Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve

Central Idaho’s vast expanses of undisturbed natural landscapes provide a unique backdrop for taking in the night sky. At the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, community members, public land managers, and private landowners have come together to protect this treasured resource. 

In 2017, the site became the first designated Dark Sky Reserve in America as decided by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), making it one of only 12 worldwide at the time. (As of 2025, the list of Dark Sky Reserves has grown to 25.) Also in 2017, the city of Ketchum— located inside the reserve—received the title of International Dark Sky Community for its efforts to reduce light pollution. 

At 906,000 acres, the site constitutes one of the largest “pools” of natural nighttime darkness in the United States. Most of its acreage is public land within the Sawtooth National Forest, including parts of three separate designated Wilderness areas. During the day, the area is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and skiers, with plenty of trails to explore, and visitors are likely to spot elk, mountain goats, or any number of native birds. 

At night, the Dark Sky Reserve becomes a prime spot to view the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxies, revealing all manner of planets, constellations, and even meteor showers. It also hosts a number of events, from viewing parties for major celestial occurrences to educational talks by local astronomers, a Dark Sky Paint & Sip, four-course full moon dinners at Galena Lodge, and dark sky dinners at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden.

A new hotel slated to open for the 2026 summer season will also feature a observatory on the top floor and offer a variety of programming to help guests take in the area’s dark skies.