On the lookout for the most effective nationwide parks to go to in September?
September is one in all our favourite instances to go to Nationwide Parks. Some parks begin to see the indicators of fall, and since most youngsters are again in class, the crowds begin scaling down.
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Final Up to date: September 1, 2022
Earlier than we get into it, we need to remind everybody to please discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint ideas. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and don’t take something you discover within the parks.
Concerning the Nationwide Park by month Collection
To place collectively this checklist, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal points of interest like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place within the space. We additionally took into consideration any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure instances of the 12 months to search out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was so much!
It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was utterly price having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, try our full checklist of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park items that embody soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embody the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and those in U.S. territories on this collection.
Nationwide Parks: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Could | Jun | Jul
Is September a Good Time to Go to Nationwide Parks?
Sure! It’s the most effective month for therefore many nationwide parks that we couldn’t even slim it right down to our typical high 15. 17 will simply need to do.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Choose up an America the Stunning annual move to economize (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you’re serving to help the Parks that at all times want the funding.
17 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in September
1. Grand Teton Nationwide Park, Wyoming
43.8067345,-111.2627799, map
Common Temperatures: 66°F / 32°F
Why Go to: September marks the begin of the autumn in Grand Teton Nationwide Park. The cottonwood and aspen timber normally peak across the third week of September, and it’s additionally a superb time to identify wildlife since they’re out making last-minute preparations earlier than winter. We’ve solely visited Grand Teton in early June, late July, and late January, however we’ve heard from the locals that fall is their favourite season.
Greatest For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Leaf-Peeping, Wildlife, Images, Bear
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Scenic Drive, Mormon Row, Whitewater Rafting, Mormon Row
- Wildlife – Bison, Pronghorn, Elk, Moose, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Elk, deer, and moose discover their mates within the Fall. Hold your ear out for the male elk’s bugle within the early evenings. They do that to sign dominance and appeal to females. Hold your distance, although (a minimal of 25 yards for elk), they’re wild and should react defensively in the event that they sense you.
See – 11 Unbelievable Issues to Do in Grand Teton Nationwide Park
2. Yosemite Nationwide Park, California
9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map
Common Temperatures: 84°F / 50°F
Why Go to: Yosemite continues to be one in all our favourite parks, however we hear a whole lot of complaints concerning the crowds. September provides you a superb stability for fewer crowds, and it’s sometimes the final month that every part continues to be open. It’s not on the high of our checklist for parks with the most effective fall foliage since a lot of the timber are evergreen, however you can find hints of fall, which peaks mid-Oct. We’ve largely taken summer time and winter journeys to Yosemite, however Jacob received to go to most just lately in late September with out me for a Discover Your Park marketing campaign, and out of all of the seasons we visited, it was his favourite time.
Greatest For / High Actions: Mountain climbing and Backpacking, Excursions, Images, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Taft Level, Glacier Level, Half Dome, Tunnel View
- Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Huge Horn Sheep, Nice Grey Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Crimson Foxes
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: We go for the epic valley views, however if you happen to’re going for the waterfalls, you’ll need to go to throughout Spring and Summer time as an alternative. A lot of the waterfalls, together with Yosemite Falls, could have little to no water by this time of 12 months.
See – 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Yosemite Nationwide Park
3. Voyageurs Nationwide Park, Minnesota
360 MN-11, Worldwide Falls, MN 56649, map
Common Temperatures: 66°F / 45°F
Why Go to: September is a superb time to go to Voyageurs as a result of there are fewer guests, fewer mosquitoes, and cooler temps. The season runs from September to November, though it may be minimize quick as temperatures drop drastically in November. For those who’re on the lookout for colourful leaves, mid-September is normally the most effective time. For those who’re fortunate, you can even catch the Northern Lights.
