Black Canyonfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Right now in Black Canyon · September
- Wildflowers · Apr–Sep
- South Rim Road open · Apr–Nov
- North Rim Road open · May–Nov
10days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by mid-October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 96% chanceToday, Tonight, Tuesday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:17 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
First frost usually arrives this week
Oct 1Average first fall frost
May 23Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Black Canyon Of The Gunnison station (0 mi away, 8,151 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park through the year
- Ranger snowshoe walksJan–Mar
- South Rim Road openNowApr–Nov
- WildflowersNowApr–Sep
- North Rim Road openNowMay–Nov
Best spots around Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- South Rim Drive12 overlooks you can reach by car
- Painted Wall2,250 ft high
- Oak Flat LoopA 2-mile loop, rated difficult
Around Colorado this week
- Maroon Bells55 mi · usually Sep 21–30Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedfrost (32°F)Thudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- San Juan Skyway56 mi · usually Sep 11–Oct 20Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedrain likely, frost (31°F)Thufrost (31°F)Frifrost (32°F)Satdry and calmSunfrost (32°F)
- Guanella Pass128 mi · Colorado timing: Sep 1–30Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedrain likely, frost (28°F)Thufrost (29°F)Fridry and calmSatfrost (32°F)Sunfrost (31°F)
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Black Canyon basic information (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, South Rim (Black Canyon) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Black Canyon park brochure (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Black Canyon wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Black Canyon hours and seasons (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Black Canyon winter activities (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park yet. Statewide for Colorado: color is usually well under way by mid-October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 10 days (usually well under way by mid-October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Do I need a reservation?
No reservations are needed to enter. Plan the rim you want: driving from one rim to the other takes 2 hours or more on roads outside the park.Source: National Park Service, Black Canyon basic information ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there water on the South Rim in fall?
No: the Park Service says water isn't available on the South Rim in spring, fall or winter.Source: National Park Service, South Rim (Black Canyon) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
South Rim Drive: 12 overlooks you can reach by car; Painted Wall: 2,250 ft high; Oak Flat Loop: a 2-mile loop, rated difficult.
What is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park like through the year?
Wildflowers (Apr–Sep), South Rim Road open (Apr–Nov), North Rim Road open (May–Nov) and Ranger snowshoe walks (Jan–Mar).