The Reserve has as its core parts of two recognized wilderness areas, and is situated in the spectacular scenery of the Sawtooth National Forest. The International Dark-Sky Association recently named the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve as the only place of its kind in the […] The 1,416-square-mile Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, created in 2017, is the first reserve of this kind in the U.S. Camping … An area spanning more than 3,600 square kilometers (1,400 square miles) in central Idaho, U.S., has been designated as the nation’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. By OutdoorsNW It’s hard to believe there are literally only a handful of places left in the world where you can view clear, dark skies in the evening that aren’t degraded by artificial light. Nestled in the spectacular Rocky Mountains of central Idaho, the CIDSR offers an expansive network of hiking, biking and skiing trails, an unrivaled arts and culture scene and some of the best and most surprising dining and shopping options you’ll find anywhere. The Reserve is the result of a collective commitment by communities, public land managers, and private landowners to support the dark sky experience. The International Dark Sky Association officially named a portion of Idaho as the country’s very first dark sky reserve. This Region In Idaho Is The Very First Of Its Kind In The Entire Country. Boasting some of the darkest skies in the lower 48, the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve provides an opportunity to see objects in the night sky that are not visible throughout most of the U.S. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is a treasured resource for local residents and for all Idahoans and visitors from across the world that come to experience the wonder of the starry night sky. 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. The IDA claims the reserve’s chief draw “is its wilderness quality.” Near the skiing destination Sun Valley and encompassing part of the Sawtooth National Forest, the area is one of the few places in the lower 48 where visitors can have a … The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is one of only 12 Gold Tier preserves in the world. Visiting the Dark Sky Reserve in Idaho. Idaho was just nationally recognized for something pretty amazing. The Dark Sky Reserve spans over three communities in Central Idaho: Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Stanley. 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. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is a region of 3,668 square kilometers (1,416 square miles) of remote and largely rugged lands in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho, U.S. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve received a “Gold Tier” status, the highest designation give by the International Dark-Sky Association. Here, all you have to do is look up to see our Milky Way Galaxy, Andromeda Galaxy, Messier objects, constellations, our moon, planets, satellites (including the Space Station), and many other wonders of the night sky. The winter months also attract many visitors who ski at the Sun Valley Resort and enjoy outstanding cross-country and backcountry skiing opportunities as well as snowmobile trails. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is the nation's first International Dark Sky Reserve. The Reserve includes portions of Blaine, Boise, Custer, and Elmore counties, the communities of Stanley, Lower Stanley, Smiley Creek, Ketchum, and Sun Valley. Visit Stanl Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve in the News America’s first dark sky reserve is right here in Idaho | Idaho Statesman The glittering diamonds of the Milky Way over the Sawtooth National Recreation Area will be preserved for future stargazers, as the International Dark-Sky … Summer is the peak time for visitation throughout the area, which offers ample hiking, biking, white water river rafting, fishing, and camping. IDA today announced the accreditation of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the first of its kind in the United States and one … Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. When you look up into the night sky at these spots, you will see more stars than you have in your life. There are three cities within the reserve: Stanley, Ketchum, and Sun Valley. The Milky Way soars above your campsite in Stanley or … That means that in these places and the wilderness of the Sawtooth Mountains, light pollution is almost completely nonexistent.