California Pines Airport — Alturas, Modoc County, California

California Pines Airport (FAA identifier: 2O1) serves the remote high desert community of Alturas, the county seat of Modoc County in the far northeastern corner of California. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,311 feet above sea level, this general aviation field occupies a rugged plateau east of the Warner Mountains, where the Warner Valley opens into the Modoc Plateau. Alturas itself is home to roughly 2,700 residents and functions as the commercial and governmental hub for one of California's least-populated counties — a county larger than the state of Connecticut yet home to fewer than 10,000 people.

California Pines Airport features two paved runways: Runway 16/34, measuring approximately 3,600 feet in length, and a shorter crosswind strip. The field is uncontrolled, operating without an air traffic control tower, and pilots are expected to self-announce on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) of 122.8 MHz. There are no instrument approach procedures published for California Pines Airport, making it a VFR-only destination — pilots should carefully review current weather conditions before flying into this high-elevation, mountainous environment, particularly during winter months when snow accumulation and low ceilings can develop rapidly over the Modoc Plateau.

The airport is located approximately 3 miles north-northwest of downtown Alturas, accessible via California Pines Road. While the field primarily serves private pilots and recreational flyers exploring the eastern Sierras and Great Basin region, it also supports agricultural operations, backcountry access flights, and occasional medical transport in a region where the nearest hospital with advanced trauma care is several hours away by ground. The county's sparse road network and vast distances make general aviation a practical necessity rather than a luxury for many Modoc County residents and businesses.

Fuel availability at California Pines Airport is limited and pilots are strongly advised to confirm services before arrival. The nearest full-service general aviation facility is Alturas Municipal Airport (KAAT), the primary commercial and IFR-capable airport for the region, located approximately 5 to 6 miles south of California Pines. Alturas Municipal offers 100LL avgas, a paved 7,200-foot primary runway, and published instrument approaches including a VOR/GPS approach — making it the preferred alternate when weather or fuel requirements demand more infrastructure.

Flying into the Alturas area rewards pilots with spectacular high-desert scenery. The Modoc National Forest covers much of the surrounding landscape, and the region is home to the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge just south of the city, a critical stopover point for migratory waterfowl on the Pacific Flyway. Eagle Lake, one of California's largest natural lakes, lies roughly 55 miles to the southwest near Susanville. Goose Lake, straddling the California-Oregon border, is visible from the traffic pattern on clear days. This combination of remoteness, natural beauty, and challenging mountain flying makes the California Pines area a notable destination for cross-country and backcountry aviators.

The airport's elevation and terrain demand respect from visiting pilots. Density altitude can significantly reduce aircraft performance during warm summer months — on a 90°F day at 4,311 feet, density altitude can exceed 7,500 feet, sharply cutting climb rates and extending takeoff roll distances. Pilots operating piston aircraft near gross weight should calculate performance carefully and consider early morning departures when temperatures are lower and air density is higher. Mountain wave turbulence associated with the Warner Mountains to the west is another consideration for flight planning in the area.

California Pines Airport (ID: 27534) represents the essential role of small general aviation airports in rural America. In communities like Alturas, where the nearest commercial airline service requires a three-hour drive to Redding (RDD) or Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in Nevada, privately operated airfields fill a vital gap — enabling rapid access for business travel, medical emergencies, wildlife management, and agricultural oversight across millions of acres of rangeland and forest. The airport is maintained to support this community function, and visiting pilots are encouraged to treat the facility with care and respect local noise abatement practices given its proximity to residential areas of the California Pines subdivision.

California Pines Airport Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Alturas, California.

Name California Pines Airport
Address 376 County Road 71, Alturas CA 96101 Map
Phone (530) 233-2766
Website
Hours

Map of California Pines Airport

Airports in near by County


Airports near Alturas

Frequently Asked Questions — California Pines Airport, Alturas CA

California Pines Airport is a public-use general aviation airport, open to all pilots operating under visual flight rules (VFR). However, the airport does not consistently offer on-site fueling services. Pilots flying into California Pines Airport (ID: 27534) are strongly advised to contact local resources in advance or plan to fuel at Alturas Municipal Airport (KAAT), located approximately 5–6 miles to the south, which maintains 100LL avgas availability and a longer 7,200-foot paved runway with instrument approach capability.

California Pines Airport features a primary paved runway designated 16/34 with a length of approximately 3,600 feet, suitable for single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft under normal conditions. The field sits at 4,311 feet MSL, so pilots must account for density altitude effects — particularly in summer when temperatures at Alturas can reach the 90s°F, pushing density altitude above 7,500 feet. Pilots operating heavier aircraft near gross weight should calculate takeoff and landing performance carefully and consider early morning operations when density altitude is lowest.

California Pines Airport (2O1) is an uncontrolled, VFR-only airport with no published instrument approach procedures and no air traffic control tower. Pilots should self-announce on CTAF 122.8 MHz and exercise caution during low-visibility conditions. In instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the recommended alternate is Alturas Municipal Airport (KAAT), which has a published VOR/GPS approach and a longer runway. Modoc County weather can deteriorate rapidly in winter, with fog, snow, and low ceilings affecting both airports simultaneously, so pilots should always file alternate plans when flying IFR into the region.

California Pines Airport is located approximately 3 miles north-northwest of downtown Alturas via California Pines Road and US-395. There is no scheduled ground transportation or taxi service at the airport itself, so visiting pilots should arrange a rental car or a pickup in advance. Alturas has limited vehicle rental options — the nearest major rental agencies are in Redding (approximately 145 miles southwest on US-395 and SR-299) or Reno, Nevada (approximately 175 miles southeast). Local residents may offer courtesy transportation, and the Alturas Airport (KAAT) office may be able to assist with referrals for visiting aviators.

The primary alternate for California Pines Airport is Alturas Municipal Airport (KAAT), approximately 5–6 miles south, which offers a longer runway, published instrument approaches, and more reliable fuel service. For commercial airline connections, the nearest airports with scheduled passenger service are Redding Municipal Airport (RDD), roughly 145 miles to the southwest with United Express regional flights, and Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in Nevada, approximately 175 miles southeast, offering connections to major hubs via Alaska, Southwest, Delta, and United. Pilots seeking larger FBO services can also consider Klamath Falls Airport (LMT) in Oregon, about 90 miles north via US-395, which has IFR capability and 24-hour fuel.

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