Any Idahoan will tell you that one of the greatest perks of living in the Gem State are the skies. Clear blue skies on sunny days, watercolor sunsets, and breathtaking star studded night skies are one of the best parts of Idaho living. We're pretty lucky to live in a state where gorgeous skies are pretty much a constant! There are plenty of areas throughout the state that offer amazing views of galaxy filled night skies, but this one place in Idaho has officially been designated as one of the darkest places in the entire country. Visitors flock from all over to visit this park at night for an amazing night sky experience.
Craters of the Moon National Monument is one of the most popular monuments in the state.
It's famous for its volcanic and otherworldly landscape that makes you feel as if you stepped onto another planet. It's called Craters of the Moon for a reason...this place looks downright extraterrestrial.
It was designated a national monument nearly a century ago, in 1924, and thousands of tourists enjoy its one-of-a-kind and stunning landscapes every year.
With dozens of different hiking trails and lava caves to explore, this is definitely one of Idaho's most unique treasures. Crater's lava fields are up to 15,000 years old, so a visit to the preserve is like exploring an important part of Idaho's geologic history. There's plenty to see during the daytime, but that's not all that this place has to offer.
In September of this year, the International Dark-Sky Association officially designated Craters of the Moon with "International Dark Sky Status."
This means that the park has successfully maintained an incredible level of natural darkness, which makes for the perfect conditions for stargazing.
One of the park's most famed features is the dazzling view of the Milky Way splattered across the sky at night. This is a view that visitors won't soon forget.
The park's commitment to being "dark sky friendly" is clear. The staff prides themselves on their efforts to keep their sky as dark as possible.
The park even uses special lighting fixtures that face downward in order to limit the amount of light pollution they emit.
Craters of the Moon has long been known as a prime stargazing spot.
The park even hosts a number of night sky viewing events open to the public throughout the year. The staff is even committed to educating visitors about the importance of dark skies in natural environments.
Being able to look up at a pitch black sky at night speckled with luminous stars is one of the best things about being an Idahoan.
It's definitely not a sight that is easily available to everyone. There's simply nothing that can compare to the awe you feel when looking up at the strange wonders of Idaho's beautiful night skies.
Have you been stargazing at Idaho's newest Dark Sky Park? Be sure to check out these 14 Photographs Of Idaho At Night That Are Absolutely Surreal.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
