Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is set to witness a rare celestial phenomenon on October 14. Known as a ring of fire eclipse, this event is expected to draw large crowds to the legendary landscape. The park, which was once home to the Ancestral Pueblo people, who inhabited the cliff dwellings that remain today, is located along the thin path of totality for this year’s eclipse.
Unlike the partial eclipse that occurred in 2017, where the sun was only partially obscured, the upcoming eclipse will provide a vastly different experience for onlookers. Much of Colorado, including Denver and Colorado Springs, is forecasted to experience around 80% obscurity during the eclipse. However, Mesa Verde and the southwestern tip of Colorado will be in the path of totality, where the sun will be completely blotted out.
Anticipation for the event is high, with the park’s Far View Lodge already sold out for that weekend. Lodges in Cortez and Mancos have also reported being full, although late hotel seekers may have better luck in nearby Durango. Mesa Verde’s Aramark-operated campground, one of the largest campgrounds in the National Park Service, still has spots available.
To enhance the educational aspect of the event, Mesa Verde has partnered with experts from NASA Earth Science and the University of Colorado. They will provide educational stations as well as eclipse glasses for safe viewing. It is important to wear eclipse glasses or use a special filter on professional cameras to protect the eyes and equipment while observing the eclipse.
During the eclipse, the park will temporarily suspend cliff dwelling tours to ensure the staff’s attention remains focused on the event. The eclipse is set to begin at around 10:31 a.m., with the moon touching the sun’s edge earlier in the morning. It is expected to last for approximately four minutes before the moon exits the opposite edge of the sun.
Other nearby destinations that fall within the path of totality include Canyons of the Ancients and Yucca House national monuments in Colorado, as well as Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks in Utah, and Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. Albuquerque and Santa Fe also fall within the path of totality.
Mesa Verde offers a unique experience for eclipse watchers, with the opportunity to connect with the ancient history of the Ancestral Pueblo people. As Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services, Kristy Sholly, states, We share the sky with our ancestors, encapsulating the profound sense of wonder and connection that this celestial event brings.
If you plan to witness the eclipse at Mesa Verde, it is advised to arrive early to avoid any potential congestion on the park’s single road. With its rich archaeological and astronomical significance, Mesa Verde National Park is the perfect destination to experience the rare ring of fire eclipse and reflect on the intrinsic connection between the past and the present.
