Why is Bandera County a prime location to view the eclipses?
1. If the Ring of Fire Eclipse on October 14, 2023, and the Total Eclipse on April 8, 2024, occurred on the same day the crosshairs of both eclipses would intersect in Bandera County.
2. Bandera County’s climate is well suited to experience excellent viewing opportunities.
For the Ring of Fire Eclipse occurring in mid-October, traditionally this time is the beginning of transitioning from summer to fall. Temperatures are becoming milder and there may be hinges of fall foliage on the trees. October is also a prime time for the fall bird migration to warmer climates. Early morning overcast skies generally give way to full sun.
April’s climate is much like October’s. April is a peak month for the spring bird migration and wildflower season. As in October, any morning overcast skies generally give away to full sun by mid-morning.
Where is Bandera County, Texas?
Bandera County encompasses almost 800 square miles in the rural Texas Hill Country less than an hour northwest of San Antonio, a little over two hours southwest of Austin and four hours from Houston. The City of Bandera (population 915) is the county seat and is the only incorporated city in the county. Other towns providing services in the county are Pipe Creek, Lakehills, Medina, and Vanderpool.
Bandera County is in the planning stages of creating eclipse centric events for the Total Eclipse.
Near the Vanderpool area, the Four Sisters’ Ranch is hosting Eclipse UTOPIA. Tickets for both October 2023 and April 2024 are available online now.
Ground Zero Musicfest being held at Mansfield Park in Bandera during the Total Eclipse in April is now accepting reservations.
In addition to any planned eclipse festivals, Bandera County offers a diverse range of activities. Surrounding the community of Bandera you will find numerous dude ranches and outfitters offering horseback riding and old west entertainment. Bandera offers numerous eateries, specialty shops and nightly live music. The Frontier Times Museum and Bandera Natural History are well worth a visit.
For outdoor enthusiasts Bandera County is ideal. Hiking trails are abundant. Bird watching and star gazing are two popular activities. We encourage you to bring your binoculars and telescopes. Come early and enjoy scenic drives in the surrounding hill country.
What types of accommodation does Bandera County offer?
Bandera County offers dude ranches, short term rentals, several motels, and many RV Parks in the county. For a full listing visit Bandera county places to stay. As of January 2023, some of our properties are already booked for the total eclipse April 2024. Others have announced that they will begin accepting reservations soon for 2024. All properties are booking for 2023.
We are aware that property owners may open their land to dry camping and boondocking of RV campers. As the Visitors Centers know more, we will post updates.
You are encouraged to solidify your accommodations early, particularly for the Total Eclipse in April 2024.
For more information visit BanderaCowboyCapital.com.
You are encouraged to download the Hill Country Travel App. Once downloaded, this App will work with or without internet access and includes numerous additional information.
Tips on Planning for the Eclipses
1. Ensure you have the proper protective eyewear for viewing the eclipse ( also note: equipment such as iPhones, cameras etc. can be damaged from the rays)
2. Ensure vehicles are filled with gasoline or charged (Only 12 gas stations and 6 EV chargers in all of Bandera County)
3. Make sure you have plenty of food for a few days (Only one Grocery Store in Bandera County)
4. Make sure you have prescriptions filled to cover the week of eclipse (May be hard to get out and fill prescriptions)
5. Make sure you have cash on hand (ATM's may not work)
6. Make sure you have plenty of food/feed for animals (supplies may be delayed due to the busy roadways)
7. Have first aid supplies with you (the EMS and other emergency services will be limited on manpower and vehicles)
8. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your viewing spot ( as a rural community and a few major highways running in and around the hill country, its important you time your trip accordingly. It's best to arrive 2-3 days before the eclipse and plan to stay the night after the eclipse.)
9. Notify friends and family where you will be viewing the eclipse, as cellular service may be spotty at times.
10. ENJOY THIS RARE ASTRONOMICAL EVENT - HAVE FUN - CREATE MEMORIES- BE SAFE!!!
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR VISITING BANDERA COUNTY!