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Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve

Sight·Sun ValleyRecommended by 2 publications
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
“The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is a 1,416-square-mile (3,670 km2) dark-sky preserve near the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, in the U.S. state of Idaho. It was designated on December 18, 2017, and is the first gold-tier dark sky preserve in the United States. The area was designated by…”
— Wikipedia
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In the coverage2 stories

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…

Certified gold tier for nighttime natural darkness

13 things in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Condé Nast TravelerDec 6, 2025

A Guide to Sun Valley, Idaho's Old-School Ski City

This central Idaho destination has been charming Hollywood stars and adventurous skiers for nearly a century—here's where to eat, stay, and play on your next visit.

1,416-square-mile area with almost no light pollution

29 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →
More sights in Sun ValleyBald Mountain×2Sawtooth National ForestCraters of the Moon National Monument and PreserveGreat RiftErnest Hemingway’s GraveSawtooth Botanical Garden
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