Arco Idaho
Located just a short 2 hour drive east from Sun Valley, lies the small city of Arco, ID. Arco was put on the map in 1951 when it was the first community in the world to be run on electricity generated by nuclear power. Although its links to nuclear power is controversial with environmental groups, Arco does serve a a gateway to the Lost River Valley and is located near the Craters of the Moon National Monument.
The city of Arco is supported by the Idaho National Laboratory, formerly known as the National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), agriculture, and through offering recreational opportunities in the Lost River Valley.
The Craters of the Moon National Monument offers views of incredible volcanic features including the Great Rift, a 62 mile long crack in the earth's crust. You can also view cinder cones, lava tubes, craters, and deep cracks. The first volcanic activity that formed the Craters of the Moon occurred about 15,000 years ago, while the most recent eruptions occurred just about 2,000 years ago. The more recent eruptions were most likely experienced by the Shoshone Indians.
The Lost River Valley stretches 70 miles from Arco to Willow Creek Summit, just south of Challis. The valley is about 10-15 miles wide and lies below mountains that soar nearly 6,000 feet. The Lost River Valley is popular among anglers of all skill levels.
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