Magic Reservoir Airport (U93): Recreation Aviation at South-Central Idaho's Iconic Reservoir
Magic Reservoir Airport (FAA: U93) is located near Bellevue, Idaho, adjacent to the Magic Reservoir on the Big Wood River in south-central Idaho's Blaine County. The airport serves the water recreation community that uses Magic Reservoir seasonally, as well as agricultural operators and private pilots in the transition zone between the Wood River Valley and the Snake River Plain to the south. The FAA Northwest Mountain Region oversees aviation operations throughout this area of south-central Idaho.
Magic Reservoir fills annually from spring snowmelt in the Sawtooth Range above Ketchum, providing irrigation water for the Magic Valley to the south and a recreational boating season from late spring through early fall. Pilots landing at U93 gain convenient access to the reservoir's boat ramps and fishing areas without driving the winding road from Bellevue. The airport sits at approximately 5,000 feet MSL in the transition terrain between the Wood River Valley highlands and the southern Snake River Plain, creating density altitude considerations that require attention during summer operations.
What is Magic Reservoir known for recreationally?
Magic Reservoir is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, sailing, and fishing. The reservoir holds rainbow trout, perch, and bass. Camping facilities are available around the reservoir shore for overnight visitors.
Is U93 a public-use airport?
Magic Reservoir Airport (U93) is listed in FAA databases as a public-use landing area. Pilots should verify current operational status and any access conditions before flying in, as recreational area airports can have seasonal considerations.
What density altitude considerations apply at U93?
At approximately 5,000 feet MSL, summer density altitude can reach 8,000 feet or higher on hot days. Pilots operating piston aircraft should carefully compute takeoff and climb performance before departing.
How close is U93 to Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN)?
SUN is approximately 20 miles north in Hailey via the Wood River Valley. U93 serves the reservoir recreation community rather than SUN's resort-oriented clientele, providing distinct aviation access to the area.
Magic Reservoir Airport - U93 Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Bellevue, Idaho.
| Name | Magic Reservoir Airport - U93 |
| Address | Rainbow Dr, Bellevue ID 83313 Map |
| Phone | (208) 334-8775 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Magic Reservoir Airport - U93
Bellevue and the Upper Wood River Valley: South-Central Idaho's Outdoor Recreation Zone
Bellevue, Idaho, sits at the southern end of the Wood River Valley approximately 5 miles south of Hailey and Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN). The community provides a more affordable residential alternative to Ketchum and Sun Valley while maintaining proximity to the resort area's amenities and outdoor recreation. Magic Reservoir, accessible via U93, provides the primary water recreation destination for the southern Wood River Valley community during summer months.
The area between Bellevue and the Snake River Plain to the south encompasses a dramatic transition in Idaho's landscape, from the forested mountain valleys of the Sawtooth region to the open sagebrush desert of the Magic Valley. Craters of the Moon National Monument lies approximately 40 miles southeast, and the Twin Falls area with Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF) is approximately 60 miles south, providing commercial air service connections for the southern Blaine County area.