BLM ACKNOWLEDGES AIRSTRIPS IN UTAH’S HENRY MOUNTAINS

The Bureau of Land Management issued their final decision on January 17, 2025, for Utah’s Henry Mountains Travel Management Plan (TMP), specifically naming thirteen airstrips as approved for recreational use. 

RAF Utah Liaison and Utah Back Country Pilots Board Member Wendy Lessig has followed the lengthy planning process and said, “Thanks to all who submitted public comments. Our voices were heard.” She pointed out that these airstrips are on designated routes shared with other motorized vehicles, referred to as OHV’s. The specific landing areas are: 

Angel Point
Big Thompson Mesa
Cave Flat (closed Nov. 1 to May 15 for wildlife)
Eagle Benches North
Gold Creek / Shootering
Middle Canyon
Nielson Wash
Point of Rocks
Road Junction 95-276
Robbers Roost / Little Y
Sams Mesa
Simplot / Funk
Starr Spring 

Twin Corral Flats West and South Hatch Canyon are designated as closed to all motorized vehicles including aircraft, because they are in Wilderness Study Areas. 

Lessig is aware of other historic landing areas within the Henry Mountains region and continues to monitor the status of BLM planning, and will report developments.

To contact Wendy Lessig, email wlessig@theraf.org.

Submitted January 28, 2025
By Carmine Mowbray