Discover Southwest Idaho’s Dark Skies

Now showing: infinite stars, planets, and celestial events. We saved you a front-row seat to the cosmos.

From Van Gogh’s starry night paintings to Shakespeare’s sonnets, dark skies have inspired artists and poets throughout history. The mesmerizing sight of the Northern Lights, witnessed by many in the U.S., turned us all into astrophiles, reminding us of the enduring fascination with celestial beauty. 

In Southwest Idaho, such nighttime spectacles are common. From designated preserves to some of the most remote areas in the lower 48, our dark skies are untainted by light pollution — prime for stargazing (and aurora chasing). Planning a starlit getaway? Start here.

Where Sand Meets Space

Photo Credit: Visit Idaho

Where: Bruneau Dunes State Park
Near: Boise, Mountain Home 

You won’t need special gear for stargazing at Bruneau Dunes State Park, where nightly light shows are visible to the naked eye. Designated as Idaho’s third International Dark Sky Park in June 2024, the area is virtually untouched by artificial light sources from neighboring cities. You’ll also find two of Idaho’s most powerful telescopes at the on-site observatory.

Astronomy at Altitude

Photo Credit: Visit Idaho

Where: Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Park Creek Overlook
Near: Lowman

A 2016 study revealed that light pollution prevents 80 percent of people living in North America from seeing the Milky Way. That’s not a problem in Idaho’s mountains, where you can witness our galaxy in all its glory from sites like the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. This is America’s first dark sky reserve, encompassing 906,000 acres of primarily public lands in the Sawtooth National Forest.

Under Big Trees and Big Skies

Photo Credit: Visit Idaho

Where: Boise National Forest, Payette National Forest, Ponderosa Pines Scenic Byway
Near: Idaho City, McCall, Lowman

The national forests of Southwest Idaho are protected from extensive development and often accessible year-round. Campgrounds in these areas serve as a great home base for stargazing, or you can rent a cabin in a neighboring town.

Remote Location: Dark Sky in the Desert

Where: The Owyhees
Near: Grand View

Due to their remote location, dry climate, and high elevation, the Owyhee Uplands are free of light pollution and atmospheric distortion — perfect for clear views of the night sky, especially during summer and fall. Much of the Owyhees are protected as wilderness or managed by the Bureau of Land Management, so this region will continue to be a dark sky destination for a long time to come.

Plan Ahead

Many of these dark-sky destinations are located in undeveloped, remote areas, so plan overnight accommodations beforehand. It’s also a good idea to travel prepared with a map, food, water, a charged phone, and camping gear.