Annular Solar Eclipse and Abert Rim Overlook

[slash2]

I'm considering meeting some friends at or near the Abert Rim Overlook to view the Annular Solar Eclipse this coming Oct 14th. It's practically dead center on the path. Maybe after the viewing drop down the east side to Plush and then over to check out The Glass House.

Having never been there I was hoping to get some feedback as to the conditions one might expect to see there mid October, to either rule it out or give it a thumbs up for a try.

Is that too late in the year to be up there?

When does the snow usually hit that area?

Are the roads passable in the fall?

Is the best access off Hwy 140?

Is there cell service in the area and on the rim?

Thanks for any opinions or advice on the feasibility of this spot for camping and viewing the eclipse.

/2

 

[ski3pin]

Road up to the overlook is very good from 140. Mid October should work well just watch the weather. Don't remember anything about cell service. I'd stay up there for the night sky. It is fantastic.

 

[slash2]

I'd stay up there for the night sky. It is fantastic.

We plan on getting there the night before for that very reason!

Thanks for the reassurance Monty, it was your wonderful account of the area that prompted me to consider it for the eclipse.

 

[slash2]

Don't remember anything about cell service.

I am trying to convince my traveling buddies that they need some sort of satellite messaging device so we can reliably meet up in the back country. They seem to believe that occasional cell coverage can get them by but, I'm a "wing it" kind of traveler and rarely know where I'll be stopping/camping until I'm in the general area and have had chance to look around for a quiet, out of the way spot.

Letting them know that they will be S.O.L. in getting the message as to where to meet using just a cell phone may go a long way in convincing them to upgrade their backcountry connectivity.

I see that Motorola has come out with what looks like a less expensive device with a lower monthly subscription. The Defy I believe.

 

[ski3pin]

I see that Motorola has come out with what looks like a less expensive device with a lower monthly subscription. The Defy I believe.

WTW member Old Crow reports on it here - Motorola Defy Satellite Link

 

[billharr]

Going to be in the Fruita UT area for the angular eclipse. Next April 8th will be in Texas for the Total Eclipse.

After going to Oregon for the full eclipse they are a must see.

 

[PaulT]

There is spotty cell service near the Fish Lake campground. Remember that SMS texts will get thru when service is not consistent enough for voice. I believe there may be some cell service associated with the radio towers on the summit above Wildhorse lake.

The summit is apparently an emcomm site There are solar panel arrays and what appears to be quite a few propane tanks for winter power that are visible in satellite view

42.6358 --118.5766

43868 Steens Mountain Loop Ln
Princeton, OR

Paul

 

[slash2]

Thanks Paul!

There is spotty cell service near the Fish Lake campground.

 

[goinoregon]

stop by the Pioneer Saloon in Paisley while there. pretty good food, and usually have a decent beer selection. its been for sale for awhile - but hope it sticks around.

 

[slash2]

stop by the Pioneer Saloon in Paisley while there. pretty good food, and usually have a decent beer selection. its been for sale for awhile - but hope it sticks around.

That's a bit out of the way for us but thanks for the suggestion. Never know when another adventure may take us in that direction!

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

stop by the Pioneer Saloon in Paisley while there. pretty good food, and usually have a decent beer selection. its been for sale for awhile - but hope it sticks around.

In scenic downtown Frenchglen, add the Frenchglen Hotel to the must visit for dining list. The new proprietors set a wonderful table.

The ski3pins and I stopped in for a delightful dinner of a pork chop (smothered in a mushroom sauce) that covered the plate, a rice dish, and perfectly cooked vegetables. Desert was fresh baked peanut butter cookies and vanilla ice cream. It was good enough to make me come untied.

 

[ski3pin]

stop by the Pioneer Saloon in Paisley while there. pretty good food, and usually have a decent beer selection. its been for sale for awhile - but hope it sticks around.

In scenic downtown Frenchglen, add the Frenchglen Hotel to the must visit for dining list. The new proprietors set a wonderful table.

The ski3pins and I stopped in for a delightful dinner of a pork chop (smothered in a mushroom sauce) that covered the plate, a rice dish, and perfectly cooked vegetables. Desert was fresh baked peanut butter cookies and vanilla ice cream. It was good enough to make me come untied.

Better yet, just sit in on the poker game in Plush.

