Moab will be in the path of a Partial Annular Solar Eclipse on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 between 9:10 am and 12:00 pm, with maximum occuring at 10:31 am. An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon covers the Sun’s center, leaving the Sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” around the Moon. Although not in the direct path, Moab will still experience up to a 90% partial eclipse. This will present once in a lifetime photo opportunities at Delicate Arch and other well known locations in our area. As a result, there is a very strong potential for increased visitation during this already busy time of year during the days surrounding the eclipse.

Types of Eclipses

There are two main types of solar eclipses: a total solar eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, creating a brief period of darkness in the area under its path; and an annular solar eclipse, where the Moon appears smaller, leaving a ring-like shape of the Sun visible around its edges.

Know Before You Go

Due to an expected increase in visitation in southeastern Utah during the days surrounding the eclipse, there may be a strain on local resources. Be prepared for the following:

• Lodging & Camping – Utah hotel occupancy during a typical mid-October is around 90%. Utah is anticipating anywhere from 78,000-314,000 visitors coming to Utah (or from other parts of Utah) for this event. If you are planning to come for the eclipse be sure to book your lodging and reservable campsites as soon as possible.
• Supplies – Stock up on groceries and medications in advance. Plan to have your errands completed in the days preceding the eclipse, such as having your gas tanks full, groceries in place, and prescriptions/medications on hand.
• Traffic – Be prepared for traffic delays and congestion – pack a car kit with snacks, water, blankets, and entertainment for small children. Allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
• Calls for Service – Cell and internet service in all areas may be inconsistent or not available due to high call volume. Text messages may be more reliable than phone calls, especially when trying to contact 9-1-1 for an emergency. In an emergency, you may send a text message to 9-1-1. Simply text the number 911 and in the message include your location, nature of your emergency, and if you need police, fire, medical, or search and rescue response. Do not use abbreviations. Be prepared for a delayed response.

Eye Safety

Preserve & Protect this Fragile Area

Because of the expected influx of additional visitors to view the eclipse, it is extra important to follow these guidelines to help preserve this fragile area.

Fire Safety

• Always Check for Current Fire Restrictions – For current fire restrictions visit utahfireinfo.gov. Even when there are no fire restrictions, always remember to practice the following points.
• Campfires – Build fires only in established firepits, and keep fires to a manageable size. Never leave a fire unattended. Properly extinguish campfires using the Douse, Stir, Check, Repeat technique.
• Equipment – Whether you are working, recreating, or traveling be aware that any equipment can cause a fire. Be mindful of your surroundings. Maintenance of tires, brakes and exhaust is a simple and crucial preventative measure. Never park on dry grass.
• Trailer Chains – When towing a recreational vehicle or trailer, make sure your chains are properly secured so they don’t drag and spark a wildfire.

For additional fire safety information visit utahfiresense.org.

	Stay on the Trail Desert soil is extremely fragile. Model courteous hiking practices. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging the sensitive ecosystem. The desert soil is what helps plants grow, damaged soil harms plant life Avoid using or creating ‘social trails,’ these are trails that veer from main path
	Protect the Past Vandalism (including touching) of rock art erases stories of living cultures. Rock art can be thousands of years old and is federally protected View from a safe distance and take only pictures of art, items and structures Removal of historical and fossilized items limits our understanding of the past
	Leave Rocks as you See Them Respect and protect natural surfaces for others to enjoy. Graffiti is prohibited: including carving, scratching, painting or any marking Vandalism of public lands and natural resources is illegal and unsightly Report damage to 435-259-8115, do not attempt to clean or remove graffiti
	Pack out Trash Decomposition in the desert is slow. Trash does not disappear. Pack out all trash so future trail users can enjoy the landscape Pack out food and toilet paper: these are unsightly and can harm wildlife Trash is anything you and your group brings in, this includes dog waste
	Be Responsible with Human Waste All solid waste must be packed out when traveling or camping in Moab. This is a serious health issue. Use restrooms when provided Pack out solid waste using portable toilet systems known as ‘WAG Bags’ WAG Bags can be purchased in Moab gear shops & visitor centers
	Respect Community, Trail Users and Wildlife Loud noise disturbs wildlife, neighborhoods and other visitors.. Please do not play music from speakers on the trail Be courteous to other trail users and yield when appropriate Observe wildlife from afar and avoid chasing or touching any type of wildlife
	Dogs on Trails Dogs must be kept under control at all times. Recommendation is to have your dog on leash at all times Trails have many people, children, other dogs and sensitive wildlife Avoid leaving bags or poop on trail, always carry dog waste with you