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.
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 Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical May visits vs. the year
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 → - 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
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.