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Black Canyon Of The Gunnison · March

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in March

March is one of the best times to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison — about as busy as February, quieter than April.

Expect light crowds (2/10), highs near 49°F, and about 11.9 hours of daylight.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

2/10
Quiet

Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.

About 18% 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 17, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical March visits vs. the year

March (typical)9,502
Peak — June54,324
Quietest — December5,069

March draws about 3% 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

March weather

Avg high
49°F
Avg low
23°F
Precipitation
2.0"
Sunrise
6:21 AM
Sunset
6:18 PM
Daylight
11.9h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US

What's open

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in March: 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

January: 2/10 crowdJanFebruary: 2/10 crowdFebMarch: 2/10 crowd2MarApril: 3/10 crowdAprMay: 7/10 crowdMayJune: 10/10 crowdJunJuly: 8/10 crowdJulAugust: 8/10 crowdAugSeptember: 10/10 crowdSepOctober: 7/10 crowdOctNovember: 3/10 crowdNovDecember: 1/10 crowdDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in March

FAQ

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in March

How busy is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in March?

March rates 2/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park — about 18% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 9,502.

What is the weather like at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in March?

In March, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison averages a high of 49°F and a low of 23°F, with about 2.0 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 March?

In mid-March, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison gets about 11.9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:21 AM and sunset around 6:18 PM.