Sunsets and Starry Nights in Sun Valley

Sunsets and Starry Nights in Sun Valley

Sunsets and Starry Nights at the Dark Sky Reserve in Sun Valley Idaho

Two people on a bench at Knob Hill Natural Area in Ketchum

Sunny days give way to starry nights in Sun Valley, and the transition from sunset to dark nights is equally mesmerizing. Sun Valley has the distinction of being part of Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve—the first of its kind in the country. The sky here has a signature clarity thanks to dedicated efforts at limiting light pollution.

Entrance to Knob Hill Natural Area in Ketchum Sun Valley Idaho

We recommend transitioning from sunset to starry night by first grabbing some dinner in downtown Ketchum (we like Warfield Distillery & Brewery, Ketchum Grill, the Wood River Farmers Market, or a Tuesday night Ketch’em Alive event located at Forest Service Park and filled with food and beverage trucks, live music, and pretty much anyone who lives in Ketchum along with visitors).

Two people enjoying beer and food at Warfield Distillery in Ketchum Idaho

River Run Farmers Market in Sun Valley Idaho

Ketch-em' Alive event in Ketchum Sun Valley Idaho

After dinner, walk over to Knob Hill Park and up to a lone bench overlooking downtown. Time it for sunset. Summer light lingers here before slowly settling into an expanse of tangerine and lilac orbs over the mountains.

Person watching sunset from bench at Knob Hill Natural Area in Ketchum Idaho

Then make your way by car to Sun Valley Lake as the stars start to wink in the deepening night. You’ll need a flashlight or headlamp to approach the lake, and then it’s lights out … to let the natural light in … stars glint across the lake, backed by beautiful mountain scenery bathed in moonlight on some nights, or the Milky Way on others. Sun Valley sublime.

starry night over Sun Valley

STAY: There are plenty of options for where to stay in Sun Valley. We liked Hotel Ketchum for its centrality and quirky theme, centered on sheep (including an impressive outside wall mural) modern rooms, dog-friendliness, complimentary bikes (in two-hour intervals), cornhole games, pool, and hangout nook—aptly named The Hangout. Ewe might like it too!

Hotel Ketchum view of pool and mountain scenery

Get more trip ideas and inspiration for visiting Sun Valley, Idaho!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View