2014-09-27MesaVerdeNationalParkCliffPalace

APA Getaway Flight: Mesa Verde Nat’l Park (Cortez, CO KCEZ)

by Craig Albright, Cirrus N857CD @ KCHD, CFI/II

September’s Getaway Flight: Mesa Verde National Park over 9/27-28/2014

Let’s go visit some ancient cliff dwellings of Ancestral Pueblo people at Mesa Verde National Park. Occupied for over 700 years between 600-1300 A.D., there are over 600 dwellings in the park and 5000+ archeological sites! This will be a 2-day trip with Cortez, CO (KCEZ) as our destination airport. I’ll be checking into available tours. But, for now, here's our itinerary:

Arrive: Cortez, CO (KCEZ) on Saturday, 9/27 by 10:00 AM AZ time (1700Z). From Chandler Municipal, my home 'drome, it's 288 nm.
FBO @ destination: Cortez Flying Service. Currently, their 100LL is $6.30/gal. (Ugh…) In case you need to reach them, call (970) 565-3721.

Ground transportation: Although our motel is only about 2 mi. from the airport, I expect that we’ll need to rent vehicles to reach the park. I’ll make arrangements for transportation after I have a rough headcount and explore available tour options.

Meals: There are lots of restaurants in Cortez.
Lodging: White Eagle Inn & Family Lodge, (970) 565-3333

I looked at reviews of a half dozen motels in the area. White Eagle Inn was better than most for a mid-level rate.
Depart: After a leisurely breakfast on Sunday, we will head back to the airport.

Small caveat… As is the case on all of our Getaway Flights, you are PIC and responsible for all aspects of flight planning, including (but not limited to) weather, routing, and aircraft performance. The go/no-go decision is entirely yours! As volunteer trip leader, I’ve selected a destination and will arrange a few details like transportation and possible restaurant (or lodging) reservations that do not involve collecting money.

Blue skies & tailwinds,

Craig

Craig Albright, Trip Coordinator APA Getaway Flights 480-776-9358 (cell)

PS – After Mesa Verde, our next APA Getaway Flight will be to Zion National Park over Nov. 1-2. This will probably be our last northbound getaway before winter sets in. No worries! We have some other great destinations in mind that will keep us out of the snow.

PPS – Here’s one possible route of flight up to Cortez, CO – pretty simple! Unless it’s bumpy, I’ll probably fly at 9.5K.

2014-09-27kchd-kcez