USA Hurricane Mesa

Hurricane Mesa is the site of the Hurricane Mesa Test Facility which includes a 12,000 foot long test track. It was initially owned by the U.S. Air Force, constructed in 1954 and 1955 by Coleman Engineering and subsequently operated by Coleman. The site was used in the testing of ejection seat systems and other aviation systems. The U.S. Air Force ceased operations in 1961 at the site. Since 1963 the facility has been owned and operated by Goodrich Corporation, Aircraft Interior Products, Propulsion Systems. It remains in operation as a private test facility. You won’t see it from anywhere below the mesa top and even if you drive the somewhat perilous narrow winding road to the top of the mesa, you still won’t see it since there are signs on the side road leading to the site warning the public to keep out. The view from the valley below the mesa is quite stunning on a cloudy late afternoon. As I look at the test track on Google Maps, it appears that whoever (or whatever) ejects from the test sled might land in my backyard.

Tripod for sunset photos.

From the intersection of Highway 9 (SR9) and Highway 17, turn East at the Maverick convenience store to stay on Hwy. 9 and drive 2.5 miles (4 km) to LaVerkin Overlook Road. Turn right and drive about 350 yards (320 meters) to a dirt road. Turn right and drive a minute or so until you gain enough elevation to see Hurricane Mesa (on the right side of this photo) and the Pine Valley Mountains in the far distance.