For more information about the total solar eclipse on April 8, including where to watch, start time and events happening around San Antonio, check out our guide.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sold out of available online day passes for the 31 state parks within the path of totality for next month’s total solar eclipse within eight hours Friday.
As of 4 p.m. Friday, all the available day passes for purchase online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) website were claimed at the parks located within the solar eclipse’s path of totality, including local state parks like Government Canyon, Guadalupe River, Blanco and Lyndon B. Johnson. Camping reservations for the parks opened in November and were also fully booked within hours.
“You won’t be able to enter any of the state parks in the path of totality on eclipse day without a pre-purchased day pass or camping permit,” TPWD said on its website. “We recommend reserving day passes for any state park on this day, even those not in the path of totality.”
The eclipse will begin as the moon starts to block the sun around noon on April 8. Totality — where the moon completely blocks out the sun — will begin in Texas around 1:30 p.m., and viewers in Northwest San Antonio will get to experience from 1 to 4 1/2 minutes of totality, depending on their exact location. Totality will begin precisely at half past the hour near Del Rio and will trace a line northeast across Texas.
TPWD noted on its website that a state park pass does not guarantee your entry and noted that while having a pass will waive your day pass fee, a reservation is still required.
Visitors who were able to secure a day pass to one of the 31 parks in the path of totality are advised to come early and stay late on the day of the eclipse due to traffic concerns; to pack meals and snacks for the day; to bring plenty of water; to park in designated areas only; and to be aware internet or phone service may be extremely limited at the parks.
TPWD also has an Eclipse FAQ for more information on viewing the eclipse at one of the Texas state parks.
Not lucky enough to grab one of TPWD’s day passes or camping spots? Don’t fret. Hundreds of events are planned around the area and state, including the official Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet and viewing parties at the Alamo, Witte Museum, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld and Natural Bridge Caverns.
