Gem Valley

Gem Valley is a rural valley in southeast Idaho, in the United States, so named for its local gemstones which can be found throughout the valley. It is approximately 20 miles (32 km) wide at its widest point east to west, and 60 – 70 miles (110 km) long north to south. By local definition, Gem Valley originates at the Chesterfield Reservoir to the north, and terminates at the Oneida Narrows Reservoir to the south.

Gem Valley was once inhabited by Shoshone Indians. Artifacts such as arrowheads can still be found there. White settlement dates back to the mid-to-late 19th century. The Oregon Trail passed through the northern part of the valley and several pioneer landmarks such as cemeteries and small settlements can be found throughout the valley.

Gem Valley is one of the northernmost valleys along the Wasatch Range which extends approximately 160 miles (260 km) south. The valley floor has an elevation roughly 5000 feet, while the surrounding mountain peaks have an elevation ranging from about 7000 feet to 8500 feet. It is accessed primarily by State Highway 34 from the south, and U.S. Highway 30 from the east and west. Most of the valley is in Caribou County, and portions extend into Franklin County to the south, and Bannock County to the north. The Bear River runs through the valley as well as several small streams.

Grace and Bancroft are the only incorporated towns in Gem Valley. However, there are several unincorporated communities including Cleveland, Thatcher, Lago, Bench, Niter, Dugway, Turner, Stanley, Lund, Tenmile, and Chesterfield. Some of these were once pioneer-era towns and settlements, but the name now denotes a region of the valley, rather than a town with defined boundaries.

...
Wikipedia