Dolores Point Fly-in

June 5-6, 2004

Dolores Point is a beautiful mesa overlooking the Dolores River, four miles west of Gateway, Colorado. The airstrip sits on top of the mesa in a sagebrush meadow between the depths of the red rock canyon country below and the snow capped peaks of the La Sal Mountains above. Built at the request of the Atomic Energy Commission during the uranium boom of the late '40s, it is now a very quiet piece of  public land. The Backcountry Airstrip Committee of the Colorado Pilots Association invites you to join us at Dolores Point for flying, camping, and hiking over the weekend of June 5-6, 2004.

Dolores Point had a local steward for most of its life and has benefited from favorable weather this winter. The dirt and grass surface is in especially fine condition. The runway was originally a mile long (oriented north-south) but in recent times, only about 2700 feet is used. Most pilots choose to confine themselves to the northern 2200 feet and avoid the visibility issues with a slightly rolling hilltop on the southern end. That hill is approximately 70 feet higher than the north end of the strip near the mesa rim. Due to the substantial slope, landings to the south and takeoffs to the north are recommended (and easier). The average elevation is 7120 MSL making density altitude an important consideration. Flying conditions are usually best in the morning when temperatures are lower and there is less convective activity. Many different types of aircraft use this airstrip at all times of the year. But remember, you alone have the responsibility for your passengers and yourself to be adequately prepared for the unique conditions at Dolores Point including the minimally maintained surface, runway slope, and density altitude.

The Anasazi who lived here 800 years ago had the same amenities available on Dolores Point today, none. There are no facilities other than space to camp (in the meadow or in the pinõn woods nearby). You will need to bring your own water, food, rain gear, warm clothes, and tie-downs. This area has had fire restrictions in recent years and we cannot predict the wildfire risk this season. So, you should be prepared to cook exclusively on a camp stove.

In addition to hiking, there are several roads for bicycling. Photographers on the ground or in the air will delight in the vistas presented between river and sky. Of course, you can just hang out and take it all in from your camp if you like.

For being so far out of the way, Dolores Point is pretty well connected by air. Fuel and services are available at four airports approximately 35 nm away, Nucla (6V6), Grand Junction (GJT), Mack Mesa (C07), and Canyonlands (CNY). A Gateway local relates that the restaurant in Nucla is pretty good. There is also a nice public runway (packed gravel, no services) in the valley within walking distance of Gateway (called Hubbard on the Denver sectional chart).

Photos of the airstrip can be seen at the Utah Backcountry Pilots web site:
http://www.utahbackcountrypilots.org/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=Dolores_Point

For additional information contact Bill Meine wmeine@mindspring.com or call 303-748-4588.

Sponsored by the ColoradoPilots.org