A NEW COLORADO BACK COUNTRY AIRSTRIP


Step 1 - Remove Rocks!		 Colorado just opened its first back country airstrip for experienced mountain pilots.

Headed by project Chairman, Ed Huber, more than 30 CPA members, including 11 cadets from the Colorado Springs Civil Air Patrol, cleared the runway at Quarter Circle-Circle near Saguache and Gunnison.

Early in June, the work group met at the abandoned runway and spent two days removing rocks, boulders and sagebrush from the grounds, leveling and smoothing the runway surface, and painted and placed rocks at each end as well as at midpoint of the runway.

They also installed a windsock and placed rock nearby to depict the direction of traffic. Note: Runway conditions may change by the time you get there. CPA cautions that only pilots experienced in high-elevation dirt-airstrip operations attempt the Quarter Circle-Circle. It's also suggested pilots evaluate aircraft performance at Leadville Airport prior to the attempt.

USE THIS AIRSTRIP AT YOUR OWN RISK!


Step 2 - Paint end and middle markers

Step 3 - Iwo Jima?

Step 4 - Ready for use

USING THE AIRSTRIP AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

(For Informational Use Only)

Airstrip: Quarter Circle-Circle (located west of Saguache & southeast of Gunnison/ 10 mi. south of Rt. 114)

Coordinates: N38-08-623, W106 44-713 (at mid-field marker)

Runway: 3/21, 2,000 X 15, dirt, gravel and some weeds

Slope: Upslope to the southwest

Elevation: 9,572 MSL

Frequency: 122.9 -- announce your intentions

Pattern: All patterns to the east, highly recommend to land Rwy 21 and takeoff Rwy 3 when conditions permit - probably shouldn't land or takeoff if you can't use these runways

Restrictions: Avoid all flight to the western side of the airstrip -- rancher desires privacy

Hazards: Trees on approach end of Rwy 21, rising terrain off end of Rwy 21, mountain, narrow runway, wildlife and stock on runway

Density Altitude: Standard temperature is approximately 30 degrees F (1 degree C)

ON A 70 DEGREE DAY THE DENSITY ALTITUDE IS APPROXIMATELY 12,300 FEET

Windsock: Eastern side just past halfway marker

Parking: West side just before fence; do not tie to fence or have any portion of aircraft overhanging the fence; bring your own tiedowns; don't leave aircraft unattended if stock (usually hungry) is in area

Remarks: Runway end-markers identify the graded and smoother portion of the runway. An additional 1,400 feet of runway at the southern end are usable but are not as smooth. The 15-foot width is graded and considered safe. The additional five feet on both sides is generally clear of obstacles (large rocks and sagebrush) but should be used only as a last resort. Don't forget to tell someone where you are going (flight plan).

USE THIS AIRSTRIP AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Surrounding Area

Accommodations: The Quarter Circle-Circle Ranch is on the eastern side of the airfield. The ranch is typical of the Old West -- four rustic, but very clean, log cabins, fully furnished (dishes/pots and pans), linens, bedding, wood cookstoves and wood. Bring your food. The ranch spring furnishes the drinking water and cools your drinks. You will need a small cooler and ice to keep meat and other items cold. The outdoor toilets are clean and there is an outdoors shower available with hot water.

Nightly cabin rental:

Recreational: Rent horses or fish in several of the ranch's spring-fed ponds or nearby streams. Big-game hunting and back trips are also offered. Or enjoy the experiences of the ranch, hike in the wilderness, play horseshoes or volleyball or just relax.

For more information, call John or Patti Judson on their two-way radio phone: (970) 641-3616. They will be happy to send information and answer questions. They will pick you up at the airstrip if you have made reservations and if they know your arrival time. They will see and hear you on downwind.

Camping: At the airstrip only (no facilities). Don't walk off the airstrip because the surrounding area is mostly private property and they don't think kindly of trespassers.


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