summer afternoons.

That is a lot to keep in mind.

Departure Considerations

Back to fuel. Imagine your weekend is over, your camping gear is packed, and you’re ready to depart with just enough fuel to make it to the nearest gas pump with the required reserves. Now imagine a headwind stronger than forecast. Your “just enough” fuel becomes “not enough,” and suddenly you’re scrambling for options. Or, the winds are perfect, but it’s 46°C, making the density altitude sound more like a cruising altitude.

The two-part lesson: Plan fuel with a margin, while balancing that with the ability to depart and reach the next fuel stop.

Treat your numbers like a moving target. Consider the worst plausible headwinds and the highest plausible density altitudes. While you’re at it, what kind of performance can you expect if you have to go around?

And what if, despite your best planning, you can’t leave for a few days? Perhaps the wind is too strong or the density altitude too high to risk departure. Bring appropriate survival equipment. One useful backup is a charged iPhone or similar device with satellite emergency messaging capability (e.g., Apple’s SOS via satellite), but remember these services are limited to emergency communication and are not a one-for-one replacement for a satellite phone or PLB.

Pilot Mindset for Hidden Splendor

Flying to a backcountry airstrip is as much a mental exercise as a flying exercise. Patience, preparation, and objective ADM are your best tools. Ask “what if” about everything—headwinds, soft dirt, canyon turbulence, partial power loss, unexpected passenger issues, and most importantly, your willingness to decide not to go. Rehearse scenarios in a sim or even at home, checklist in hand.

Hidden Splendor is beautiful, remote, and exhilarating—but it demands respect. Consumables like fuel and conditions like wind aren’t just numbers; they’re the data that define the line of safety. Stay on the right side of it, and you’ll enjoy adventure without crisis.

Know Before You Go