Eclipse Path Unveiled: Best Places In Colorado To View The ‘Ring of Fire’

It's a big weekend for being outdoors in Western Colorado. The 'Ring of Fire' eclipse taking place on Saturday, October 14th, and most of the Centennial State will get a chance to see it.

In Fruita/Grand Junction and Montrose, you really don't have to go anywhere. These communities (and most of Colorado) will be able to see 80% of the sun eclipsed by the moon from our own backyards. However, when you see the list of cool places that will be in the direct path of the eclipse you might be inspired to make a day trip out of this opportunity.

Get our free mobile app

See The 'Ring Of Fire' Over Colorado

Southwestern Colorado will be lucky enough to see nearly 100% of the sun eclipsed by the moon (#WestSlopeBestSlope). The video above from Great American Eclipse on Youtube shows the path of the 'Ring of Fire' traveling directly over Southwest Colorado. The event will take 2 to 3 hours for the moon to cross in front of the sun. The 'Ring of Fire' will be visible for about three to five minutes so don't miss it.

Now you could stay home and see this but what if you could be in an amazing setting like a Colorado National Park while you view the eclipse? We've got six of the best places to see the eclipse in full view in the gallery below. This will be the last eclipse of this kind you'll be able to see in Colorado until 2039.

What Time Will The Eclipse Take Place?

If you want to watch the full event take place on Saturday, you'll want to be outside by about 10:15 a.m. Saturday morning. The 'Ring of Fire' is expected to occur just after 10:30 a.m.

Find Eclipse Goggles and Views At Colorado Libraries

NASA says you must view the eclipse with solar goggles/safety glasses or a handheld viewer. How can you get one? Did you know that most public libraries in Western Colorado are handing them out for FREE while supplies last today? The following libraries in Western Colorado have been handing them out all month. Get yours while they last.

• The Montrose Regional Library
• Lone Cone Library (Norwood)
• Ouray Public Library
• Wilkinson Public Library (Telluride)
• Durango Public Library
• Mancos Public Library (Closest to the path of the eclipse)

Videos online can show you how to DIY your own glasses or viewers. Keep going to see six cool locations that will be closest to the path of the eclipse and feature a near 100% obscuration of the sun in Southwestern Colorado and beyond.