Black Canyon Of The Gunnison · December
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in December
December is one of the best times to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison — quieter than November, quieter than January.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 9% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 36°F
- Avg low
- 13°F
- Precipitation
- 1.5"
- Sunrise
- 7:21 AM
- Sunset
- 4:50 PM
- Daylight
- 9.5h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US
What's open
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in December: access
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day.
No seasonal road or area closures reported for this park.
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 → - Danger
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect
Until further notice, the following are PROHIBITED in all park areas: (1) Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires or pellet grills, or any other open burning. Properly shielded, self-contained propane or liquid-fueled camp stoves and grills, lanterns, or other heated devices with on/off switches are permitted. (2) All smoking, except within a personally-owned enclosed vehicle. (3) Discharging or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison crowds across the year
FAQ
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in December
How busy is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in December?
December rates 1/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park — about 9% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 5,069.
What is the weather like at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in December?
In December, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison averages a high of 36°F and a low of 13°F, with about 1.5 inches of precipitation.