Lost Wells Butte, Wyoming: an ideal eclipse backdrop?

There are plenty of camping options within the Path of Totality close to Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, Dubois and the Hot Springs at Thermopolis

Is this the perfect eclipse backdrop? With motels and hotels said to be sold out along the Path of Totality, everyone’s now looking for places to camp near a great observation location that won’t be over-crowded – and we’ve have found one.

Lost Wells Butte, north-west of Riverton, Wyoming, looks a tempting place indeed. A deep, narrow canyon, it overlooks the Wind River and Owl Creek Mountain ranges. Here’s a Google Map and a topographic map.

Riverton area is expecting about 10,000 people for USA eclipse 2017, but close-by are three places to set-up camp for the eclipse that had PLENTY of availability when we inquired this week. All are just out of Riverton city limits and directly within the Path of Totality, close to the centerline, with around 2 minutes 20 seconds of Totality:

1 – Eclipse 2017 at the Jim Moss Arena, 500 8 Mile Rd, Riverton, WY 82501 (Google Map)

The JMA will be hosting RVs and campers for $100 per night. “We are located in a valley located between the Wind River and Owl Creek Mountain Ranges,” says organiser Paulette Moss. “Our place is located between two ranches that raise cattle and hay. We believe the best place, that is closest to our home, is just to the east, up on Lost Wells Butte.”
Bookings: paulette@thewrangler.com, (307) 851-9854

2 – Eclipse at Blazing 7s Ranch, 52 Last Chance Drive, Riverton, WY 82501 (Google Map)

Blazing 7s Ranch is charging $150 for night of August 20, offering dry camping lots (20’ x 40’) to RVs, travel trailers and vans; also tent camping on the buttes behind, which are 100ft tall. The pasture land is 28 acres and has a view of Ocean Lake and the Owl Creek and Wind River Mountain Ranges.
Bookings: Blazing7sRanch@gmail.com, (307) 240-1328 for reservations

3 – Buckhorn Eclipse 2017, 101 Buckhorn Flats Rd, Buckhorn Ranch, Riverton, WY 82501 (Google Map)

Just 10 minutes from Riverton, Buckhorn Ranch is offering 20×40 pull-through RV sites (no hook-ups) and 20×20 tent sites. Potable water and portable restrooms will be available, and food and drink vendors will be on site.
Bookings: www.Buckhorneclipse2017.com, (307) 349-0669 or (307) 349-1770

Wyoming is one of the best places on the Path of Totality to watch the eclipse. Historic weather data from the U.S. National Climatic Data Center show that Riverton is overcast only 8% of the time on August 21, and that on average there is a 0% chance for scattered clouds.

Photo credit: Paulette Moss, Eclipse 2017 at the JMA