AVIATION HISTORY; THE ORIGINAL GRAND CANYON AIRPORT (UPDATED OCTOBER, 2022)

AVIATION HISTORY; THE ORIGINAL GRAND CANYON AIRPORT

This posting is note related to the railroads that existed in the North Country, however it is a point of interest. The vast stretches of seemingly empty desert one sees while traveling to the Grand Canyon hold the treasures of relics of the past, from cultural sites to frontier adventures into the wilderness. 

The development of the aviation industry played an important role in American history. Imagine the early days of fabric covered wooden frames, powered by small gasoline engines, that allowed people to fly in the air. Having developed from those early primitive "aero planes" to the modern jets in just seventy years, this technology is often taken for granted, as you can now board a flight to any destination through-out the world.  

As aircraft designs matured, more individuals began to understand the potential of flight. Small airfields were developed throughout the country, often simple runways plotted out on fields that once grew crops. Rocks and other obstructions were removed, and the dirt fields were marked and developed. Airfields, or aerodromes, were the earliest efforts at designing a facility that would service the needs of the aircraft, as well as provide some accommodations for flight crews and passengers. 

Much has been written on those early days, and more shall be penned in the future. Suffice it to say that this is not a historical treatise on the subject, but a jot-and-tittle about one small, but somewhat significant part of the bigger picture. 

One figure of prominence was Charles Lindbergh. Few know that this larger-than-life individual toured the airfields of Arizona, plotting and planning air routes. His aircraft touched down at airfields in Winslow and Williams, Arizona, and the old Grand Canyon Airport. It should be noted that a fine presentation on his historical visit can be seen at the Williams, Arizona Visitor's Center. More could be presented on the subject, but alas, the local aviation museum has permanently closed. Maybe the Forest Service can provide an exhibition at the Grand Canyon about the persons and places of the local aviation pioneers. 

Recently, I came into possession of a fine book entitled "Scenic Airways, featuring the Autobiography of J. Parker Van Zandt" (copyright 2013 by John Seibold; Hobo Publishing, www. hobopublishing.com.) regarding the early years of aviation in the Grand Canyon area. Mr.Van Zandt was one of the original founders of "Scenic Airways," forerunner of Grand Canyon Airlines. In 1928, two Ford trimotors were purchased for $85,000 each, to begin a sight-seeing airline over the Grand Canyon. This company was one of the first, and the most continuous, scenic airlines in existence. He leased 700 acres from the U.S. Forest Service to develop the original airport. Due to the Great Depression, he sold his interests, and over the years the airline has had a number of owners.  One of those owners was John and Liz Seibold, who developed a scenic airline based in Los Vegas, Nevada. They played an important part in aviation and other industries in the Grand Canyon area, Northern Arizona and Nevada. 

The original Grand Canyon Airport still exists, just North of Valle (Grand Canyon Junction), on Highway 64. It is accessible by Forest Road 305, north of Red Butte. Keep in mind that four-wheel drive is recommended, and you will be entering Forest Service Lands and private property. Do not cause any destruction or disturbance of the site. Even though the forest road provides access, it can be locked-off due to the carelessness of others. This site is known to other blogs on the internet, so it is not a secret.

   

FR305 comes to a fork; take the right road where you can see a gate. The gate can be opened but must be shut when you enter or leave the area.  Cattle roam the area, and ranchers do not take kindly having their bovines scattered across the property.  

You will come over a rise, and then will see the hanger on the left, and the airfield in front. Stay on the road, and it is best stay in the car. Don't enter the structures. The runway is overgrown and not drivable. The area is posted, and there are cameras. The road will circle around the complex. View looking North towards the canyon; there is a ridgeline at the end of the runway. 

Front side of the hanger. Captions above the doors read "Grand Canyon Airlines", and "Scenic .... Airways."

One side of the hanger. In those early days, if you needed to add an office or private bathroom, you just built it. Building code enforcement was virtually unknown.

Back-side of the hanger complex. Sign states "Grand Canyon Airlines"

Looking South from the hanger. 

Charles Lindberg and other notable characters once trod this ground.

Looking South towards the airfield, from the homestead area. You can see the prominent feature of Red Butte in the distance. In those early days, this airport was built on leased U.S. Forest Service land. As such, obstructions such as mountains and ridgelines were not always the main consideration- locating and leasing land for an airfield was the primary goal. 

A very early design for a dugout home, or storage for supplies. The airfield appears to have been built on an early homestead claim. What is left of these structures could date back to the 1880s.

One of the main buildings next to the airfield. It appears to be built much like a condo, with two separate apartments in the same structure. This at least provided some accommodation for the air crews, or the airfield personnel. Travel to the Grand Canyon Village, with the extravagant El Tovar Hotel, was only a relatively short distance by automobile. In later years, a 1939 Pontiac Station Wagon with  woodie side panels, was used to transport passengers to the National Park. This very same vehicle was found and restored, then placed on display at the Valle (Valley) Airport. The museum is now closed, and most of the collection has been sold.