I used to live in SE Idaho. The night sky out in the desert is one of the hidden wonders there.
I was in Idaho Falls for a few nights not too long ago. Had no idea world-class stargazing was possible 40 or 50 miles away, or I would’ve been out there checking it out! Been looking for a place with good seeing where my wife and I could retire and I could build a little observatory. Sounds like I should start my search there.
Like most everything else, the sky around S. CA has been completely washed out. Only a few bright stars are visible.
And I agree, desert skies are some of the best.