A 'Ring of Fire' Eclipse Approaches This Fall: Here’s Where to Witness It

Anticipation is already building for the April 2024 total solar eclipse. However, for astronomy enthusiasts eager for an earlier spectacle, there's another celestial event worth planning a trip for.

On October 14, 2023, the moon will partially obscure the sun during an annular eclipse, resulting in a stunning 'ring of fire' visible across much of the Western Hemisphere. While this event won't cast parts of North America into darkness like the total eclipse in 2024, it's still a spectacle worth traveling to see, says Rick Fienberg, head of the American Astronomical Society's solar eclipse task force.

“If you wait for an annular solar eclipse to come to you, you could be waiting for centuries,” he notes. “Those near the path of the October 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse are quite fortunate.”

While the 2024 total solar eclipse is attracting the spotlight, that buzz means larger crowds and potentially costly or sold-out accommodations in the path of totality. In contrast, the October annular eclipse offers a more relaxed and stress-free astro getaway. Its path will traverse six U.S. national parks and numerous other public lands, allowing for a full itinerary of hikes, bike rides, camping, stargazing, and other nature-centered activities.

Here’s everything you need to know about the partial eclipse in October—and how to make the most of it.

What exactly is an annular solar eclipse?

The October 2023 occurrence is classified as an annular solar eclipse, according to NASA. At this time, the moon will be at its farthest distance from Earth, making it appear smaller than the sun in our view, preventing it from completely blocking the sun’s rays. When the three celestial bodies align, the moon will obscure most of the sun's center, revealing only a narrow ring of light around its edge. The term 'annular' comes from the Latin word annulus, meaning 'little ring.'

Annular solar eclipses are remarkable phenomena: In the 21st century, 72 have been or will be observable from Earth, compared to 68 total eclipses, according to NASA. This will be the last annular eclipse visible in the United States until 2039, when another will occur over Alaska.

Where can you see the 2023 annular solar eclipse?

The October annular eclipse will be visible across large areas of North, Central, and South America. However, some locations will have clearer views than others, with the Western half of the United States offering the best perspectives. Beginning shortly after 9 a.m. Pacific Time, the 'ring of fire' will be visible from southwestern Oregon, then moving through northeastern Nevada, south-central Utah, central New Mexico, and west-central Texas. By around noon Central Time, it will be crossing over the Gulf of Mexico.

Numerous U.S. national parks lie directly within the 125-mile-wide path of the eclipse, including Crater Lake National Park, Great Basin National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. Several other national parks are just outside the 'ring of fire' route and will witness between 70 and 90 percent obscuration, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, and Zion. The eclipse's trajectory will also cover many national monuments, recreation areas, historic parks, and other public lands.

With cooler weather and children back in school, October is an excellent time to explore national parks in the West, which can be hot and busy during the summer months. These parks, being remote and having low light pollution, are perfect for stargazing, making them an ideal complement to daytime eclipse watching. For instance, Zion National Park was designated as a certified International Dark Sky Park in 2021, encouraging visitors to stay up late or rise early to enjoy the Milky Way. Just outside the park, the tour company Stargazing Zion offers nightly programs that cover everything from constellations to black holes. The newly opened glamping resort, Open Sky, Zion, features luxury canvas tents with glass ceilings for stargazing from the comfort of your bed.

“Public lands are exceptional venues for experiencing natural events like the eclipse,” states Sara Otto, a representative for the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office. She highlights that Greater Zion is home to not only Zion National Park but also four state parks, thousands of acres of Bureau of Land Management and National Forest land, and numerous local parks. “This means everyone can find a unique spot that suits them best.”

National parks located along the annular eclipse path

• Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
• Great Basin National Park, Nevada
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah
• Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
• Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Top destinations for viewing the annular eclipse

Currently, hotels and campgrounds in many of these areas aren’t seeing a spike in bookings for the annular eclipse, meaning there’s still an opportunity to secure accommodations. Some are trying to entice astro enthusiasts with special offers and packages: For instance, travelers heading to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah and northern Arizona can benefit from discounted houseboat rentals or book a two-night stay at Lake Powell Resort that includes a “ring of fire” boat excursion.

Other locations are gearing up for exciting, large-scale events. If you desire a more festive atmosphere during the eclipse, make your way to Klamath Falls, Oregon, for EclipseFest23. This five-day celebration (October 10–15) features camping, vendors, food and drinks, and a nostalgic performance by Smash Mouth. (It remains to be seen if they’ll perform “Walkin’ on the Sun,” but it seems likely given the occasion.) Four Sisters Ranch in Utopia, Texas—about 90 minutes west of San Antonio—is also hosting a camping-themed festival with live music called Eclipse Utopia (October 13–14). Additionally, Joshua Tree National Park’s annual dark sky festival (October 13–14) will coincide with the eclipse.