Greatest For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Stargazing, Guided Excursions, Fowl Watching
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Echo Bay Path, Grassy Bay Cliffs, Anderson Bay, Harry Oveson Fish Camp, Ellsworth Rock Gardens
- Wildlife – Moose, Beaver, Grey Wolf, Bald Eagle
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Sure locations are solely accessible through water. Examine their web site and Guests Heart for more information.
See – Your Listing of All Nationwide Parks within the US
4. Redwood Nationwide Park, California
1600 US-199, Crescent Metropolis, CA 95531, map
Common Temperatures: 68°F / 44°F
Why Go to: September is a superb month to go to Redwood Nationwide Park with cool mountain climbing temps and thinning crowds. You may benefit from the turning of the season whereas nonetheless catching a number of the summer time heat. Our second and most up-to-date go to was in late October, and whereas it was nice mountain climbing temps, it rained your complete time.
Greatest For / High Actions: Mountain climbing / Backpacking, Scenic Drive, Images
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fern Canyon, Girl Fowl Johnson Grove, Stour Grove, Enderts Seashore, Avenue of the Giants
- Wildlife – Roosevelt Elk, Bats, Black Bears, Mountain Lions, Harbor Seal, Sea Lions, Whales
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Native Tip: Redwood Nationwide Park is exclusive as a result of it companions with 3 California Redwoods State Parks. It covers a big space, and each provides distinctive landscapes, together with redwood forests and seashores.
See – 15 Epic Issues to Do in Redwood Nationwide Park and State Park
5. Theodore Roosevelt Nationwide Park, North Dakota
47.2544508,-104.6167041, map
Common Temperatures: 75°F / 42°F
Why Go to: September is the locals’ favourite time of the 12 months. The skies are normally clear and sunny, and the evenings are cool. You may go mountain climbing, view wildlife, and take within the sights. We visited on our cross-country street journey in late June, which was method too scorching for us. I bear in mind taking a number of breaks within the automotive for AC.
Greatest For / High Actions: Mountain climbing / Backpacking, Stargazing, Kayaking, Fishing, Guided Excursions
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Elkhorn Ranch Unit, North Unit, South Unit, River Bend Overlook, Oxbow Overlook
- Wildlife – Bison, Feral Horses, Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Prairie Canines
- What number of days do you want? 2-3
Professional Tip: The park has three totally different areas. Begin on the Guests Heart, and so they may help you benefit from your time there.
See – Full Nationwide Parks Listing by State
6. Nice Basin Nationwide Park, Nevada
100 Nice Basin, Baker, NV 89311, map
Common Temperatures: 67°F / 43°F
Why Go to: For those who love stargazing, the Nice Basin Astronomy Pageant occurs in late September. It additionally brings nice mountain climbing climate, and the caves keep the identical temperature year-round. We visited in June, which is the opposite optimum month to go to. For those who’re not a lot into stargazing, anytime from June-September is nice. Because it’s one of many lesser-known nationwide parks, you don’t have to fret about summer time crowds like at Zion or Yosemite.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bristlecone Path, Lehman Caves, Wheelers Peak, Stella Lake
- Wildlife – Water Shrews, Voles, Porcupines, Beavers, Ringtail Cats, Marmots, Bobcats, Mountain Lions
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: Because it will get later in September, there may be early snowstorms, so preserve a watch out for the climate. Examine their present snow and street circumstances earlier than you go.
See – 7 Issues You Can’t Miss in Nice Basin Nationwide Park
7. Badlands Nationwide Park, South Dakota
43.6835523,-102.6622546, map
Common Temperatures: 76°F / 52°F
Why Go to: Temperatures drop over 10 levels in September, making the climate way more satisfying. Plus, the busy summer time crowds are gone. In October, the temps begin dropping even decrease, so September is the most effective time to nonetheless take pleasure in some heat.
Greatest For / High Actions: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Mountain climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fossil Preparation Lab, Sage Creek Rim Highway, Sheep Mountain Desk, Badlands Loop Highway
- Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Canines, Bighorn Sheep, Black-Footed Ferret
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: A lot of the highlights may be seen from the scenic drives, however hop out for some simple hikes (most are 1.25 miles or much less).
8. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
25 Customer Heart Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, map
Common Temperatures: 67°F / 48°F
Why Go to: September and October are the 2 greatest months to go to Acadia. Though mid-October is greatest for fall colours, you’ll compete with the leaf-peeping crowds. If the autumn foliage isn’t a high precedence and also you’re on the lookout for a quieter time, go in early September between the summer time crowds and leaf peepers.
Greatest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountain climbing, Rock Climbing, Biking, Lobster Boat Cruise, Kayaking, Tidepooling
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Cadillac Mountain, Scenic Park Loop Highway, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Precipice Path, Thunder Gap
- Wildlife – Moose, Black Bears, Whitetail Deer, Beavers, Seals, Harbor Porpoises
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Tickets are actually required to drive up Cadillac Summit Highway. There are two varieties of tickets which you can get at Recreation.gov.
See – 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Acadia Nationwide Park
9. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Colorado
1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, map
Common Temperatures: 59°F / 38°F
Why Go to: September is a nice time to hike in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. You may cowl some floor on the over 300 miles of trails, or if you’d like a extra leisurely expertise, the scenic drives are additionally stunning. For those who’re there to see foliage, fall colours peak sometimes round late September and early October.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Path Ridge Highway, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Highway, Alpine Ridge Path, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
- Wildlife – Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions, Deer, Bears, Bobcats
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: If you wish to discover Bear Lake Highway, you should get a allow.
10. Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, Colorado
11999 CO-150, Mosca, CO 81146, map
Common Temperatures: 73°F / 44°F
Why Go to: September has the greatest climate of the 12 months, in response to the Nationwide Parks Service. The skies are sometimes clear and sunny, and the aspens begin altering colours peaking in late September or early October.
Greatest For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Sand Boarding, Off-Roading, Stargazing, Images
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Excessive Dune, Sand Boarding, Medano Creek, Zapata Falls
- Wildlife – Mule Deer, Ord’s Kangaroo Rats, Black Bears, Abert’s Squirrels, Pronghorn, Pikas, Elk
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Throughout early September, the floor temperatures of the dunes can nonetheless attain as much as 150 levels.
See – 9 Issues You Can’t Miss at Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park
11. Carlsbad Caverns Nationwide Park, New Mexico
727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, map
Common Temperatures: 79°F / 57°F
Why Go to: September is the tail finish of the realm’s “moist” season, though that doesn’t imply it will get a lot rain. However you see it as inexperienced because it will get this time of 12 months. Plus, if you wish to discover any of the floor mountain climbing trails, the temperatures are a lot cooler than in the summertime. And don’t miss out on the Bat Flight Program (late Could by October at 7 pm)!
Greatest For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Guided Excursions, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bat Flight Program, Huge Room and Pure Entrance Trails, Guadalupe Ridge Path
- Wildlife – Vesper Bats, Coyotes, Grey Fox, Package Fox, Bobcat, Black Bears, Pronghorn, Vipers, Field Turtles
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: In case you are doing the Bat Flight Program, no digital units are allowed (together with cameras and cell telephones) to guard the bats.
See – 15 Least Visited Nationwide Parks You Have to Discover Subsequent
12. Yellowstone IN SEPTEMBER
44.4279929,-110.6243323, map
Common Temperatures: 62°F / 31°F
Why Go to: Summer time is just too crowded in Yellowstone. September is a superb time since you lose the summer time crowds, however most every part continues to be accessible. Mid-September to mid-October is a superb time to see the elk rut (males out on the lookout for mates). Plus, bears are prepping for the winter, and also you get to benefit from the park with fall foliage.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Sizzling Springs, Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Outdated Devoted, Grand Prismatic Spring
- Wildlife – Bison, Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Mule Deer, Elk, Bighorn Sheep
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: The park is large (3472 sq. miles, bigger than Delaware and Rhode Island mixed)! Plan your days to discover particular areas, so that you don’t spend most of your time driving forwards and backwards.
