How Crowded Is Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park in September?
September runs about 1.8× Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park's average month, which makes it a very busy month here — roughly 15% of the park's yearly visitors come in September.
In a typical September the park sees about 46,000 recreation visits, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes September the 3rd-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.8×) and the December low (0.2×).
On our Best Time to Visit score September rates 41/100 ("Poor"), versus the top-rated April at 56/100 — best overall balance of crowds, weather and daylight.
Typical September weather, from 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals at the nearest station, averages a daytime high near 72°F and an overnight low around 44°F, with about 2.1" of precipitation.
That average of about 58°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day.
Because June, July and August together draw about 45% of annual visitors, choosing September instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 12.2 hours of daylight in September to explore — between the 9.3-hour midwinter low and the 14.7-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 250,086 recreation visits, down 25.5% from 335,862 in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
September is very busy at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (about 1.8× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor". The single best month overall is April.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is December. September sits at about 1.8× the park's average, or 15% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 46,000 recreation visits at Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Black Canyon Of The Gunnison in September
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Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-07-14.