DENVER—NASA personnel will soon be in Colorado for a celestial event that hasn’t been visible from North America in more than a decade.
On Oct. 14, Mesa Verde National Park in Southwest Colorado will be almost directly in line with the annular solar eclipse. During this type of event, the moon comes between the Earth and the sun and blocks most of the light.
Because the moon will be at one of its farthest points away from the Earth, the moon will appear smaller than the sun and not block its light completely. Instead, the moon will appear as a black dot surrounded by what’s called a “ring of fire.”
It’s a stunning sight—one that can only be viewed safely with the aid of protective eyewear, according to NASA. That’s why Mesa Verde is expecting robust crowds during the otherwise sleepy shoulder season.
“This event might be pretty huge compared to an average October day,” said Eric Sainio, supervisory park ranger at Mesa Verde. “NASA has told us that in former annual eclipses, they’ve seen crowds something like a busy summer day plus 50 percent. For us, that might mean around 6,000 people.”
Because the federal government approved a temporary funding bill to avoid a shutdown, Mesa Verde’s eclipse plans will go on as scheduled, Sainio said.
When the Eclipse Happens
Starting at about 9:11 a.m. local time on Saturday, Oct. 14, the moon will begin passing between the Earth and the sun, causing a partial eclipse. It’s expected to reach peak coverage—or 90% “annularity”—from 10:31 a.m. to about 10:34 a.m., Sainio said.Where to Watch the Eclipse
Mesa Verde plans to have three viewing areas throughout the park where rangers will hand out protective glasses for guests. The park will also have tents covered with solar mylar for individuals who are not comfortable wearing glasses.Viewing areas will be located at the Chapin Mesa Museum, the Far View Parking Lot, and the Morefield Campground Amphitheater.
Sainio advised choosing your route and viewing destination in advance to adequately prepare and have ample time for parking. Because the park will likely be crowded, there may be traffic that affects the drive time.
“The deeper you go into the park, the more time it’s going to take to get there,” he said. “For instance, if you’re planning on being near the museum for the eclipse, that’s awesome and that could be really fun for you. Keep in mind with traffic that day—where it’s a drive that might take you 40 minutes or so—it may take you more like twice that time depending on traffic. “
How Much Does it Cost to See the Eclipse
Standard entry fees to Mesa Verde National Park apply. Day entry costs $25 per motorcycle, $30 per car or $55 for an annual pass.Where to Camp
Mesa Verde boasts one campground within the park and one lodge. Both are currently sold out on reservations.Elsewhere outside the park, dispersed camping is permitted in the nearby San Juan National Forest and in the Bureau of Land Management’s jurisdiction. Sainio also suggests checking availability at Mancos State Park and local campgrounds and RV parks near Cortez and Dolores.
Tours of Mesa Verde’s famed cliff dwellings will be canceled the morning of the annular eclipse; however, they resume at 1 p.m.
Mesa Verde resumes its full tour schedule on Oct. 15.
