2023 Annular Eclipse

 

An annular or "ring of fire" eclipse will be visible at El Malpais National Monument on October 14, 2023.

NASA/Bill Dunford

Experience the Ring of Fire in the Land of Frozen Fire!

On October 14, 2023, El Malpais National Monument will experience an annular solar eclipse over the northern half of the park. During an annular eclipse, the moon passes between Earth and the Sun but is too far from Earth to entirely cover the Sun. Instead, it blocks almost 90% of the sun, leaving a "ring of fire" outlining the moon.

Where Can I See the Eclipse at El Malpais?

While most of the U.S. will see a partial eclipse, the northern portion of El Malpais National Monument will see an annular eclipse where the moon will be entirely outlined by the sun. The best places to see the eclipse will be in the northern-most parts of the park at the El Malpais Visitor Center and at Sandstone Bluffs Overlook. The park will host viewing events at both of these locations on the day of the eclipse.

The partial eclipse begins at approximately 9:12 am and ends at 12:07 pm at all locations. Maximum annularity occurs at approximately 10:35 am for locations experiencing annularity.

For a total list of the duration of the annular eclipse at park locations, see the table below:

Data source: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2023-october-14. Park events will occur at locations with bold text.

Location	Start of Annularity	Maximum Annularity	End of Annularity	Duration of Annularity
El Malpais Visitor Center	10:33:54 am	10:34:30 am	10:37:07 am	3m 12s
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook	10:34:35 am	10:35:39 am	10:36:39 am	2m 3s
Acoma-Zuni Trailhead (Hwy 117)	10:34:55 am	10:35:38 am	10:36:19 am	1m 24s
Zuni-Acoma Trailhead (Hwy 53)	10:34:45 am	10:35:29 am	10:36:12 am	1m 26s
El Calderon Trailhead	10:34:52 am	10:35:24 am	10:35:55 am	1m 3s
Lava Falls Trailhead	NOT IN ANNULARITY
Big Tubes Trailhead	NOT IN ANNULARITY

Park Events

El Malpais will host eclipse viewing events at the El Malpais Visitor Center and at Sandstone Bluffs Overlook. Both events will have limited parking, and gates at both locations will be closed once parking is full. Walk-ins are welcome, but please park in legal parking areas outside of each location. Eclipse glasses will be available at both locations (while supplies last).

El Malpais Visitor Center

• Located one minute south of Interstate 40 at Exit 85 in Grants, New Mexico.
• Gates open at 7:00 am. Gates will close when parking is full.
• Parking is limited to approximately 100 vehicles.
• No RVs over 25 ft or vehicles with trailers.
• No overnight parking allowed.
• The visitor center will be open to explore until 10:00 am. From 10:00 am until annularity ends, the interior of the visitor center and the park store will be closed. The restrooms will remain open for the entire duration of the eclipse.
• Amenities at this location include flush toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water. Snacks are available to purchase at the park store.
• Accessibility information: This location is fully ADA accessible.

Sandstone Bluffs Overlook

• Located 15 minutes south of Interstate 40 Exit 89 on Highway 117.
• Gate opens at 7:00 am. Gate will close when parking is full.
• Parking is limited to approximately 30 vehicles.
• No RVs over 25 ft or vehicles with trailers.
• No overnight parking allowed.
• Amenities at this location include vault toilets, portable toilets, and picnic tables. There is no drinking water, food, or shelter available at Sandstone Bluffs.
• Accessibility information: This location includes a short ramp to a viewing area of the cliffs. The parking lot is gravel, and most of the cliff face requires climbing over uneven rocks to reach. There are no designated handicap parking spaces.

Safely Viewing the Eclipse

Unlike a total eclipse, an annular eclipse is NEVER safe to view without special filters to protect your eyes (and your camera!) from the sun. Learn more about how to safely view a solar eclipse. Eclipse glasses will be available at the El Malpais Visitor Center and Sandstone Bluffs Overlook during park events on the day of the eclipse. Glasses are available to purchase at the Western National Parks Association park store located at the El Malpais Visitor Center prior to the eclipse (as supplies last).

 

How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I view the eclipse at El Malpais?

Approximately half of the park will experience annularity (or totality) during this eclipse, and locations at the northern-most end of the park will experience the longest duration of annularity, particularly the El Malpais Visitor Center and Sandstone Bluffs Overlook.

The park will host eclipse viewing events at the El Malpais Visitor Center and at Sandstone Bluffs. The annular eclipse can also be viewed from both sides of the Zuni-Acoma Trail (parking is limited).

Big Tubes and Lava Falls will NOT experience annularity. Only a partial eclipse will be visible from these locations.

Can I disperse camp in the park the night before the eclipse?

There are no designated campsites or campgrounds at El Malpais National Monument. Camping and overnight parking are not allowed at the El Malpais Visitor Center, Sandstone Bluffs Overlook, or any park trailheads. Dispersed camping is allowed (with restrictions) in the park, but you cannot park overnight at any trailhead even if you are dispersed camping within the park. Learn more about El Malpais camping regulations.

Where can I camp?

Camping opportunities exist near El Malpais National Monument on nearby public lands and in private campgrounds.

Public Lands Camping

• Joe Skeen Campground (BLM) - Designated campground off Highway 117 with 10 free sites available on a first-come, first-served basis
• El Malpais National Conservation Area (BLM) - Primitive, backcountry camping
• El Morro National Monument (NPS) - Designated campground with 9 free sites available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Cibola National Forest, Mount Taylor Ranger District (USFS) - Designated campgrounds and backcountry camping options

Private Camping

Private campgrounds are available in Grants, New Mexico near El Malpais National Monument. Visit the Grants Chamber of Commerce website for information on private camping options.

Where can I get a hotel?

Hotels are available in nearby Grants, NM. Please visit the Grants Chamber of Commerce site for lodging options.

Where can I purchase eclipse glasses?

Eclipse glasses will be available for free the day of the eclipse at park events hosted at the El Malpais Visitor Center and Sandstone Bluffs Overlook.

Prior to the eclipse, you can purchase eclipse glasses at the Western National Parks Association park store located at the El Malpais Visitor Center while supplies last. You can also purchase eclipse glasses at other locations and online; however, be aware of safety specifications needed for eclipse filters. Learn more about eclipse safety.

Where can I go if parking is full at El Malpais?

Organizations in nearby communities will also be hosting eclipse viewing events. Learn more about other places to watch the eclipse.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes! El Malpais is dog friendly (although not always paw friendly). Well-behaved dogs who won't react to large crowds or other dogs are welcome to view the eclipse with their owners. Park policy requires all dogs to remain on a leash no longer than 6 ft at all times (with you attached to the other end). Only service animals are allowed in buildings.

What should I bring?

Eclipses involve a lot of sitting around and waiting for totality to start. We recommend bringing:

• Lightweight lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on.
• Snacks and plenty of water to drink.
• Layered clothing to adjust to temperature changes (it gets cold during the eclipse when the sun is blocked!).
• A hat and sunscreen.
• Sturdy shoes for walking around as you wait.

Eclipse glasses will be available at both locations, but if you have a pair already feel free to bring your own in case we run out!