 

[Marysmith.0901]

If you're planning to view the Annular Solar Eclipse and camp at the Abert Rim Overlook, you should be prepared for chilly weather, with average temperatures ranging from around 30 °F to 60 °F in mid-October. Moreover, it's possible to encounter snow during this time of the year. However, the roads should be passable, although it's always good to check with local authorities for any road closures or restrictions. The best route to reach the overlook is via Hwy 395 or Hwy 31.

Keep in mind that there could be spotty or no cell service in that area, so it's best to plan accordingly. Overall, camping in this area could be a great option for viewing the eclipse, but it's always important to check for any permits or camping restrictions. Make sure to pack appropriate gear and clothing to stay comfortable throughout your camping experience.

 

[slash2]

The best route to reach the overlook is via Hwy 395 or Hwy 31.

Thanks for all of the info Marysmith. If the weather looks sketchy, cloudy or even snow, we are lining up a couple of alternate sites further east in Nevada. And, bottom line, in the pop up camper, it can always be a balmy 55 degrees!

Mapping this with Google initially shows a route off 395 near Moss Creek past a residence at Boggy Lake and then over what looks like a barely perceptible road to NF3624, then to NF 3615. Maybe Google thinks that's the best approach, but I've known Google maps to lie and get people stranded or worst.

I'm assuming the normal route would be NF 3615 off Hwy 140 near Camas Sno Park?

Half the fun of these adventures is the map work and research ahead of time!

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Come shape your plans when the fire is bright,
And the shimmering glasses are—
When the woods are bright in the winter’s night,
Under the northern star.

And let us buy for the days of spring,
While yet the north winds blow!
For half the joy of the trip, my boy,
Is getting your traps to go.

Albert Bigelow Paine - 1908

 

[Marysmith.0901]

Thanks for all of the info Marysmith. If the weather looks sketchy, cloudy or even snow, we are lining up a couple of alternate sites further east in Nevada. And, bottom line, in the pop up camper, it can always be a balmy 55 degrees!

Mapping this with Google initially shows a route off 395 near Moss Creek past a residence at Boggy Lake and then over what looks like a barely perceptible road to NF3624, then to NF 3615. Maybe Google thinks that's the best approach, but I've known Google maps to lie and get people stranded or worst.

I'm assuming the normal route would be NF 3615 off Hwy 140 near Camas Sno Park?

Half the fun of these adventures is the map work and research ahead of time!

You're welcome! It's always good to have backup plans when traveling, especially when the weather can be unpredictable. The normal route to the hot springs is via NF 3615 off Hwy 140 near Camas Snow Park. It's a well-traveled and maintained route that is regularly used by visitors to the hot springs.

 

[billharr]

If you're planning to view the Annular Solar Eclipse and camp at the Abert Rim Overlook, you should be prepared for chilly weather, with average temperatures ranging from around 30 °F to 60 °F in mid-October. Moreover, it's possible to encounter snow during this time of the year. However, the roads should be passable, although it's always good to check with local authorities for any road closures or restrictions. The best route to reach the overlook is via Hwy 395 or Hwy 31.

Keep in mind that there could be spotty or no cell service in that area, so it's best to plan accordingly. Overall, camping in this area could be a great option for viewing the eclipse, but it's always important to check for any permits or camping restrictions. Make sure to pack appropriate gear and clothing to stay comfortable throughout your camping experience.

Good advice. I have been looking at the long term weather (WAG) and it shows clouds in the Albert Rim and Fruita area. We will be checking a few days ahead of he 14th. IF cloudy we will head south from Durango and be a Mexican Hat. Wishing everyone clear skys for the ring of fire.

 

[Marysmith.0901]

Good advice. I have been looking at the long term weather (WAG) and it shows clouds in the Albert Rim and Fruita area. We will be checking a few days ahead of he 14th. IF cloudy we will head south from Durango and be a Mexican Hat. Wishing everyone clear skys for the ring of fire.

Thanks for the heads-up! That's a good point to keep in mind – I definitely don't want to miss out on the ring of fire because of cloudy weather. Hopefully, we'll still get clear skies, but if not, I'm down for a road trip to Mexican Hat. Let's hope for the best though, and see what happens!

 

[slash2]

My weather app is showing 100% cloud cover for Abert Rim and our back up sites, oh well....

Maybe things will improve as the day draws closer!