The annular solar eclipse that will cross over small-town Utah on October 14 could bring an influx of tourists to the area.
All of our communities will certainly rejoice at the increase in visitors. Restaurants will likely be the busiest they are all season, and hotels will be full. In addition, this event is exciting for all of us. The whole small-town area along the Byway will be galvanized with the thought of an upcoming eclipse (hopefully it lives up the hype).
Extra tourism could, however, create some problems. Both in areas where tourism is already booming at the end of the traditional season — and seasonal staff is low — like in Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks, and in areas that are not used to as much tourism, the eclipse will require some preparation.
How to Prepare
According to Deseret News, here are some ways to prepare:
- Pack your patience. “If, once the eclipse happens and everyone is trying to leave at once, that will be problematic,” said Karen Garthwait, spokesperson for Arches and Canyonlands. “It would be helpful if people plan and pack some extra patience that day.”
- Schedule extra staff if you can. In addition to the national parks, areas like Big Rock Candy Mountain, various state parks, and public lands and highways will be busy. Plan to work that day.
- Allow extra time to get to and from work and school. “There are so many places in Garfield County to view the eclipse that we expect to see an influx in traffic on Scenic Byway 12 and the surrounding communities,” said Falyn Owens, executive director of Bryce Canyon County/Garfield County Office of Tourism. As we all know, Scenic Byway 12 is not often a big road with a lot of opportunities for passing. Allow extra time for driving as you would on the day of a race or during construction.
- Stock up on gas and groceries. If you need to go to Cedar City, go the day before, and do not expect plentiful supplies at your local grocery store. An influx of tourists means an influx of shoppers.
- Get eclipse glasses. Never look directly at the sun without them. The sun will still be very bright, and it will burn your eyes. It’s not every day that you get to see an eclipse. Wherever you are on the morning of October 14, do not forget to bring eclipse glasses and use them.
Any extra tourism brought by the eclipse can be a real blessing to small towns and businesses in the area. Unfortunately, sometimes too much of that good thing will require a little bit of extra patience.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: The solar eclipse may bring even more than the regular amount of tourists to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks. Park officials are urging extra preparation this season.