Whiskey Creek Airport

Whiskey Creek Airport-94E sits on a ridge roughly 10 miles southwest of Silver City, New Mexico, at an elevation exceeding 6,000 feet. This privately owned and operated airfield serves a niche of general aviation pilots and landowners, with no public access or commercial services. Its single runway, oriented along the ridge top, frequently catches brisk winds that can challenge landings and takeoffs. Despite its modest size and private status, the airport sits at the edge of one of the most striking landscapes in the American Southwest—the Gila National Forest and the historic mining town of Silver City.

Getting There

Reaching Whiskey Creek Airport-94E requires a vehicle, as no public transportation serves the area. From the center of Silver City, head south on U.S. Route 180 for approximately 8 miles, then turn onto a local road signed for Whiskey Creek. The final stretch to the airfield follows a narrow, winding dirt track that climbs the ridge. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the drive, depending on conditions. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially after rain, when the unpaved sections can become muddy. The nearest major highway, Interstate 10, is about 70 miles south near Lordsburg. For pilots flying in, the airport is identifiable by its high perch and windsock; the nearest weather reporting station is at Silver City. There is no car rental or ride-share service available at the airstrip.

Inside the Terminal

Whiskey Creek Airport-94E has no terminal building in the conventional sense. The airfield consists of a single paved runway, a small parking apron, and a portable toilet. The wheelchair-accessible car park is a gravel lot adjacent to the apron. Services are nonexistent: no fuel, no food, no waiting area, and no Wi-Fi. Pilots and passengers arriving or departing should be entirely self-sufficient. The atmosphere is quiet and exposed, with views of the surrounding wooded ridges and the distant peaks of the Gila Wilderness. The lack of facilities means that trips must be planned with all essentials—water, snacks, and sun protection—brought from elsewhere. The toilet is basic and best used as a last resort. The airport is not staffed; if assistance is needed, the owner can be reached by calling +1 575-590-2077 in advance.

Whiskey Creek Airport-94E and Silver City

Whiskey Creek Airport-94E, though private and minimal, is situated near one of New Mexico’s most compelling small cities. Silver City, population roughly 10,000, began as a mining boomtown in the 1870s, centered on silver deposits. The historic downtown, with Victorian-era storefronts and a lively arts scene, has become a draw for travelers seeking southwestern character without the crowds of Santa Fe. The city hosts several galleries, the Silver City Museum, and a weekly farmers’ market that highlights local produce and crafts.

But the true draw for most visitors is the surrounding landscape. Just 45 minutes north, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument preserves ancient Mogollon homes built into natural caves—one of the most accessible and dramatic archaeological sites in the region. The Gila National Forest, covering 3.3 million acres, offers hundreds of miles of hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in the headwaters of the Gila River. The area is also known for birding, with species like the elegant trogon and the Mexican spotted owl.

Silver City’s elevation—5,900 feet—and the airport’s even higher position mean that visitors from lower altitudes should allow time to acclimate. The climate is semi-arid, with hot summers and mild winters; afternoons can bring sudden thunderstorm gusts that affect flying conditions. The airport’s perch on the ridge makes it particularly windy, especially in spring. For those arriving by private plane, the airfield provides a direct connection to this rich region, though the lack of support services means careful planning is essential.

Practical Information

The airport is privately owned and closed to the general public; permission is required from the owner before landing or visiting. The phone number for inquiries is +1 575-590-2077. Based on typical activity patterns, the busiest times are late night and early morning hours (Monday 1 am, Tuesday 9 pm, Wednesday 8 am, Thursday 9 pm), so call ahead even if arriving during those windows. The runway is not lit, so night operations require careful coordination. No fuel is available on site; the nearest fuel is at Grant County Airport (KSVC) in Silver City or Deming Municipal Airport (KDMN). High elevation affects aircraft performance—pilots should calculate density altitude and weight limits before departure. One concrete piece of advice: if flying in, bring a camping chair and a cooler full of water and snacks; there is nothing to buy or borrow within miles.