Totally Epic Total Eclipse Ideas
Seeing a Total Solar Eclipse will be wild wherever you are. But I started wondering, what would be the most epic adventures to experience the total solar eclipse in Texas? After a lot of research… and daydreaming, here they are. But first, some context:
Overview of the Total Solar Eclipse
Get ready for a celestial experience of a lifetime. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America, and you won't want to miss it. Texas is in the “path of totality,” where the moon will pass directly in front of the sun, darkening the sky. The temperature will drop, animals will become quiet, and stars will appear in the middle of the day!
Getting Reservations
Dallas, Waco, Austin, and San Antonio are all on the path of totality, meaning many Texans (13 Million) will be able to see the Total Solar Eclipse from a nearby park or parking lot. But, it will be unforgetable if you can experience it in a wild area with a great field of view. Camping reservations will be really hard to get, and expect gridlock traffic getting in and out, so plan to be there for a while. By our calculations, the first chance you have to book a Texas State Park camping reservation will be on October 25th at 8am Central. This will be 5-month ahead with a 14-day sliding window. Set a reminder. You'll want to edit the reservation to “slide” over your ideal dates. If you have a lot riding on this reservation, double-check the reservation math yourself to make sure we have it correct. If you miss your overnight reservation, snag lodging or a HipCamp campsite near the park and mark your calendar for March 8, 2024 to try to book a day pass when booking window opens a month before.
Essential Gear
While you can look directly at the Solar Eclipse during the few minutes of “totality”, it will still be dangerous to look at the Sun before and after. I’ll be using these Simple Solar Eclipse Glasses for safe viewing. For an even better experience snag these Solar Eclipse Binoculars. They’re fun even after the eclipse (I once watched the sun set over the Davis Mountains with these). Don’t be fooled by fake products, here’s a helpful list of who to trust for solar viewing products.
The Ten Most Epic Adventures for Experiencing Texas’ Total Solar Eclipse
10. Your Local Parking Garage - Okay, I have to pretend this an epic idea, because this is likely where you’ll find me. But if you can’t get out on a Monday, or you don’t want to fight the crowds, a park garage will be a great option: the world beneath you bustling with everyday life, while you're eye-to-eye with the disappearing Sun. Bring a picnic blanket, some snacks, and make it a neighborhood event to remember.
9. Underground - Okay, mostly kidding about this one, although Kickapoo Caverns and Longhorn Caverns are both on the path of totality with plenty of aboveground options for viewing the eclipse. This picnic area near Longhorn Cavern would be perfect if you can beat the crowd getting there.
8. Lake Paddling - Imagine laying back on your paddleboard or kayak on a tranquil lake as the sun slips behind the moon - you’ll have more solitude than most park visitors won’t. Northeast Texas will be a good option for this - State Parks like Lake Bob Sandlin, Tyler, and Daingerfield all come to mind. Lakes near Dallas, Waco, or the West Sides of Austin and San Antonio would also be fun with big open skies. Me and 23,000 reviewers give this SUP board 4.7 stars if you need one.
7. Lake Houseboat - I’m still really into this idea of watching the eclipse on a large, isolated body of water. If paddling doesn’t feel right, try renting a houseboat for the weekend on Lake Travis or Lake Amistad.
6. Remote Backpacking - Several parks along the path of totality have backpacking options, which would be a serene, remote choice for your adventure. Backpacking options along the path of totality include Pedernales Falls, Lost Maples or Colorado Bend including this beautiful observation deck.
5. In the Footprints of Dinosaurs - Dinosaur Valley State Park, near Glen Rose, has well preserved dinosaur footprints from 112 million years ago. Walking in the shadow of these prehistoric giants while the sun disappears will make a wild experience for somebody. While Waco Mammoth National Monument’s fossils are inside, their outdoor trails will be another good option.
4. Willow City Loop Bike Riding - If cycling's your thing, a bike ride along the Willow City Loop will offer stunning Hill Country vistas during the eclipse, not to mention being immersed in Spring Wildflowers. Time your ride to pause at a panoramic overlook like this one.
3. The Top of Old Baldy in Garner State Park - Garner State Park is a gem and the views from Old Baldy are its crowning glory. A hike to the top will give you a front-row seat to the solar eclipse, framed by the Texas landscape. Want a view with fewer crowds? Painted Rock Overlook will be stunning.
2. Paddling the Devils River - Mile 29 Paddle Camp seems to be directly on the cusp of the path of totality. If you’re lucky enough to wake up in that camp on Monday, April 8, by midday, you’ll be watching the total Solar Eclipse within the towering canyon walls of the Devil’s River upstream of Lake Amistad. Here’s the Devil’s River Paddler Map for reference.
A view from the sky over Enchanted Rock
1. Summit of Enchanted Rock - The big one, folks! Standing atop this ancient pink granite dome with one of the best panoramas might just be the coolest way to experience the Total Solar Eclipse in Texas. (Sorry to burst your bubble if you thought you'd have this spot to yourself!)
Honorable Mentions:
Mt. Bonnell - Austin, TX
Rock Climbing at Reimers Ranch
The Lookout tower at Mother Neff
Little Dome at Enchanted Rock
Remember, where you watch is only part of the experience. It's the people you're with, the journey you take, and the spirit of adventure that makes this event extraordinary. Pack your eclipse glasses, respect the local guidelines and the environment, and savor this once in a lifetime moment. The sun will shine again and these memories will last a lifetime.
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