New Backcountry Airstrip Opens in Idaho

Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation's remote public-use facility sits in the southwest corner of state.

Amelia Walsh

Friday, June 06, 2025 at 01:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation has officially opened a new public-use airstrip at its Star Valley Ranch property in Idaho. [Courtesy: JRBAF]

Key Takeaways:

The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation (JRBAF) has officially opened a new public-use airstrip at its Star Valley Ranch property in remote southwest Idaho.
This volunteer-built 1,250-foot airstrip is considered the most remote recreational-use airstrip in the contiguous U.S., offering amenities like aircraft camping, tie-downs, and picnic facilities.
The new airstrip expands public access to backcountry aviation, fulfilling JRBAF's mission, but is recommended only for experienced pilots with aircraft equipped for rough field, mountain, and high-density altitude operations.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.