Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Sun Valley

Atlas ObscuraJan 26

Atlas Obscura’s Guide to Sun Valley, Idaho’s Most Fascinating Places

From top to bottom, Sun Valley is full of surprises. Only in this fascinating pocket of central Idaho can you experience an annual heritage festival that parades thousands of sheep from the mountains to Main Street by day, then discover some of the darkest night skies in the world for mind-blowing star gazing. In between, you’ll relax in a botanical garden’s meditative nook, and visit the grave…

Features a lunar-like landscape of lava flows

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Central Idaho Dark Sky ReserveSightCertified gold tier for nighttime natural darkness
Trailing of the Sheep FestivalFestivalAnnual heritage festival parading thousands of sheep
Craters of the Moon National Monument and PreserveSightFeatures a lunar-like landscape of lava flows
Sun Valley Museum of ArtMuseumFeatures works from local and regional artists
Pioneer SaloonRestaurantWon a 2025 James Beard America’s Classics Award
Ernest Hemingway’s GraveSightSimple slab under two towering spruce trees
Sawtooth Botanical GardenSightFeatures a Tibetan prayer wheel powered by water
Wood River Museum of History & CultureMuseumCelebrates central Idaho's history and culture
Ore Wagon MuseumMuseumHighlights importance of ore wagons in mining boom
Bald MountainSight
Sawtooth National ForestSight
Great RiftSight
RoundhouseRestaurant

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Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

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Atlas Obscura’s Guide to Sun Valley, Idaho’s Most Fascinating Places