Share 2017 Eclipse Photos from 7 Awe-Inspiring Peaks

The U.S. will see a spectacular solar eclipse event on August 21, the last one was 38 years ago. A solar eclipse is a lineup of the sun, moon, and earth. During the approximately two minutes that it will last, most people in the continental U.S. will only see a partial eclipse. But those in the portions of ten states along the path will see day turn into night, hear silence as birds stop chirping, and will feel the temperature drop. You want to be on the centerline for the best experience, the longest eclipse occurs at its centerline because that’s where you’ll experience the moon’s shadow’s full width. Those in Oregon will see it first and those in North Carolina will see it last. Hotels are filling up in cities along the eclipse path. However, the best spots to see and photograph it are in the wilderness. We’ve included spots with cell coverage from Cairn users for sharing photos in real-time.

Cairn is an outdoor app that crowdsources cell coverage in the wilderness. You’ll want to know if you’ll have the coverage to instantly share your stunning photo of the eclipse. These are some awesome summits on the eclipse path that we recommend:

1. Triangulation Peak, OR

Eclipse start time: 10:18 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Cell coverage: AT&T and Verizon

The monumental view of Mount Jefferson is reason enough to climb Triangulation Peak. The large flat area at the summit makes a good picnic spot to view the Eclipse.  The hike to Triangulation Peak is kid and pet-friendly. For more experienced hikers, as a bonus, on the way back you can explore Boca Cave on a less traveled and bit more rugged trail.  Take some pics from inside the cave for a framed view of Mt. Jefferson.

2. Three Fingered Ridge Jack, OR

Eclipse start time: 10:18 am Pacific Daylight Time

Cell coverage: Verizon and AT&T in spots

From the trailhead, hike the Pacific Crest Trail north. About five miles through a fire-burnt forest in, there is a very large cairn marking the climbers’ route. Follow the climbers’ trail uphill onto the ridge where good views turn to great views at about the 6-mile mark. The route to the summit from here traverses “The Crawl” a narrow ridge for climbers with experience and climbing gear. This is a good spot for hikers to stop, take in the eclipse, and turn around. Climbers should review a climbing guide for more information on continuing to the summit.

3. Norton Lakes and Pass, Smoky Mountains / Sawtooth National Forest, ID

Eclipse start time: 11:29 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Cell coverage: Verizon

Most hikers stop at the gorgeous Norton Lakes, a good place to camp with enough open sky to view the eclipse. However, if you are up for a physical challenge and greater views with better cell coverage, then you have to add the pass below Norton Peak to your itinerary. From the pass, the views are amazing. For the hardier hiker, you can head up from the pass to Norton Peak which is the second highest mountain in the Smoky Range west of Ketchum, Idaho, it’s South slope is the least rugged for hiking. You will probably see mountain goats in this area, observe their behavior during the eclipse

4. Rendezvous Mountain, WY

Eclipse start time: 11:34 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Cell coverage: AT&T and Verizon

Get whisked to the summit of Rendezvous Peak (no hiking required!) on the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, which delivers passengers to an elevation of 10,450 feet in under ten minutes. There you’ll be able to soak up dramatic mountain vistas and view the eclipse. The aerial tram is located at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. Adult tram tickets start at $30 and family of 6 package $78.

5. Grand Teton Summit / Grand Teton National Park, WY

Eclipse start time: 11:34 AM Mountain Daylight Time

Cell coverage: Verizon, and some AT&T on summit and in the park

Towering above Jackson Hole at 13,770 feet, the Grand Teton is one of North America’s most famous and coveted summits. A climb on this iconic peak is not easy. Anyone attempting this should either go with a local guide or have rock climbing or mountaineering experience. If the summit is out of reach, there are numerous hikes in Grand Teton National Park that will suffice and are still in the eclipse path.

6. Inspiration Point, Shawnee National Forest, IL

Eclipse Start Time: 11:19 AM Central Time

Cell Coverage:  Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile

Description: A 0.9-mile out-and-back trail offers a panoramic view of the Mississippi River Valley and the Big Muddy bottomlands. It’s well worth the climb for those in good condition. Wildlife is abundant with many birds and this is a good place to observe wildlife behavior during the eclipse. The panoramic view of the Mississippi River Valley and the Big Muddy bottomlands are well worth the climb. Wildlife is abundant with bird watching at a premium. Be cautious of the cliff edge and stay on the trail.

7. Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC / TN

Eclipse Start Time:  2:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Cell Coverage: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon found nearby.

Description: At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top. On clear days views extend more than 100 miles.

After 2017, the next total solar eclipse over the continental U.S. will be on April 8, 2024. Depending on your location in the US, the 2024 eclipse will be over three minutes. 2024 is a long wait so don’t miss out on 2017. Your best chance for avoiding the masses is to get away from the city to view the eclipse. For more information check out this NASA eclipse site:  https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov.