About Hooper Sand Dunes Pool:
Commonly referred to as the “Hooper Pool” by pilots and locals, the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool is in beautiful San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado. The pool is located 15 miles from the Western base of the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The family- owned facility has several pools all fed by a mile deep artesian well with naturally pure water that enters at 118 degrees. The hot mineral water was originally discovered in the early 1930’s when drilling a well in search of oil. The property under the ownership of the Harmon family for 2 generations is now run by daughter, Carly Harmon along with general manager, Donnie Bautista.
What is so unique about this destination is the ability to fly-in and be soaking in a therapeutic hot springs pool within minutes of shutting down the engine. The owners have graciously allowed pilots the use of their private landing field across from the pool facility. The 2600’ x 30’ (est) uncharted airstrip provides access for capable aircraft. The smooth runway surface supports most low wing and tricycle gear aircraft and consists of hard packed dirt with areas of softer sand. A 
parking area exists on the Northeast side of the field. As is often the case with unusual locations, the airstrip presents some unique challenges for aircraft and pilots. Considered undeveloped, landing on this airstrip is at your own risk. Be sure to bring tie-downs and stakes for your aircraft as windy conditions are common. Furthermore, the 7,600 ft (est.) field elevation, dirt/sand runway surface, and a power line obstruction at the end of the runway require careful planning and consideration of your pilot skills and aircraft abilities prior to landing. It might be a good time to practice short/soft field techniques or consult an instructor familiar with high altitude off-pavement operations. For those who prefer to stick to pavement or scout out the airstrip in person before they fly in, the nearest airport is 10 miles East in Center, CO (1V8), or 23 miles South at Alamosa (ALS). If you drive, the address is 1991 County Rd 63. Hooper, CO 81125
The Sand Dunes Pool is a family- friendly facility. The large outdoor main pool with two diving boards, a 25 ft water slide, and a lap swimming section maintains a temperature between 98 -100 degrees . There are also two smaller shallow pools for children and infants. The 25-person therapy pool, kept at 107 degrees and smaller kid pool are inside and heated during the winter months. The adjacent basketball and volleyball courts make for a full day of fun and relaxation.
Another detail about The Sand Dunes Pool that makes it unique is the on-site restaurant, Mile Deep Grille. Not your typical concession stand fare, they serve a full menu of freshly prepared items ranging from Angus burgers and pizza to gourmet sandwiches and salads. As part of a working farm, they grow their own produce from on-site greenhouses to support the restaurant. The result is incredible tasting food at affordable prices. The combination of a hot soak, delicious food, good company, and of course, the scenic flight offers the perfect components for great fly-in.
Typically, the fly-in takes place between 11am to 3pm, weather permitting. Admission to the pool during the fly-in has been reduced to only $6 (usually $12) for CPA members. For those interested in extending your stay, the pool has its own campground, cabin rentals, and for those driving: RV sites. The tent sites have also been reduced to $10/night during the event. Picnic tables, fire rings, and water spigots are provided for overnight guests. If you are looking for an alternative to tent camping, the owners have small cabins for rent. Consult the lodging section of the website for more details.
For more information about the airstrip or to receive e-mail updates about the status of the event, i.e.: weather changes, please email: corac.pilots@gmail.com Updates will also be posted on the BackCountry Airstrip forum on the CPA website.
The Sand Dunes Pool (and the airstrip - weather permitting) are open year-round. Pilots (at their own risk) can land at the airstrip outside of the fly-in event by calling the Pool staff to verify runway conditions.
Recent Trip Report:
The clock on the computer finally indicated 3 o’clock on Friday and I hurriedly packed up and made my way quietly out of the office. After a quick rendezvous with my friend at the airport entrance, we readied the airplane and in no time were tracking around the back side of Pikes Peak. Within 45 minutes our Cessna 182 was making its way over Hayden Pass and dropping down into the valley below, our destination in sight. The breathtaking expanse of the San Luis Valley never ceases to amaze me as the jutting peaks of the Sangre De Cristo Range to our left give way to the valley floor.
We made a few circles above the Hooper Pool private airstrip to check conditions and then lined up on final for runway 25. The wheels touched down on the freshly graded dirt strip and shortly afterward we began unpacking the camping gear out of the plane. Even though it was mid March, a few of us decided to arrive the night before and take advantage of the warmer than average temperatures.
In the designated tent sites, we made quick time of setting up our tents knowing what lied ahead. The remainder of the night consisted of filling our empty stomachs with the freshly prepared meals from the Mile Deep Grille, resting our tired bodies in the 105°F hot tub, and telling grand adventures around the campfire. For us, this is the very reason the high costs of aircraft ownership are so rewarding.
In the morning the planes started to arrive. The winds were calm and only a high layer of clouds blanketed the valley. Cessna’s, Piper’s, Stinson’s, Maule’s, and homebuilts all started to arrive and fill the dirt parking lot. Old friends were greeting each other and new friends were introducing themselves. The owner and manager of the Sand Dunes Pool were there to say hello and welcome each pilot. The ear-to-ear smiles were easy to spot and it was apparent everyone was having a good time. A few children arrive and they quickly became impatient of the endless chatter as they knew a pool, diving board and water slide awaited inside.
After an hour of watching planes land, a dozen aircraft filled the parking lot and we all found ourselves looking over the mouth watering menu at the Mile Deep Grille. It’s a safe bet that no matter what you order off the menu is delicious as it is all high quality, home grown produce. As the afternoon progressed everyone was keeping a watchful eye on the incoming showers that were forecasted to come in later that day. So after many handshakes and farewells, one by one we started to depart back to our home airport before the weather became a factor.
Our flight path back to Denver took us east over the Great Sand Dunes National Park and then north around several military airspaces. Before we knew it, runway 35R at Centennial was in the middle of the windscreen. Centennial Ground cleared us back to the hangar and we both couldn’t help but think about our next trip to Hooper and the Sand Dunes Pool.
A very big thank you to Donnie and Carly at the Sand Dunes Pool for being so accommodating and hospitable! If you ever feel the need to experience warm company and a hot pool, take a trip over to the Hooper airstrip (Prior permission and a friendly phone call is required).
Hooper Pool Airfield Information:
FREQ: CTAF 122.90
Additional Remarks:
1. THIS IS A PRIVATE UNCHARTED AIRFIELD. LAND AT YOUR OWN RISK.
2. THE RUNWAY SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND CONSISTS OF HARD PACKED
DIRT WITH AREAS OF SOFT SAND.
3. CALL (719) 378-2807 FOR CURRENT AIRFIELD CONDITIONS.
4. BRING YOUR OWN TIE-DOWNS AND CHOCKS.
5. CHECK AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE FOR HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE PRIOR
TO ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE.
6. RECOMMEND DEPART TO THE EAST AND LAND TO THE WEST. LEFT
HAND TRAFFIC PATTERN.
7. AVOID LOW FLIGHTS OVER THE POOL AND CAMPING AREA.
8. BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS FOR ALL MARKED AND UNMARKED
OBSTACLES.
9. NO CAMPING ALLOWED ON THE AIRFIELD.
Hooper Pool Runway Info:
RWY HDG: 07/25
RWY LENGTH: 2,600
• 35' AGL POWER ~90' WEST OF WEST THRESHOLD
• 45' AGL POWER ~2,200' EAST OF EAST THRESHOLD
• 45' AGL POWER ~985' SOUTH OF THE RUNWAY
• 5' AGL FENCE ~35' FROM EAST AND WEST THRESHOLD
• FARM EQUIPMENT FREQUENTLY STAGED NEAR THE AIRFIELD.
Nearby private Weather Station
Lon: W 105 ° 52 ' 15 '' ( -105.871 ° )Lat: N 37 ° 44 ' 0 '' ( 37.733 ° )
Webcam below: Location - NE Alamosa (South of Hooper Pool)
Published on Mar 17, 2012
On March 10th, 2012, the Colorado Pilots Assn held the first ever fly-in at the Sand Dunes Pool, Hooper, CO. A few of us braved the freezing weather and camped that night, but the daylight brought superb weather and an abundance of planes, pilots, families and friends. 21 planes attended the fly-in!
I would like to think the wonderful owners and caretakers of the Sand Dunes Pool for opening up their private airstrip (prior permission required) for recreational use. I encourage everyone that passes through the area to check out the Sand Dunes Pool; the atmosphere and hospitality is amazing.
2013 Fly-in Valley Currier Story:
http://www.alamosanews.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=28912
