Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
The Sawtooth NRA forms the core of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, protecting more than 750,000 acres of mountain wilderness north of Sun Valley. The jagged granite peaks of the Sawtooth Range rise above a network of alpine lakes and high meadows that see minimal light pollution year-round. The area around Stanley and Redfish Lake is the most accessible stargazing corridor, and the mountain backdrop makes it as visually compelling as any dark sky site in the West.
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.
City of Rocks National Reserve
Granite spires and dark skies on the old California Trail.