Night in the Middle of the Day: Total Solar Eclipse in the Rocky Mountains on Aug 21, 2017

What better way to spend your vacation in the mountains this summer than by witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event? On August 21st, 2017, the sun will be totally eclipsed, completely blacked out from the sky- but only if you know where to stand.

Night in the Middle of the Day: Total Solar Eclipse in the Rocky Mountains on Aug 21, 2017

A total solar eclipse is a rare thing indeed, and the track of what is known as the ‘umbral shadow’ or complete darkness, is quite small, relatively speaking. The moon will stand directly between the sun and certain areas in the northern hemisphere, casting a shadow no wider than 100 miles, and it is this complete shadow that will turn day into night. In this case, the umbral shadow will pass directly over both Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee, bringing the mountains into full darkness that will last less than three minutes!

One important thing to keep in mind is eye protection while you watch this event. Staring directly at the sun is, of course, very damaging to your retinas. Make your own shadow box, or pinhole camera to watch the widening shadow. But even after complete coverage, do not stare at the sun. Your pupils will have dilated in the darkness and the moment the tiniest amount of light bursts from behind the moon, the diamond ring effect, your eyes are even more susceptible to permanent damage. With the right preparation, however, you won’t miss a second of it.

Imagine spending your day rafting or fishing on the Snake River, or horseback riding in the Grand Tetons, then stopping to watch the peaks creep quickly into shadow, and the beautiful greens of a high mountain summer disappear to experience night in the middle of a summer day.

Later on, back at the Jackson Hole Lodge, or maybe the White Buffalo Club, everyone will be sharing their stories from this incredible event.

Or, how about riding the lift up the Grand Targhee Resort to watch the event from high above the alpine world?

These towns are planning some pretty great activities during this time, but tickets and space will be limited as this event is much anticipated. In fact, on the day of, Grand Targhee resort will only be open to guests with camping reservations (tent or RV without hook-ups), lift tickets, or parking passes.

Many hotels and resorts started getting calls a few years ago about eclipse reservations! So don’t wait any longer, check out our fabulous lodging deals in Jackson Hole or Grand Targhee to get your best seat for a show that hasn’t been seen in 40 years.

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