See – The Greatest Issues to Do in Yellowstone Nationwide Park
13. North Cascades Nationwide Park, Washington
376 Newhalem St, Marblemount, WA 98267, map
Common Temperatures: 46°F / 26°F
Why Go to: The climate is chilly in September, but it surely’s getting extra in style attributable to its fall colours and wildlife. It’s additionally shoulder season, though this park by no means will get that busy.
Greatest For / High Actions: Mountain climbing / Backpacking, Fishing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – North Cascades Freeway, Cascade Go, Washington Go Overlook, Diablo Lake Vista Level, Stehekin
- Wildlife – Black Bears, Grey Wolves, Elks, Beavers, Bobcats
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: With the cooling climate, it’s at all times sensible to test the present circumstances earlier than heading there in case there are any closures.
See – Travelogue: North Cascades Nationwide Park
14. Mesa Verde Nationwide Park, New Mexico
35853 Rd H.5, Mancos, CO 81328, map
Common Temperatures: 74°F / 46°F
Why Go to: Mesa Verde is a tremendous Nationwide Park and archeological website. There are 600 cliff dwellings! In September, the temperatures cool down, and crowds skinny, making it a nicer time to discover the websites.
Greatest For / High Actions: Mountain climbing, Guided Excursions, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drive
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Cliff Palace, Balcony Home, Step Home, Mesa High Loop Highway, Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum
- Wildlife – Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coyote, Bobcat, Noticed Bat, Nice Horned Owl
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Native Tip: Cease by the Guests Heart, Museum, or the Durango Welcome Heart to buy tickets for the guided excursions
See – 7 Issues You Can’t Miss in Mesa Verde Nationwide Park
15. Isle Royale Nationwide Park, Michigan
800 E Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, map
Common Temperatures: 62°F / 49°F
Why Go to: Isle Royale has a restricted season from mid-April to late October. September is shoulder season and the locals’ favourite time of 12 months because it’s quieter. Though, as a customer, it’s by no means as overwhelming as parks like Zion or Yellowstone because it’s one of many least visited nationwide parks within the US.
Greatest For / High Actions: Mountain climbing / Backpacking, Tenting, Fishing, Kayaking, Scuba Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ferry Trip, Greenstone Ridge Path, Tour the three Lighthouses
- Wildlife – Moose, Wolves, Elk, Snowshoe Hares, Foxes, Mink, Beavers
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
16. Sizzling Springs Nationwide Park, Arkansas
629 Central Ave, Sizzling Springs Nationwide Park, AR 71901, map
Common Temperatures: 85°F / 61°F
Why Go to: September is a superb time to go to Sizzling Springs Nationwide Park as a result of it’s shoulder season with fewer crowds across the springs. Plus, it makes for higher mountain climbing temps whereas going leaf-peeping.
Greatest For / High Actions: Soaking in Springs, Mountain climbing, Birdwatching, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Buckstaff Bathhouse, Quapaw Bathhouse, The Show Spring, Sizzling Water Cascade
- Wildlife – White-Tailed Deer, Groundhog, Black Bear, Bats, Tune Birds
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: You can not soak in any of the out of doors thermal springs, solely within the two bathhouses.
17. Gateway Arch Nationwide Park, Missouri
11 N 4th St #1810, St. Louis, MO 63102, map
Common Temperatures: 80°F / 57°F
Why Go to: This isn’t a park like the best way we historically consider Nationwide Parks, however St Louis is a superb metropolis to go to this time of 12 months with tons of festivals and occasions.
Festivals and Occasions: St Louis World’s Fare Heritage Pageant & Video games (Sep 2-4), The Gateway Cup (Sep 2-5), St Nicholas Greek Pageant (Sep 2-5), Japanese Pageant (Sep 3-5), St Louis Artwork Honest (Sep September 11), Ascension CHarity Traditional (Sep 6-11), Music on the Intersection (Sep 10-11), St Louis Ren Faire (Sep 17-Oct 23), Higher St Louis Hispanic Pageant (Sep 23-25), and Style of St Louis (Sep 23-25).
