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Black Canyon Of The Gunnison · September

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in September

September is the busiest time to visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison — busier than August, busier than October.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

10/10
Peak

The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.

About 91% 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 September visits vs. the year

September (typical)49,489
Peak — June54,324
Quietest — December5,069

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

September weather

Avg high
72°F
Avg low
44°F
Precipitation
2.1"
Sunrise
5:52 AM
Sunset
6:18 PM
Daylight
12.4h

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

What's open

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in September: 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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAug10SepOctNovDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in September

FAQ

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in September

How busy is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in September?

September rates 10/10 for crowds (Peak) at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park — about 91% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 49,489.

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

In September, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison averages a high of 72°F and a low of 44°F, with about 2.1 inches of precipitation.