Idaho may be known for its seaplane and backcountry flying but one does not have to be a seaplane pilot or have a STOL airplane with Alaskan bush tires to visit Idaho. (Skis would be fun in the winter though.) Let me tell you about Stanley in Central Idaho, for example. Source: Google Maps Stanley, as you can see in the sectional, is in a valley surrounded by high mountainous terrain (the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains) although the airport is higher than its downtown. Like several airports in the state, the Stanley Airport (2U7) is owned and operated by the State’s Aeronautics Division. It is not maintained in the winter although it does seem like a great airport to visit with skis. The airport has one runway: 17/35, which is 4,300 ft by 150 ft. But there’s a trick, only the first 1,600 ft on the north end are paved, the rest is dirt. Keep in mind it sits at 6,403 ft Mean Sea Level (MSL) so check density altitude and weight and balance prior to departure! Source: FAA Source: Google Earth The Airport is only one mile away (up the hill) from downtown. While a courtesy car may not be available at the Airport, walking into town is definitely an option and so is a local taxi. During the winter, cleats/crampons/spikes and a snowmobile may be an even better option! =) The Airport does not have many facilities or amenities, but it does have a pilot shelter on the northwestern end. While the chart supplement does not say whether 2U7 offers fuel or not, I have seen an avgas tank at the Airport before. Don’t count on it though; check first! The Idaho Aviation Association offers great, up-to-date information about the status of airstrips around the state. Ramp pictures looking towards the north: Credit: John Bachman, on Google Maps, July 2020 Ramp pictures (and pilot shelter) looking towards the south: Credit: John Bachman, on Google Maps, July 2020 Once on the ground, the outdoor activities are endless! Stanley is surrounded by over 1,000 miles of untouched wilderness. Here are some of the area favorites:
The chamber of commerce website has more suggestions for ya. Even though Stanley is considered one of the coldest places in the country, winter is such a fun and beautiful time to visit. Here are some white pictures. Town of Stanley, from the Mountain Village Resort hot spring: Redfish Lake: Snowmobiling just south of town: Stanley Lake: Snowmobiling just north of town, with the view of an airliner up in the flight levels: The small town of Stanley has a few lodging options, but camping is also allowed at the Airport, according to the State’s 2023 Airport Facility Directory.
Let’s keep the Stanley secret between us! And, as the locals say, let’s also keep it weird!
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