City of Rocks National Reserve
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
City of Rocks is a collection of massive granite spires and boulders in a remote valley of southern Idaho, historically a campsite along the California Trail and today a celebrated rock climbing destination. The reserve is certified by DarkSky International and the surrounding terrain is sparsely populated in every direction. The rock formations create a dramatic foreground for nighttime photography, and the reserve sits far enough from any major city to maintain genuinely dark conditions.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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Nearby in Idaho
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Tallest single dune in North America, with a public observatory.
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
First U.S. dark sky reserve in the Sawtooth high country.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Otherworldly lava fields under certified dark skies.