Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
The clear, unobstructed, dramatic night skies of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, a 1,417 square mile swath of remote, rugged lands in central Idaho, was the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the US and is still one of only a dozen in the world. Three wilderness areas, the Sawtooth Wilderness, White Clouds Wilderness, and Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness, that encompass the core of the reserve are bisected by Idaho Route 75, which provides access. In an area that has largely resisted mass electrification for more than a century, the reserve is one of the last significant ‘pools’ of natural nighttime darkness left in America. The northeast section of the reserve is easily accessed from Mackay.
Daily 24-hours
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Legends of the Shoshone Tribe have it that a serpent frightened by lightning coiled around a mountain until liquid rock flowed out of the mass, fire shot from the cracks, and the mountain finally exploded. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, which spans over 1,117 square miles, was established to preserve this “most unusual unearthly lunar landscape” covered with vast lava fields, cinder cones, and lava tubes. Today, the otherworldly landscape is populated with various unique plants and animals that have adapted to life in the extreme. It so resembles the moon that Apollo astronauts used it to detect good rock specimens in an unfamiliar and harsh environment.
1266 Craters Loop Road, P.O. Box 29, Arco, ID 83213
Daily, 24-hours
Land of Yankee Fork State Park and Interpretive Center
Encompassing a mining camp founded by a party of Yankees from the Northeast, the Land of Yankee Fork State Park and Interpretive Center interprets Idaho’s frontier mining history. After several decades of luckless searching, tenacious prospectors finally found gold in 1870. By 1876, the General Custer Mine had attracted a flood of miners to the area. Yet, as happened in so many in the gold rush era, by 1910, the site was all but deserted. Learn more about the story from exhibits, a gold panning station, audiovisual programs, and the ghost towns of Bayhorse, Bonanza, and Custer.
24424 Highway 75, Challis, ID 83226
Daily 7AM-10PM
ATV Capital of the West ATV Tours
Mackay ATV Tour
Ore was discovered here in 1884 and over the years miners recovered 42,000 ounces of gold, 2,000,000 ounces of silver and 62,000,000 tons of copper. This tour takes through the historic mining district above Mackay. You’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Lost River Range and the White Knob Mountains as you travel up winding switchbacks and pass through remnants of the old mining operations. At the top of the hill, you can explore historic mining structures and take in even more breathtaking views. Photographers will find unlimited opportunities to record with their cameras. Adjoining the tour are endless miles of back roads to explore. The hill is an adventure for ATVs and mountain bikes, with many portions of the tour not accessible to standard automobiles. Due to ongoing mining operations, some trails and interpretive sites are no longer accessible to the public, along with other temporary closures of various trails and points of interest that are possible from time to time.
The Pahsimeroi Valley: A Little Switzerland Adventure ATV Tour
Named by the Shoshone as the “shining waters and grove by the stream,” this ATV tour begins at the site of the 1983 Mount Borah Earthquake Fault north of Mackay and climbs over Double Springs Pass. The route then drops into the Pahsimeroi Valley, home to pioneers who arrived in the late 1880s. As you travel, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the snowcapped peaks of Mount Borah , Leatherman Peak, and Mount Breitenbach.
Copper Basin: An Alpine Lakes Adventure ATV Tour
This tour enables you to explore a remote valley with cattle grazing, ponds, streams, wildflowers, and wildlife that spans over 500,000 acres between the Pioneer Mountains and White Knob Mountain Range at over 8,000 feet above sea level. There is also an 11-mile loop trail to Lake Creek, which ascends to five Alpine Lakes, each stocked with a different type of trout. Bring a picnic and enjoy it in the forest.
