CORTEZ, Co. – Southwest Colorado is located along the path of the Oct. 14 annular solar eclipse, allowing those in the four corners region to see the “ring of fire” during the maximum eclipse.
Colorado is one of nine states along the path of the maximum eclipse where people can witness the “ring of fire,” including at Mesa Verde National Park and The Four Corners Monument at Navajo Tribal Park.
Here’s what you need to know about viewing the 2023 annular solar eclipse in Colorado.
An annular eclipse is not a total eclipse as the Moon doesn’t entirely block the sun’s light, only 90%. An annular eclipse happens when the Moon is at its farthest point in its orbit of Earth.
Unlike a total solar eclipse, you will need to wear special eclipse glasses during the entirety of the annular eclipse. Taking the glasses off at any point, even during the maximum eclipse, is unsafe.
Eclipse glasses will be available at the Mesa Verde park entrance and visitor center, but don’t count on those supplies lasting long. Have some on hand before Oct. 14.
Cortez in Montezuma County and Dove Creek in Dolores County will be along the path of the maximum eclipse. If hotels and campgrounds under the direct eclipse path book up, nearby cities along U.S. Highway 160, including Durango, may be an alternative for lodging.
Several National Parks in different states will fall under the eclipse path on Oct. 14. National Park Service rangers are expecting crowds and telling people to be prepared for traffic.
UTAH’S CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK PREPARES FOR OCTOBER SOLAR ECLIPSE CROWDS
In Colorado, the ancient cave dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park will be among the most scenic locations experiencing the annular eclipse on Oct. 14.
The National Park has information on the park website for those hoping to witness the eclipse from within the park grounds.
The annular eclipse will be visible across four states simultaneously, Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, within the Four Corners Monument.
The area within Navajo Tribal Park will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Oct. 14, and the park entry fee is $8, according to the website.
The eclipse in the U.S. begins in Oregon at 8:06 a.m. PDT and ends in southeast Texas at 1:33 p.m. CDT.
In Colorado, the partial eclipse begins at 9:11 a.m. MDT and ends at 12:04 p.m. MDT. The “ring of fire” or maximum eclipse will be visible at 10:33 a.m. MDT.
More than two weeks ahead of the Oct. 14 eclipse, an exact forecast is difficult to predict. However, historical weather shows eclipse viewers in southwest Colorado should be prepared for high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 60s and lows in the 30s.
WHERE TO VIEW THE OCTOBER 2023 ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE BASED ON HISTORICAL WEATHER
Rain can’t be ruled out just yet. Cortez, Colorado, averages more than an inch of rain in October.
Closer to Oct. 14, the FOX Forecast Center will have the forecast for Colorado and across the annular eclipse path.