Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Dark sky preserve in Sawtooth National Recreation Area, US
The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is a protected area in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area where artificial light is deliberately kept to a minimum. Mountains and valleys create a setting where darkness prevails across a large landscape.
This area received designation as the first gold-tier dark sky preserve in the United States in 2017 from the International Dark-Sky Association. The recognition marked a turning point for protecting night skies in North America.
Local towns such as Ketchum and Sun Valley have committed to protecting the night sky by adjusting their street lighting practices. Visitors notice how darkness becomes part of the local identity and shapes how people experience their surroundings after sunset.
The reserve can be accessed from Highway 75, where several viewing areas are positioned for observation. The best time to visit is after dark, and planning around the lunar cycle helps with viewing conditions.
On particularly dark nights, phenomena like zodiacal light become visible here, something possible at only a handful of places on Earth. This rare occurrence shows why preserving darkness in this location matters so much.
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