Twenty years ago, Idaho pilots and air taxi operators started Wilderness Within Reach, a program that provides free access to remote areas of beautiful central Idaho for physically or economically limited individuals. These participants would never see such gorgeous country or have such a fine wilderness adventure otherwise. Often the guests are not physically able to hike, ride a horse, or float a river, due to age, conditioning, or disability. Some participants are severely hindered financially and cannot afford to take off work for a backcountry adventure especially without the advantage of a time-saving flight into remote areas. Without Wilderness Within Reach, making distant spots requires at least two weeks just to get there costing much more in time and money than possible. This program grants access to the big outdoors for many that are grounded in worlds that dont incorporate the outdoors because of their limitations. Wilderness Within Reach took a bold step two decades ago and let those special guests discover Idahos precious lands.

Wilderness Within Reach originally flew 20 individuals into the Chamberlain Basin using volunteer pilots and taxi operators for a 1-day excursion. The visitors enjoyed wagon rides to/from Stonebreaker Ranch. Later it grew to overnight stays at Big Creek and Sulphur Creek Ranches. Depending upon the year, participants now spend two nights at either Johnson Creek Airport south of Yellow Pine or at Sulphur Creek Ranch located at the southern end of the wilderness.

The Idaho Aviation Foundation now operates the program and donates the food and beverages. Volunteer enthusiasm continues as strongly as ever whether assisting as pilots or working on the ground. Pilots pick up guests from Boise or surrounding areas and fly them on scenic flights around the wilderness for the big-picture of this precious geographic treasure. Ground helpers organize meals, assist with recreation, or arrange accommodations. Group sizes are limited to 20 when in the wilderness. However, outside the wilderness, numbers have increased to 30.

Aviation access was written into the Central Idaho Wilderness Act of 1980 and this program is an optimistic example how aviation and wilderness can coexist in harmony. It introduces Idahos breathtaking backcountry to those less fortunate. Volunteers give time and skills from generosity and from their own love of these lands. Contact Joe Corlett at 208-336-1097 to offer your volunteer services. This years event will be held July 11-13 2008 at Sulphur Creek Ranch. Everyone values this opportunity and your smiling service, especially the participants. Another memorable year in the Idaho backcountry waits for new volunteers and guests. This years affair is a hallmark for twenty touching years. Happy 20th Anniversary to Wilderness Within Reach and many more!