The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation (JRBAF) has officially opened a new public-use airstrip at its Star Valley Ranch property in the remote southwest corner of Idaho.
Built over a three-day period with the help of Idaho Aviation Association volunteers, the 1,250-foot airstrip sits at a field elevation of 4,740 feet. It includes key amenities for visiting aviators such as a windsock, aircraft tie-downs, picnic tables, a steel fire ring, firewood and an outhouse. The site also has dedicated aircraft camping facilities.
“Opening Star Valley Ranch to the public is a tribute to Jim Richmond’s vision of creating accessible, high-quality backcountry destinations,” said Brad Damm, Executive Director of JRBAF, in a press release. “This new airstrip provides another exceptional location for pilots to explore and enjoy the rugged landscapes that Jim cherished.”
JRBAF’s mission is to expand public access to backcountry aviation for current and future generations of pilots. Star Valley Ranch is believed to be the most remote recreational-use airstrip in the contiguous United States, reachable only by air or via nearly 100 miles of dirt roads. The Foundation advises that only aircraft equipped for rough field operations attempt to land here, and pilots should have experience with mountain, canyon and high-density altitude flying.
This marks JRBAF’s second public-use property, following the opening of 45 Ranch in the Owyhee Canyonlands in 2024. Both sites are located on foundation-owned land and are open to the public for day-use flying.
We need coordinates!
Nice idea in theory, but a 1,250-foot strip at nearly 5,000 feet elevation? That’s not public-use in any practical sense. It’s a niche destination for expert bush pilots only. Let’s be honest—this isn’t a public-use airstrip, it’s a bragging-rights badge for STOL junkies. All five of them.
That’s pretty high and short for the Idaho backcountry but it’s not only for expert bush pilots . The highest strip that I landed my Maule at was Cold Meadows at 7,030 feet but it’s 4,550 feet long. Density altitude there can reach over 10,000 feet in hot weather. I landed at Lower Loon which is 4,200 feet elevation and 1,200 feet long without a problem in the morning in about half the runway length. I also landed at Soldier Bar, which is 4,190 elevation and 1,650 feet long without a problem in about half the runway length. My Maule MX-7-180 will land in about 500 feet so my lower limit on airstrip length is double that. However, depending on weight and density altitude, it may take 800 feet to take off. The climb rate of the 180 hp engine and constant speed prop isn’t as good as a 235 hp engine so takeoffs need to be done toward lower terrain, which makes many Idaho backcountry airstrips one-way. In Summer density altitude can dramatically increase with temperature so most backcountry pilots fly in the morning.