7 Best Places To View The Solar Eclipse In Utah This Year
By Courtnie Erickson|Published July 14, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Are you ready for the event of the year? Mark your calendars for October 14, 2023, to view an annular solar eclipse right here in Utah. During this incredible event, the sun will appear as a thin ring, as it is almost entirely eclipsed by the moon. In the Beehive State, we are blessed as the narrow path of annularity goes across our entire state, providing several incredible places for viewing. However, you won’t want to wait to make plans as people will travel from all over the country to view the eclipse. So, to help, here are just seven places to view the solar eclipse in Utah this year.
If you plan to visit Canyonlands National Park during the eclipse, start making reservations now. This is just one of three national parks that the path of annularity will cross over. Fortunately, there are remote areas of this park where you can more easily find some peace and quiet and enjoy the eclipse in solitude.
Capitol Reef National Park is another national park that the path of annularity will cross over. At this park, a partial eclipse will begin around 9:10 MST with the maximum eclipse beginning at approximately 10:27 a.m. MST. It will last for approximately four minutes.
Marysvale is one small town that is located along I-89 between Sevier and Panguitch. This town is one option if you want to view the eclipse, yet avoid the crowds that will be found at many national and state parks. There are many camping opportunities nearby as well as the famous Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort where you can set up a base camp and enjoy the show.
How does watching the solar eclipse from a boat sound? You can enjoy this rare event right from the water if you are spending the day at Lake Powell. Other nearby areas that will make excellent viewing locations include Natural Bridges National Monument and Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
5. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument provides dozens of destinations for viewing the eclipse. You can always visit nearby small towns like Escalante and Boulder or even campgrounds like Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground or Deer Creek Campground. Following the eclipse, make sure to check out some of the best hiking trails in the area including Lower Calf Creek Falls, Toadstool Hoodoos Trail, Zebra Canyon, and Devils Garden.
You can expect to see the rare solar eclipse at approximately 10:29 a.m. MST on October 14 in Monument Valley. Keep in mind that if you plan to visit Monument Valley, there are only a handful of areas where you do not need a guide including the Wildcat Trail, the View Hotel, and the 17-mile Monument Valley Scenic Drive.
At Bryce Canyon National Park, you can expect to see the maximum eclipse at approximately 10:28 a.m. MST. While this national park will likely become quite crowded during the event, consider visiting several of the nearby small towns that will also offer great views including Tropic, Cannonville, and Panguitch.
Always remember when viewing a “ring of fire” solar eclipse you must use special eclipse glasses to protect your eyes at all times. You can learn more, including additional small towns in Utah to view the eclipse, on the National Eclipse website.
Do you plan to view the solar eclipse in Utah? Where will you watch this rare sight? Let us know in the comments! And, if you need a place to stay, make sure you don’t delay in making reservations. You will want to book your accommodations immediately.
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