VOLUNTEERS WORK ON GRAND GULCH, AZ AIRSTRIP

RAF Supporter Perry Null of Gallup, New Mexico had flown into Grand Gulch in his 182 in early November and was concerned that it was becoming overgrown. He invited folks from the region to fly in with hand tools during the November 23-24 weekend to remove encroaching vegetation. 

Eleven aircraft arrived, bringing 14 folks, mainly from Arizona; one from California and one from Colorado. Earning longest-distance honors was RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller, who put in a good day’s work after his three-and-a-half hour flight from south of Albuquerque. 

Volunteers went to work on the bunchgrass, and brought the 3,000-ft north-south airstrip back to a condition suitable for most GA recreational aircraft. Null treated everyone to fresh hot breakfast burritos and provided water. Carmine Mowbray dropped in from southern Utah with firewood and water for the crew. Several visitors hiked down and toured the remains of the Grand Gulch Copper Mining Company, an enterprise that operated over a 90-year period. During World War I and the electrification copper boom, as many as 80 employees lived on site, working for a dollar a day and the promise of raisin pie for dessert.

Five aircraft remained overnight and visitors enjoyed sunset over the Grand Wash Cliffs and dark skies surrounding the Grand Canyon-Parashant Monument mesa.

Null invites pilots to enjoy this backcountry strip, its scenic vistas, stargazing, and a walk through some fascinating history just a short hike to the mine. It’s dry, primitive camping, and visitors will appreciate the new ADA vault toilet near the windsock, provided and installed by the BLM. 

Submitted November 27, 2024.