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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.

Expect peak crowds (10/10), highs near 72°F, and about 12.4 hours of daylight.

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 Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 17, 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

September draws about 16% 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

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 →
  • 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 crowdMarApril: 3/10 crowdAprMay: 7/10 crowdMayJune: 10/10 crowdJunJuly: 8/10 crowdJulAugust: 8/10 crowdAugSeptember: 10/10 crowd10SepOctober: 7/10 crowdOctNovember: 3/10 crowdNovDecember: 1/10 crowdDec

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.

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 September?

In mid-September, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison gets about 12.4 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:52 AM and sunset around 6:18 PM.