Idaho Is Home To The Only Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Reserve In America
By Courtnie Erickson|Published September 22, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There is something magical about a clear night sky. While here in the Gem State we may not have many International Dark Sky Parks like other states around the country, we have something just as special: the country’s first gold-tier International Dark Sky Reserve. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is the first of its kind in the U.S. and the best place in Idaho for stargazing. If you love to look at the night sky, this place is for you.
A Dark Sky Reserve is public or private land that has an incredible and distinguished quality of starry skies and a nocturnal environment. Dark Sky Reserves protect areas for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage, and public enjoyment.
To become an International Dark Sky Reserve, an exhaustive application process must be completed, and a number of certain requirements must be met.
There are only 20 certified International Dark Sky Reserves in the entire world, with only a handful located within the United States. Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is one of a kind and quite unique — it was the first reserve in America and is the only reserve in the country with a gold-tier status.
The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve encompasses approximately 1,400 square miles in Idaho and includes the cities of Ketchum and Stanley. It is quite large and absolutely beautiful on a clear night.
The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is where you can see objects that are not visible in other states around the country. In fact, this reserve is home to some of the darkest night skies in the entire world, helping it receive its gold-tier status.
While away from pollution and city lights, you can easily spot the Milky Way, planets, stars, meteors, and other objects with ease on a clear night. For many of these objects, you won't even need a telescope!
In 2017, Ketchum became the first International Dark Sky Community in Idaho. While located within the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, this small town has made a substantial effort to increase night sky visibility.
For example, over the years Ketchum has worked closely with its residents to ensure they have compliant exterior lighting.
If you wish to experience the night sky in this reserve for yourself, visit one of the small towns or campgrounds in the area. You may also consider a drive along Highway 75 or Highway 21 at night to enjoy an awe-inspiring star show.
For more information on the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve and its gold-tier status, visit its website.
Where are some of your favorite stargazing destinations in Idaho? Have you ever been to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments!
If you have never been to the town of Ketchum, make sure you plan a visit. It’s considered one of the coolest towns in America!
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