The “ring of fire” is coming. Confusingly called an annular (no, not annual!) solar eclipse, this rare celestial event on October 14, 2023 will be visible from eight U.S. states in the U.S. southwest.
It won’t be as spectacular as the total solar eclipse coming to North America on April 8, 2024—but watching a perfect ring of sunlight around the new moon will sure be an unforgettable sight.
While the rest of North America lazily watches a meh partial solar eclipse, why not get yourself into the narrow 125 miles wide path to see the “ring of fire?” Thousands have already made plans and in some areas —chiefly Utah—hotels are in short supply. However, there are still plenty of lodging options throughout the path if you know where to look.
Here’s are eight places—from hotels and lodges to festivals and RV parks—to be on October 14 so you can wake-up to see one of the weirdest sights of your life. All had availability at the time of writing and all have an over 50% chance of clear skies on the day (avoid the coastal regions of Oregon and Texas to keep the odds in your favor):
La Pine, Oregon
Festival: The Beery House Eclipse Campout
Duration and time of “ring of fire”: 2 minutes 43 seconds at 9:18 a.m. PDT on October 14
A new performance art theater in the little town of La Pine in Central Oregon, its big kickoff event include 14 bands and reserved camping for October 13-15. Camping is also available nearby at La Pine State Park and Rosland Campground. More information.
Winnemucca, Nevada
Hotel:
Duration and time of “ring of fire”: 4 minutes 17 seconds at 9:20 a.m. PDT on October 14
Since Interstate 80 will take eclipse chasers into the path from both Reno, Sacramento and San Francisco in the west and from Salt Lake City. The smart folk will already be in Winnemucca (which has dozens of motels with rooms available at the time of writing) the night before perhaps ready to explore the picturesque Water Canyon nearby.
Levan, Utah
Lodging: Sandy Beach at Yuba Lake
Duration and time of “ring of fire”: 2 minutes 22 seconds at 10:27 a.m. MDT on October 14
Southern Utah is one of the most popular destinations for eclipse-chasers thanks to the presence of Bryce Canyon National Park and other beauty spots. Day-trippers from Salt Lake City will also likely keep Interstate 15 busy. Hotels are hard to come by but this lakeside resort has plenty of glamping tents, bungalows and RV sites.
Mancos, Colorado
Hotel: Mancos Inn & Hostel
Duration and time of “ring of fire”: 1 minutes 10 seconds at 10:32 a.m. MDT on October 14
This gateway town to Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado is near the northern limit of the path, where availability is easier simple because most eclipse-chasers prioritize a longer “ring of fire.” However, a shorter ring means a longer display of Baily’s beads.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hotel: dozens!
Duration and time of “ring of fire”: 4 minutes 43 seconds at 10:34 a.m. MDT on October 14
One of the biggest cities in the path will be “ground zero” for two reasons—likely clear skies and its well timed Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Prices are creeping up, but at the time of writing there were dozens of hotels with rooms close to Balloon Fiesta Park.
Concan, Texas
RV/camping: Chapman Ranch
Duration and time of “ring of fire”: 4 minutes 30 seconds at 11:50 a.m. CDT on October 14
From Oct. 13 through Oct. 15 the Chapman Ranch Texas Hill Country will host a casual observing event a maize field. Tickets are $30 per person per night but entry is limited to self-contained RV/camper trailers. More information.
San Antonio, Texas
Hotel: Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
Duration and time of “ring of fire”: 4 minutes 4 seconds at 11:52 a.m. CDT on October 14
As well as having rooms available at the time of writing, the central Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party ($35) from 11:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m.
Leakey, Texas
Hotel: The Historic Leakey Inn
Duration and time of “ring of fire”: 4 minutes 44 seconds at 11:49 a.m. CDT on October 14
Very close to the centerline in a zone that will see two solar eclipses inside six months, this small Hill Country hotel has a three-night minimum but normal rates of $110-$140/night. It’s planning an even bigger (and more expensive) event for the 2024 total solar eclipse. More information.
I am the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of “The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024.”
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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