THE RAF IS EXPANDING THE MAP!

This year, the RAF is Expanding The Map - and it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in our history. Beginning in 2026, the RAF plans to announce the opening and reopening of more than 15 airstrips across the country! We are expanding backcountry access like never before, and we are excited for aviators to explore the growing number of destinations where you can share the joys of recreational aviation with family and friends.


This nationwide initiative is focused on opening, improving, and restoring access to airstrips across the United States, helping connect aviators to more of the places they love to explore.


The Expanding the Map initiative begins with the reopening of Walker Ridge Airstrip.


RAF volunteers, led by RAF California Liaison Doug Lumgair, have reclaimed northern California's Walker Ridge, a once-abandoned BLM airstrip featuring underwing camping and magical views.


Walker Ridge airstrip offers a remote, secluded backcountry airstrip experience within easy reach of pilots in the Sacramento / Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area regions. There are very few opportunities like this for pilots in these large metropolitan areas to fly out to a genuinely remote location and camp with their airplane just a few hours from home. The combination of dark skies, sweeping valley views, dispersed camping right at the airstrip, and true seclusion makes Walker Ridge a rare and special destination. Nestled within the protected landscape of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, Walker Ridge offers an experience that is both uniquely accessible and remarkably wild.


This is the first Expanding the Map airstrip announcement of many, so stay tuned for the next one coming soon! 


We have dedicated a new section of our website to highlight the RAF's Expanding the Map initiative. You can also find a wealth of information about Walker Ridge and the RAF’s efforts to reopen the airstrip here. 


Walker Ridge now appears in the RAF Airfield Guide, an important resource where pilots find helpful airstrip information and safety briefings. 


Submitted April 1, 2026


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