Recommend An Airport In The Denver/Colorado Springs Area?

[GeneralT001]

Hi,

I am planning a flight from Houston to Vancouver and was planning a pit stop around Denver (also thinking of maybe Albuquerque depending on wx). I probably want to avoid major airports so can you recommend a good GA airport in the area?

[GeneralT001]

Just surfing on line and Colorado Air and Space Port (KCFO) sounds promising. Anyone been there?

[toto]

We always go to Rocky Mountain Metro in Denver (KBJC).

Longmont is also a nice choice for a Denver-area stop. It’s a very chill airport that’s very GA-friendly.

But depending on your aircraft, ABQ might be a better choice for a fuel stop. There’s a lot of really big rocks to the west of Denver.

[GeneralT001]

36 minutes ago, toto said:

We always go to Rocky Mountain Metro in Denver (KBJC).

Longmont is also a nice choice for a Denver-area stop. It’s a very chill airport that’s very GA-friendly.

But depending on your aircraft, ABQ might be a better choice for a fuel stop. There’s a lot of really big rocks to the west of Denver.

Check that....may have to invest in some O2....Albuquerque sounding better all the time  

[ArtVandelay]

I’ve been to Cutter at KCOS and thought they were great.

[FoxMike]

I live in Denver and if I were doing your trip I would not fly the great circle route. The great circle takes you over the highest, roughest part of the Rockies.  In good weather it can e done 13/14K (O2 needed).  In IFR you need 16/17K and if turbulent it would be a memorable trip.  You really need a turboed airplane for this trip.  KABQ will be a much better choice. 

[Marc_B]

@GeneralT001 depends on what you’re looking for. If you wind up going thru Albuquerque, I’ve flown into KAEG Double Eagle and they’ve got a nice FBO, easy in and out.

But if you’re flying into Colorado, choice of airport would be determined by what your plans are…looking for food, staying the night, preference for cheaper fuel, prefer to stay out away from the Denver Bravo, etc. 

KCFO Space Port is towered and has a solid Mexican restaurant (Mi Tierra) on the field. There are close surface Bravo shelves to the north and west that make you fly a TIGHT pattern…pay attention. Also, it’s quite east of Denver that there isn’t much around in terms close hotels, restaurants, etc without a decent drive.

Both KAPA and KBJC are more “in” the Denver metroplex and are towered. Busy with local and training traffic but no big deal with IFR or flight following. KAPA Centennial also has a nice restaurant on the field (A Perfect Landing) that is upstairs and overlooks the field for a cool booth seat by the window.

If you wanna stay away from Denver area, KAKO Akron has a pizza joint on the field Miss Bea Havin that’s good and they have decent fuel prices.

If you venture into the mountains one of my favs is to stop in Salida KANK and take the courtesy car into town for food along the river.  It’s “in the mountains” but nestled in a wide basin and has long runway…so it’s a good VFR mountain airport that’s doable for most.

Last but not least, if it’s super windy across Cheyenne, WY (to north) and thru BJC / DEN (to south) many times it’s much calmer thru Fort Collins/Greeley area. KGXY has long runways both N-S and E-W, is uncontrolled but has instrument approaches to all runways, and has a Breakfast/lunch diner on the field (Barnstormers) that’s basic diner food. So it’s a low frills solid backup for sub optimal wx a lot of times. 
 

Hope that helps. Post up any specifics you’re looking for and I’m sure everyone can lead you to the best options!

[PeteMc]

I've also gone into Rocky Mountain Metro (KBJC) when going to the Denver area.  Fuel prices were pretty good.  And if the Wx forces you more north and you don't stay in the DEN area, the folks at Edwards Jet Cntr in Billings, MT (KBIL) were great.  They apparently watched me droning along the entire way against some strong head from Sioux Falls, ND to Billings on the big screen they have at the desk.  Got a big smile and a "you finally made it!" as I walked in the door, never having been there before.

On a recent trip from WA down to Ft Worth we stopped in Tucumcari, NM (KTCC).  Nice little Apt.  And when the guy comes out to help you at the fuel pump, let him!   Interesting setup on what switches to flip when and trying to read the display to know what to enter.  

If you end up at KSFF for any reason (lunch, overnight, Wx, etc.), give a holler.  But FYI, fuel is a cheaper over at KCOE and there's the nice big hotel right on the lake. 

 

 

[midlifeflyer]

Depends on what the pit stop is for. I think in terms of food first. If overnight stop, lodging is important too.

KAPA, south Denver, is one of the busiest GA airports in the country but has a first class restaurant, a hotel in the airport, and is in an area with lots of off airport food and lodging within a 5 mile radius. It was my home base for 20 years.

KPUB, in Pueblo, south of, Colorado Springs has always had a great FBO staff. I think there’s still a restaurant there, but I hear it’s not open weekends.

The Barnstormer at Greeley (KGXY) north of Denver is famous for their buffalo burgers.

[Danb]

I’ve been GA friendly KAEG Double Eagle a few times, very nice FBO, nice people no downside. Can be busy with student training.

D

[amillet]

22 hours ago, GeneralT001 said:

Just surfing on line and Colorado Air and Space Port (KCFO) sounds promising. Anyone been there?

I overnighted at KCFO in April 2023 on my way back to the Pacific Northwest.  Good restaurant on the field.  Good smaller airport for fuel/ meal stop

[FoxMike]

Small point but Restaurant at Greeley is open intermittently but is rumored to sell the first of the year.