Where to Land
Canyonlands Airport (KCNY)
With a 7100' runway and open approaches on both ends, this is a wonderful airport to get in and out of. The terrain does rise to the north, so if you have a choice, land to the north and depart to the south.
As with all Mooney adventures, getting there is half the fun. If you
are coming from the west. overfly Las Vegas Class Bravo and go direct to St,
George (KSGU). From there deviate slightly to the north towards
Bryce
Canyon (KBCE). A few minutes past St. George you will fly over Zion
National Park which is spectacular from the air. Continue towards KBCE and
you will see Bryce Canyon National Park off your left wing. After Bryce,
fly towards Escalante (1L7) over some starkly beautiful terrain. After
nearing 1L7, turn direct to KCNY. Shortly after 1L7 you will overfly
Capitol Reef National Park (a 100 mile long waterpocket fold) which can only be
appreciated from a Mooney at altitude. From Capitol Reef you will begin to
approach Canyonlands National Park. Weather permitting, we descended to
get an amazing birdseye view of the Colorado and Green Rivers. We did a
slow cruise descent through the beautiful scenery and landed at Canyonlands Airport.