Victory for Backcountry Pilots: Keg Knoll Airstrip in Utah Reopens After Three-Year Advocacy
After a relentless three-year advocacy, backcountry pilots have achieved a significant victory in Utah. The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and its allies have triumphantly ensured the reopening of the Keg Knoll Airstrip in central Utah. This marks the fifth success story in the RAF’s acclaimed “Expanding the Map” initiative.
The airstrip, originally established in 1963 as a cherished backcountry landing spot above the San Rafael Desert, was effectively closed in 2019. This happened when it was incorporated into the newly designated Labyrinth Canyon Wilderness area. RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig led a three-year campaign, utilizing provisions of the Wilderness Act of 1964 to appeal to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for reinstatement. The BLM ultimately acknowledged Keg Knoll as an existing airstrip and approved its reopening with specific conditions to safeguard the surrounding wilderness environment.
Pilots planning to visit the strip should be aware that the southernmost 700 feet of the original runway remain closed and will be marked with rock X’s. This leaves 2,000 feet of usable runway length. Future enhancements, including a windsock, rock fire pits, and runway markings, are also in the pipeline. The RAF is encouraging all visiting pilots to exercise responsible stewardship to help maintain and preserve this unique wilderness access point for future generations.
Source: Plane & Pilot Magazine – Utah’s Keg Knoll Airstrip Reopens to Backcountry Pilots