Searching for the very best nationwide parks to go to in September?
September is certainly one of our favourite occasions to go to Nationwide Parks. Some parks begin to see the indicators of fall, and since most children 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 wish to remind everybody to please discover the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace principles. 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 Sequence
To place collectively this checklist, we’ve mixed our private experiences and ideas we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal sights like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions occurring within the space. We additionally took under consideration any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure occasions of the yr to search out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was so much!
It took me an entire week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was utterly value 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 models that embrace soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embrace 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 very best month for therefore many nationwide parks that we couldn’t even slim it right down to our typical high 15. 17 will simply should do.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Decide up an America the Lovely annual go to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you might be serving to assist the Parks that at all times want the funding.
17 Finest 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.
Finest For / Prime Actions: 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. Preserve your ear out for the male elk’s bugle within the early evenings. They do that to sign dominance and appeal to females. Preserve your distance, although (a minimal of 25 yards for elk), they’re wild and will react defensively in the event that they sense you.
See Associated – 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 certainly one of our favourite parks, however we hear a number of complaints concerning the crowds. September offers you a superb stability for fewer crowds, and it’s usually the final month that every little thing continues to be open. It’s not on the high of our checklist for parks with the very best fall foliage since many of the timber are evergreen, however one can find hints of fall, which peaks mid-Oct. We’ve largely taken summer season and winter journeys to Yosemite, however Jacob obtained to go to most 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.
Finest For / Prime Actions: 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, Purple Foxes
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: We go for the epic valley views, however when you’re going for the waterfalls, you’ll wish to go to throughout Spring and Summer time as a substitute. Many of the waterfalls, together with Yosemite Falls, may have little to no water by this time of yr.
See Associated – 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 good 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 lower quick as temperatures drop drastically in November. In the event you’re searching for colourful leaves, mid-September is normally the very best time. In the event you’re fortunate, you may as well catch the Northern Lights.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Stargazing, Guided Excursions, Chook 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. Test their web site and Guests Heart for more information.
See Associated – Your Record 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 good month to go to Redwood Nationwide Park with cool mountain climbing temps and thinning crowds. You possibly can benefit from the turning of the season whereas nonetheless catching a number of the summer season heat. Our second and most up-to-date go to was in late October, and whereas it was nice mountain climbing temps, it rained the whole time.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Climbing / Backpacking, Scenic Drive, Images
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fern Canyon, Woman Chook 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 presents distinctive landscapes, together with redwood forests and seashores.
See Associated – 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 yr. The skies are normally clear and sunny, and the evenings are cool. You possibly can 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 lot of breaks within the automobile for AC.
Finest For / Prime Actions: 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 Canine
- 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 take advantage of your time there.
See Associated – Full Nationwide Parks Record by State
6. Nice Basin Nationwide Park, Nevada
100 Nice Basin, Baker, NV 89311, map
Common Temperatures: 67°F / 43°F
Why Go to: In the event you love stargazing, the Nice Basin Astronomy Competition 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. In the event you’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 season crowds like at Zion or Yosemite.
Finest For / Prime 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 will be early snowstorms, so hold a watch out for the climate. Test their current snow and road conditions earlier than you go.
See Associated – 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 rather more pleasant. Plus, the busy summer season crowds are gone. In October, the temps begin dropping even decrease, so September is the very best time to nonetheless take pleasure in some heat.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fossil Preparation Lab, Sage Creek Rim Street, Sheep Mountain Desk, Badlands Loop Street
- Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Canine, Bighorn Sheep, Black-Footed Ferret
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Many of the highlights will be seen from the scenic drives, however hop out for some straightforward 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 searching for a quieter time, go in early September between the summer season crowds and leaf peepers.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Climbing, Rock Climbing, Biking, Lobster Boat Cruise, Kayaking, Tidepooling
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Cadillac Mountain, Scenic Park Loop Street, 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 Street. There are two kinds of tickets that you could get at Recreation.gov.
See Associated – 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 possibly can 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. In the event you’re there to see foliage, fall colours peak usually round late September and early October.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Path Ridge Street, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Street, 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 Street, you could 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 yr, based on the Nationwide Parks Service. The skies are usually clear and sunny, and the aspens begin altering colours peaking in late September or early October.
Finest For / Prime Actions: 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 Associated – 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 world’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 yr. 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 way of October at 7 pm)!
