VOLUNTEERS MAINTAIN SACATON, NEW MEXICO AIRSTRIP

RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller’s call for volunteers in May brought folks from as far as 270 nm who flew in to Sacaton airstrip to help with seasonal maintenance. Keller himself drove 250 miles one way to oversee the group of volunteers.

At the work party, volunteers installed a new windsock, repainted the segmented circle, and removed vegetation from the runway. “The winds came up later and really straightened out the windsock,” Keller added.

Several years back, Keller had recognized Sacaton’s recreational value, with its proximity to the Gila Wilderness and 10,000-foot Mogollon Mountains. The airstrip had lain dormant and overgrown for four decades, so he approached the US Forest Service about cooperating on reopening it. In 2022, RAF and NMPA volunteers drove the many miles in and rehabilitated Sacaton, thanks to an RAF/Gila NF Challenge Cost Share agreement. Keller got approval for volunteers to install a vault toilet and access ramp at the trailhead into the Gila Wilderness. That project was completed in 2024.

Visitors can enjoy direct access to the Gila Wilderness, and truly dark-

sky stargazing in this remote place. “The experienced backpacker can hike miles into the Wilderness, and do some fishing. Rain Creek Trail, just northeast of the airstrip, is rated moderate to difficult, and is popular for its spectacular scenery,” Keller added. 

Anyone wishing to fly in to Sacaton, NM16 needs to contact USFS Gila Dispatch, 800-538-1644 for permission to land. Find more information in the Airfield Guide, including a link to the NMPA’s Sacaton safety briefing.

Submitted on June 11, 2025.