Walker Ridge, CA

Location Overview
Walker Ridge sits roughly 60 miles west of Sacramento and 100 miles north of San Francisco, within the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument on Bureau of Land Management land. The strip runs approximately 1,800 feet long and 70 feet wide at an elevation of about 2,200 feet. It is accessed via a rutted, steep jeep trail off Walker Ridge Road, making the drive in an adventure of its own.

Camping & Recreation
Dispersed underwing camping is available at the south end of the strip, where visitors are treated to gorgeous valley views by day and stunning dark skies at night, with no artificial lighting for miles around. Recreational opportunities in the surrounding area include hunting for deer, wild boar, turkey, and quail, as well as hiking and mountain biking trails — one of which runs directly adjacent to the airstrip.

Notes & Warnings
This is a backcountry airstrip on BLM land and demands appropriate backcountry flying judgment. A windsock is in place, though a permanent installation is still pending BLM approval. Pilots should review available safety briefings before visiting, as the terrain, elevation, and remote setting require careful planning. The access road is rough and four-wheel drive is strongly recommended for ground vehicle access.

History
Walker Ridge was once an abandoned, overgrown BLM airstrip that had fallen into disuse and was largely reclaimed by encroaching vegetation. With BLM approval from the Ukiah Field Office secured, volunteer work parties were organized to rehabilitate the strip — a significant effort given the challenging access road. The airstrip was reopened in 2026, representing a meaningful win for backcountry aviation access in a part of California that had long been under served by recreational flying destinations.