Finest For / Prime Actions: 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: If you’re doing the Bat Flight Program, no digital units are allowed (together with cameras and cell telephones) to guard the bats.
See Associated – 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 simply too crowded in Yellowstone. September is a good time since you lose the summer season crowds, however most every little thing continues to be accessible. Mid-September to mid-October is a good time to see the elk rut (males out searching for mates). Plus, bears are prepping for the winter, and also you get to benefit from the park with fall foliage.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Scorching Springs, Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Previous 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 backwards and forwards.
See Associated – The Finest 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, nevertheless it’s getting extra well-liked resulting from its fall colours and wildlife. It’s additionally shoulder season, though this park by no means will get that busy.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Climbing / Backpacking, Fishing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – North Cascades Freeway, Cascade Cross, Washington Cross 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 good to test the current conditions earlier than heading there in case there are any closures.
See Associated – 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.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Guided Excursions, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drive
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Cliff Palace, Balcony Home, Step Home, Mesa Prime Loop Street, 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 Associated – 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 yr 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.
Finest For / Prime Actions: 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. Scorching Springs Nationwide Park, Arkansas
629 Central Ave, Scorching Springs Nationwide Park, AR 71901, map
Common Temperatures: 85°F / 61°F
Why Go to: September is a good time to go to Scorching 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.
Finest For / Prime Actions: Soaking in Springs, Climbing, Birdwatching, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Buckstaff Bathhouse, Quapaw Bathhouse, The Show Spring, Scorching Water Cascade
- Wildlife – White-Tailed Deer, Groundhog, Black Bear, Bats, Track 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 way in which we historically consider Nationwide Parks, however St Louis is a good metropolis to go to this time of yr with tons of festivals and occasions.
Festivals and Occasions: St Louis World’s Fare Heritage Competition & Video games (Sep 2-4), The Gateway Cup (Sep 2-5), St Nicholas Greek Competition (Sep 2-5), Japanese Competition (Sep 3-5), St Louis Artwork Truthful (Sep Sept. 11), Ascension CHarity Basic (Sep 6-11), Music on the Intersection (Sep 10-11), St Louis Ren Faire (Sep 17-Oct 23), Higher St Louis Hispanic Competition (Sep 23-25), and Style of St Louis (Sep 23-25).
Finest For / Prime Actions: Guided Excursions, Museums, Sightseeing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Tram Trip to the Prime, Explorer’s Backyard, Reflection Ponds, Grand Staircase, Previous 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 presently $9 for five hours.
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in September
Wish to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in SeptembeR?
In the event you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have finished most of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in September. Whereas September is probably not the highest two months out of the yr to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless a good time.
- Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
- Huge Bend Nationwide Park, Texas
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park, Colorado
- Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah (submit coming quickly!)
- Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Utah (submit 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 (submit coming quickly!)
- New River Gorge Nationwide Park, West Virginia
- Mount Rainier Nationwide Park, Washington (submit coming quickly!)
- Olympic Nationwide Park, Washington
- Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona (submit coming quickly!)
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, California
- Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia
- Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
Ideas for Visiting the Finest Nationwide Parks in September
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace principles. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and so on.
- Decide up the Nationwide Park Annual Cross when you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- Wish to see fall foliage? Local weather change and droughts this yr will make timing extra unpredictable. We usually go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by way of all of the latest posts to see what it’s trying like. Understand that folks submit older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You can too depart 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 through the day and funky at evening. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks can be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at greater elevations.
- You might want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times test the park’s website and Guests Heart for essentially the most up-to-date info on closures.
- Do not forget that wildlife is wild. Be aware of work together with animals and the way a lot area you need to have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack relies on which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a normal information on objects we at all times attempt to pack.
FAQs
Are nationwide parks crowded in September?
September is without doubt one of the greatest occasions of yr to go to Nationwide Parks as a result of they’re much less crowded than in the summertime.
What time of yr is greatest to go to nationwide parks?
This relies on the area, however on the whole, September and October are the very best occasions to go to since most parks are much less crowded. Plus, it’s normally cheaper, the climate is delicate, and the animals are extra lively.
What nationwide park is greatest to go to in September?
We simply made an inventory of this! Go test it out here.
What’s the greatest nationwide park to go to within the fall?
All of the parks on this checklist are good for one motive 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 lively. 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 little thing 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 the place to go.
Is Glacier park open in September?
September is normally the final month that every little thing 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 in search of 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?
