by Mike McCann
Director – APA Advocacy
I am writing to share some very good news regarding one of Arizona’s iconic private GA airports: Marble Canyon Airport (L41). But first, let me share a short bit of background.
For those of you who have not been there, Marble Canyon is located inside what begins as the Grand Canyon, just a few miles southwest of Page, Arizona, and south of Lees Ferry where many rafters begin their Colorado River/Grand Canyon adventure.
Airspace in this area is restricted; however, a special provision allows aircraft within 3 NM of L41 to operate for purposes of landing and taking off from the airport.
In addition to the airport, Marble Canyon has recently-updated cabins for rent, a restaurant, and convenience store.
During December, 2023, APA held a Day Trip to Marble Canyon which was a huge success given that this was the furthest destination of any Day Trip in recent years (almost 200 NM from Phoenix). After this event, many APA members requested another trip back to L41 due to the unique scenery and amazing views.
However, a sale of the Marble Canyon lodge and restaurant (which also included the airport) took place during 2024 and shortly thereafter, L41 was closed to all GA aircraft. Only commercial tour operators were allowed to continue using L41 (with substantial landing fees).
Now, fast-forwarding to early 2026, the owners of L41 decided to re-open the airport to GA aircraft with an exclusion of all experimental and ultralight aircraft. APA had the opportunity to engage directly with the ownership of Marble Canyon to discuss the past usage of L41 and requested additional background for the experimental exclusion. APA learned that there was an ultralight landing incident in the past which led to that exclusion (heavy winds are common in that area), however, the L41 owners were not aware of any incidents causing the experimental aircraft exclusion.
Since almost 40% of APA members who own aircraft fly experimental airplanes, any airport which excludes experimental operations is of great concern. APA provided the L41 owners with statistical data showing the significant role experimental aircraft play within the overall GA aircraft inventory and encouraged the owners to reconsider the exclusion.
Last month (June), during a follow-up communication with the L41 owners, they notified APA that they had removed the experimental aircraft exclusion. L41 is now open to all GA aircraft (ultralights are still excluded) and a new website has just been launched. Please note that landing reservations are now required for anyone flying into L41 and there is a $25 landing fee for GA aircraft. Their website is https://visitmarblecanyon.com/fly.
This marks a success for APA as a very unique Southwest destination is once again open to all APA members. Furthermore, we are now in the early stages of planning a combined Day Trip / Overnight flight to L41 later this Fall (stay tuned for more details).
As APA member, if you are aware of other airports which would benefit from APA advocating to address specific GA issues in Arizona, please let Chris Nugent or me know. APA invests many hours each year working on behalf of Arizona GA pilots to fight landing fees, airspace issues and expanding airspace restrictions. We welcome your input and appreciate any “heads-up” on issues arising which affect Arizona pilots.
Safe flying,
Mike