Little Lost River Valley: An Enchanted Forest Adventure ATV Tour
The first European fur trappers arrived in what was once the home of the Lemhi and Shoshone tribes who were family to Chief Sitting Bull, from Scotland in 1819. Captain Bonneville wrote extensively about his journey through the valley extending for about 50 miles between 4,800 and 6,100 feet about see level between the Lost River Range and Lemhi Mountain Range. It is here that the Lost River disappears into the ground before reaching the Snake River, giving the area its name. The high desert and densely forested areas landscapes are dotted with old mines and the remnants of historic buildings from days gone by.
Arco Pass: Gateway to Adventure ATV Tour
Pictographs sketched into the rocks and archeological evidence including stone tools and ancient campsites, point to people living on the land surrounding Arco Pass for more than 10,000 years. The Shoshone migrated here from Pocatello to locate a good source of water and hunting grounds and fur trappers who were part of the British North West Company and the Hudson Bay Company encountered the Blackfoot tribe here when they arrived in 1820.
King Mountain Hang Glider Launch Site
The launch site at King Mountain, known for its challenging conditions, strong winds, and thermals, is a popular destination for experienced hang gliders from around the world who are attracted to the stunning views and unique flying conditions. King Mountain has also been the site of numerous competitions and world record attempts. Reaching the upper launch area requires a hike up the mountain.
3237 West 3400 North, Moore, ID 83255
Mackay Rodeo
“Idaho’s Wildest Rodeo,” always held in June, is on the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Circuit. The event begins with a 7:00 PM Friday event and continues with a parade on Saturday before the afternoon start of rodeo action. The rodeo concludes with a concert Saturday night on Main Street, with a dance following.
Mackay Rodeo Grounds, Mackay, ID, 83251
Mount Borah Peak
Looming over the landscape at 12,662 feet, Borah Peak, the highest mountain in Idaho, attracts mountain climbers who want to add it to their conquest of the heights. A 5,000-foot hike up the mountain from the trailhead to the summit lets you log your name in the summit box. Hundreds of hikers enjoy the lower reaches of the mountain. In 2021, the US Geologic Service officially recognized Mt. Borah as Idaho's only active glacier.
To reach Mount Borah, take US 93 20 miles north of Mackay to the Borah Peak Access Road.
EBR-1 National Historical Landmark and Atomic Museum
Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1 (EBR-I) and Atomic Museum, located between Arco and Idaho Falls, tells the story of the world’s first nuclear power plant. The museum also has two aircraft nuclear propulsion prototypes, a reactor control room, remote handling devices for radioactive materials, radiation detection equipment, and more.
U.S. Highway 20/26 between Idaho Falls and Arco
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, Daily, 9AM–5PM
Idaho Science Center and Devil Boat
The so-called Devil Boat, otherwise called the “Submarine in the Desert,” is actually the preserved sail of the submarine USS Hawkbill. After decommissioning, the monument was placed in the roadside Idaho Science Center to honor Arco’s long association with the Navy.
440 South Front Street, Arco, ID 83213
Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway
The Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway, which travels through Mackay, is nestled in the rugged landscape that was created when Idaho lay at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. As you drive the 140-mile route through ever-changing landscapes, you can stop to explore mining towns, ghost towns, and other quaint places, plus a gorgeous stretch of Byway said to be the most diverse stretch of road in Idaho, boasting everything from sky-piercing peaks to captivating craters along its course.
Start in either Picabo, ID, or Challis, ID.
Silver Creek Preserve
The Nature Conservancy Preserve that encompasses over 880 acres along Silver Creek is home to bald eagles, river otters, mule deer, and more than 150 species of birds. It also boasts one of the premier trout streams in the country.
165 Kilpatrick Bridge Rd, Bellevue, ID 83313
Daily 24-hours
Sacajawea Interpretive, Heritage and Cultural Center
Paying homage to one of America’s greatest historical heroines, this center celebrates Sacajawea’s role in the Lewis and Clark expedition during which she served as an interpreter to indicate the peaceful intent of the exploration party.
2700 Main Street, Salmon, ID 83467
Summer Hours Tue-Fri 10AM-4PM