On October 14, 2023, an annular, or "ring of fire," solar eclipse will occur along a narrow path of annularity in Colorado. To experience the annular, or "ring of fire," phase of the eclipse, you must be located within this path. But where along the path should you plan to go? Below, we've outlined some of the unique features, landmarks, and viewing options along the path of annularity for Colorado. We've also provided a detailed map of the path of annularity in Colorado as well as annularity start times and durations for Colorado cities that are located inside the path of annularity on October 14, 2023.
Remember that since the Moon never entirely covers the Sun during an annular, or "ring of fire," solar eclipse, you must use special eclipse safety glasses or viewers at all times. Unlike during a total solar eclipse, there is never a time when it's safe to look with unprotected eyes. The NationalEclipse.com Eclipse Store offers a wide variety of certified safe eclipse glasses and viewers.
Note that times and durations can vary widely even within the same city and some cities are located only partially within the path of annularity. All times and durations noted on this page are only representative samples and should be used for general comparison purposes only. To determine the precise start time, end time, and duration of annularity for your exact location on eclipse day, use the interactive Google eclipse maps developed by Xavier Jubier.
To avoid confusion, note that references made below to the "western" and "eastern" limits or lines of the eclipse refer respectively to the left/bottom and right/top edges of the eclipse path as it gradually changes its direction from east to south as it travels across the U.S.
Colorado makes the eclipse cut on October 14, but just barely. Only a small triangle of the state, smaller even than Arizona's share, is captured within the eastern line of the eclipse path and the centerline bypasses Colorado completely.
Once again, the eclipse enters a state in which it never crosses a town with a population of at least 10,000 people—although Cortez, with its 8,000-plus residents, comes close. Cortez is located far enough away from the edge of the path that annularity will still last for about 3 minutes and 4 seconds in the middle of town.
In Colorado, the eclipse crosses over Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, the largest concentration of native archaeological sites in the U.S., as well as Mesa Verde National Park, known for its Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The eclipse also crosses over parts of the Ute Mountain Reservation and the Southern Ute Reservation.
And, of course, annularity will be seen at the extreme southwestern corner of the state, where the Four Corners Monument marks the location where the corners of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet up. As is the case across the border in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, the chances for fair skies should be favorable in Colorado on October 14.
TOPFor the map below, the yellow line outlines the limits of the path of annularity in Colorado. The grey line shows the path of annularity entering and exiting Colorado (the western line and the centerline of the path don't enter Colorado). To experience the annular, or "ring of fire," phase of the eclipse in Colorado, you must be inside the yellow line. Areas outside the path of annularity will get a partial solar eclipse only.
(hover or tap to see points of interest in Colorado)
| City | Annularity Start | Duration* |
|---|---|---|
| Cortez | 10:31:41 AM MDT | 3:04 |
| Dove Creek | 10:31:58 AM MDT | 1:20 |
| Dolores | 10:32:19 AM MDT | 1:52 |
| Mancos | 10:32:39 AM MDT | 1:50 |
* "Duration" refers to the duration of annularity and is expressed in minutes and seconds
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