Description
Updated December 9, 2022
Hiland airstrip is the fairly obvious private gravel airstrip that is situated on the lower flanks of Hiland Mountain and runs parallel to the Eagle River valley. The owner of the property is friendly and may come out to greet you when you land.
This is primarily a bailout LZ for those that find themselves unable to make it to the Woodlot.
Hazards
- This airstrip sees very little air traffic but keep a lookout for approaching aircraft if you land here.
- The airstrip is big but be aware that there are large high voltage power lines along the north side of the airstrip.
Locations Related To Highland Airstrip
Woodlot
Updated December 9, 2022
The Woodlot is a fantastic LZ. It's a decommissioned landfill that is spacious, mostly free of brush, and aligned with the predominate valley winds. It's most often used by those that fail to connect with thermals when crossing Eagle River valley from Baldy.
After the landfill was decommissioned, the site was used as a collection area for wood and brush where it would be chipped and hauled off. It was around that time that cross country flights were starting to happen more frequently and the site name of "Woodlot" has stuck ever since. It's been many years since the area was used as a woodlot and it's now used most often by neighborhood locals as an unimproved recreational area.
- A large powerline runs up-valley along the mountains to the south of this LZ.
- There's a prison about 1/2 mile to the north of the Woodlot. Avoid being low over the prison and don't land there!
- The landing area is very large and it's easy to avoid the few folks that might be recreating in the area.
This is an unmanaged site and there are no requirements for landing here.
On thermic days, a strong up-valley flow typically develops in Eagle River and this flow can accelerate significantly around the entrance corners of the valley. The woodlot is situated at the south entrance of Eagle River valley in a region where accelerated flow can be expected making penetration to the LZ from the east difficult - particularly if you're arriving low. Be sure to cross the valley high and far enough to the west that you can easily make the LZ in the strong valley winds.