Sometimes, it’s best to experience the wonder of nature in nature.
And you can do that on April 8 when 31 Texas state parks will be in the line of totality during the solar eclipse, but you will need to make reservations.
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A total solar eclipse is when the moon blocks the sun completely.
Totality will begin at 1:30 p.m. near Del Rio and will follow a path to the northeast part of the state. While the rest of Texas will get to experience at least a partial eclipse, only the path of totality will offer the full eclipse experience. In some places, it will last about four-and-a-half minutes.
These Texas state parks are in the path of totality for the April eclipse:
The other state parks in Texas will offer views of a partial eclipse.
Here are some of the parks hosting special events on April 8:
- Guadalupe River State Park Total Eclipse Viewing at the Park
- Palmetto State Park Solar Eclipse Mask Make your own solar viewing mask!
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle Du Bois Unit: Eclipse Watch Party
- Tyler State Park: Total Eclipse!
- Guadalupe River State Park “Great American Eclipse” Tabling at the Total Solar Eclipse
- Palmetto State Park It’s a Solar-bration!
- Lockhart State Park Solar Celebration!
- Village Creek State Park Solar Eclipse Viewing
State Parks day pass reservations for eclipse open March 8
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will take calls to the reservation line on a first-come, first-served basis, and the limited number of day passes are expected to go quickly.
You can reserve your day pass for April 8 at a Texas state park starting March 8 at 8 a.m.
Reservations can be made online or by calling the Texas State Parks Reservations Center at 512-389-8900.
Reservations for Enchanted Rock will need to be made March on 11 by phone only.
When you call for a reservation, you will need to provide the following information:
- License plate number
- Vehicle make and model
- Number of occupants broken down by adults and kids under 12 years of age
- Credit card
You should identify several parks that you would like to try for reservations, in case your first choice is booked.
Parks in the line of totality are expected to reach capacity, and people are asked not to visit unless they have a pre-purchased day pass or overnight reservation.