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.
Expect light crowds (1/10), highs near 36°F, and about 9.5 hours of daylight.
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 Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 2% of Black Canyon Of The Gunnison’s yearly visitors.
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 → - 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
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.
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 least crowded?
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison is quietest in December and January. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Black Canyon Of The Gunnison get in December?
In mid-December, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison gets about 9.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:21 AM and sunset around 4:50 PM.