Greatest For / High Actions: Guided Excursions, Museums, Sightseeing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Tram Trip to the High, Explorer’s Backyard, Reflection Ponds, Grand Staircase, Outdated Courthouse
- Wildlife – Grey Squirrel, Opossum, Coyote, Bats
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: There isn’t a official parking at Gateway Arch Nationwide Park, however you get most popular parking on the Stadium East Parking Storage. It’s at present $9 for five hours.
Map of the Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in September
Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in SeptembeR?
For those who’re a nationwide park lover like us and have finished lots of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in September. Whereas September might not be the highest two months out of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless an honest time.
- Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
- Huge Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park, Colorado
- Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah (publish coming quickly!)
- Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Utah (publish coming quickly!)
- Channel Islands Nationwide Park, California
- Crater Lake Nationwide Park, Oregon
- Denali Nationwide Park, Alaska
- Everglades Nationwide Park, Florida
- Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park, Indiana
- Glacier Nationwide Park, Montana
- Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona
- Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, Hawaii
- Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park, California (publish coming quickly!)
- New River Gorge Nationwide Park, West Virginia
- Mount Rainier Nationwide Park, Washington (publish coming quickly!)
- Olympic Nationwide Park, Washington
- Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona (publish coming quickly!)
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, California
- Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia
- Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
Suggestions for Visiting the Greatest Nationwide Parks in September
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Depart no Hint ideas. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many others.
- Choose up the Nationwide Park Annual Go if you happen to plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Wish to see fall foliage? Local weather change and droughts this 12 months will make timing extra unpredictable. We sometimes go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by all of the latest posts to see what it’s wanting like. Take into account that folks publish older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You can even go away a remark and ask after they went.
- It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat throughout the day and funky at evening. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks will likely be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at increased elevations.
- You could want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- All the time test the park’s website and Guests Heart for essentially the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be conversant in how one can work together with animals and the way a lot house it is best to have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack will depend on which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a common information on gadgets we at all times attempt to pack.
FAQs
Are nationwide parks crowded in September?
September is among the greatest instances of 12 months to go to Nationwide Parks as a result of they’re much less crowded than in the summertime.
What time of 12 months is greatest to go to nationwide parks?
This will depend on the area, however normally, September and October are the most effective instances to go to since most parks are much less crowded. Plus, it’s normally cheaper, the climate is gentle, and the animals are extra energetic.
What nationwide park is greatest to go to in September?
We simply made an inventory of this! Go test it out right here.
What’s the greatest nationwide park to go to within the fall?
All of the parks on this checklist are good for one purpose or one other, however our vote goes to Acadia Nationwide Park for fall foliage.
What’s Zion like in September?
With a excessive of 91 levels Fahrenheit and a low of 60. Keep away from uncovered hikes in the midst of the day, and use the nice and cozy temps to discover the river and canyon.
How is Yellowstone in September?
Yellowstone in September is far quieter whereas the animals are nonetheless energetic. Temperatures are cooler, with common highs round 68 and lows round 39.
What’s Yosemite like in September?
The climate is heat and sunny, with a excessive of round 82 and a low of round 51. It’s the tail finish of their busy months since every part continues to be open. To keep away from crowds, go on longer hikes or keep away from the Valley. The park is large enough to discover in solitude so long as you understand the place to go.
Is Glacier park open in September?
September is normally the final month that every part is open in Glacier Nationwide Park, whereas in October, roads begin to shut.
How scorching is Grand Canyon in September?
On the South Rim, the highs are normally round 76 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 43.
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“Discovery consists not of searching for new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Are you able to consider others that belong on this checklist of greatest nationwide parks to go to in August? Which of them are we lacking?
