National Park · CO
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is quietest in December and January and busiest in September.
Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.
314K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 19 | Drizzle | 59°F | 43°F | 14% |
| Tue 20 | Overcast | 61°F | 44°F | 7% |
| Wed 21 | Rain showers | 67°F | 49°F | 71% |
| Thu 22 | Heavy drizzle | 63°F | 50°F | 85% |
| Fri 23 | Light drizzle | 56°F | 45°F | 85% |
| Sat 24 | Clear | 55°F | 41°F | 35% |
| Sun 25 | Clear | 59°F | 39°F | 13% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F | 13°F | 1.7" |
| February | 40°F | 16°F | 1.7" |
| March | 49°F | 23°F | 2.0" |
| April | 56°F | 29°F | 1.8" |
| May | 66°F | 38°F | 1.6" |
| June | 76°F | 46°F | 0.7" |
| July | 82°F | 53°F | 1.6" |
| August | 81°F | 52°F | 1.7" |
| September | 72°F | 44°F | 2.1" |
| October | 60°F | 33°F | 1.9" |
| November | 47°F | 23°F | 1.5" |
| December | 36°F | 13°F | 1.5" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $30 — 7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
- Hours
- The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Cashless Operations
Black Canyon's operations are now cashless. South Rim Campground is by reservation only via Recreation.gov. East Portal & North Rim campground sites are first-come first-served and accept payment using Scan & Pay through Recreation.gov's mobile app.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
No Water Available in Park
Water systems throughout the park have been shut off for the winter season, October to April. Please plan ahead and bring your own drinking water.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison questions
When is the best time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is least crowded in December, January, and February. September is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison?
Entrance to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison costs $30 (7-Day Vehicle Pass. Entrance fees cover all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.).
When is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison busiest?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is busiest in September, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.