Central Idaho constitutes one of the last large ‘pools’ of natural nighttime darkness left in the United States. Central Idaho is now known as the USA’s first “Dark Sky Reserve” as its stargazing is internationally renowned for low light-pollutants, few clouds, and gigantic skies. The 1,416-square-mile Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, created in 2017, is the first reserve of this kind in the U.S. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is the nation's first International Dark Sky Reserve. In the Sawtooth Valley, back at the campsite, the moon has totally set, the air is chilly, and the heavens have gotten even clearer. You can now experience the wonders of our galaxy through your naked eye without the distraction of light pollution in a protected and preserved area. Senior Discount. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve encompasses 906,000 acres (1,416 square miles) most of which is public lands within the Sawtooth National Forest. If it's dark enough, you might spot the Milky Way. As proposed, the more than 900,000-acre central Idaho dark sky reserve would include Ketchum, Hailey and Sun Valley on the periphery with tiny Stanley right on the edge of the core where the sky is darkest. One of Idaho's best-kept camping … If it's dark enough, you might spot the Milky Way. From that, naked-eye limiting magnitude must be at least 6.5 In the Sawtooth Valley, back at the campsite, the moon has totally set, the air is chilly, and the heavens have gotten even clearer. Idaho’s small population and wide-open spaces are the perfect formula for one of the state’s most underrated activities: stargazing. Central Idaho is now known as the USA’s first “Dark Sky Reserve” as its stargazing is internationally renowned for low light-pollutants, few clouds, and gigantic skies. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is one of only 12 Gold Tier preserves in the world. In all, the newly-created reserve protects some of Idaho’s most pristine, yet popular destinations―including Ketchum, Sun Valley and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area―from light pollution. When observers go camping, we want to find RV parks far away from the city lights. An IDA International Dark Sky Reserve is a public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment. In all, the newly-created reserve protects some of Idaho’s most pristine, yet popular destinations―including Ketchum, Sun Valley and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area―from light pollution. Only three hours from Central Idaho, Rexburg boasts clear skies in its surrounding rural areas, too. (The IDA also gave the reserve “Gold Tier” status, indicating the place is about as dark as possible, perfect for viewing the night sky.)