Black Canyon Of The Gunnison · May
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in May
May is a busy time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison — busier than April, quieter than June.
Expect heavy crowds (7/10), highs near 66°F, and about 14.3 hours of daylight.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 66% 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 May visits vs. the year
May draws about 11% 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
May weather
- Avg high
- 66°F
- Avg low
- 38°F
- Precipitation
- 1.6"
- Sunrise
- 4:58 AM
- Sunset
- 7:16 PM
- Daylight
- 14.3h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, CO US
What's open
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in May: 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
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in May
FAQ
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in May
How busy is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in May?
May rates 7/10 for crowds (Busy) at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park — about 66% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 36,019.
What is the weather like at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in May?
In May, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison averages a high of 66°F and a low of 38°F, with about 1.6 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 May?
In mid-May, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison gets about 14.3 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 4:58 AM and sunset around 7:16 PM.