Looking for the perfect nationwide parks to go to in September?
September is certainly one of our favourite instances to go to National 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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Last Updated: September 1, 2022
Before we get into it, we need to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Leave no Trace Principles. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, reduce campfire affect, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
About the National Park by month Series
To put collectively this record, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal sights like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place within the space. We additionally thought-about any distinctive adventures solely provided at sure instances of the 12 months to search out essentially the most optimum months to go to every National Park. Phew! that was rather a lot!
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!). Also, take a look at our full record of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park items 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 sequence.
National Parks: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul
Is September a Good Time to Visit National Parks?
Yes! It’s the perfect month for thus 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 12 months? Pick up an America the Beautiful annual go 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 funding.
17 Best National Parks to Visit in September
1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
43.8067345,-111.2627799, map
Average Temperatures: 66°F / 32°F
Why Visit: September marks the begin of the autumn in Grand Teton National Park. The cottonwood and aspen bushes often 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.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Leaf-Peeping, Wildlife, Photography, Bear
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Scenic Drive, Mormon Row, Whitewater Rafting, Mormon Row
- Wildlife – Bison, Pronghorn, Elk, Moose, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Elk, deer, and moose discover their mates within the Fall. Keep your ear out for the male elk’s bugle within the early evenings. They do that to sign dominance and entice females. Keep 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 Related – 11 Incredible Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
2. Yosemite National Park, California
9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, map
Average Temperatures: 84°F / 50°F
Why Visit: Yosemite remains to be certainly one of our favourite parks, however we hear a number of complaints in regards to the crowds. September offers you a superb steadiness for fewer crowds, and it’s sometimes the final month that every little thing remains to be open. It’s not on the high of our record for parks with the finest fall foliage since many of the bushes are evergreen, however you will discover hints of fall, which peaks mid-Oct. We’ve largely taken summer season and winter journeys to Yosemite, however Jacob received to go to most just lately in late September with out me for a Find Your Park marketing campaign, and out of all of the seasons we visited, it was his favourite time.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking and Backpacking, Tours, Photography, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Taft Point, Glacier Point, Half Dome, Tunnel View
- Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Big Horn Sheep, Great Gray Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Red Foxes
- How many days do you want? 2-4
Pro Tip: We go for the epic valley views, however in the event you’re going for the waterfalls, you’ll need to go to throughout Spring and Summer as a substitute. Most of the waterfalls, together with Yosemite Falls, can have little to no water by this time of 12 months.
See Related – 15 Breathtaking Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
3. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
360 MN-11, International Falls, MN 56649, map
Average Temperatures: 66°F / 45°F
Why Visit: 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 reduce quick as temperatures drop drastically in November. If you’re in search of colourful leaves, mid-September is often the perfect time. If you’re fortunate, you may as well catch the Northern Lights.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Stargazing, Guided Tours, Bird Watching
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Echo Bay Trail, Grassy Bay Cliffs, Anderson Bay, Harry Oveson Fish Camp, Ellsworth Rock Gardens
- Wildlife – Moose, Beaver, Gray Wolf, Bald Eagle
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Certain locations are solely accessible through water. Check their web site and Visitors Center for more information.
See Related – Your List of All National Parks within the US
4. Redwood National Park, California
1600 US-199, Crescent City, CA 95531, map
Average Temperatures: 68°F / 44°F
Why Visit: September is a superb month to go to Redwood National Park with cool climbing temps and thinning crowds. You 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 climbing temps, it rained the complete time.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking / Backpacking, Scenic Drive, Photography
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Stour Grove, Enderts Beach, Avenue of the Giants
- Wildlife – Roosevelt Elk, Bats, Black Bears, Mountain Lions, Harbor Seal, Sea Lions, Whales
- How many days do you want? 2-4
Local Tip: Redwood National 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 Related – 15 Epic Things to Do in Redwood National Park and State Park
5. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
47.2544508,-104.6167041, map
Average Temperatures: 75°F / 42°F
Why Visit: September is the locals’ favourite time of the 12 months. The skies are often clear and sunny, and the evenings are cool. You can go climbing, view wildlife, and take within the sights. We visited on our cross-country street journey in late June, which was method too sizzling for us. I bear in mind taking plenty of breaks within the automotive for AC.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking / Backpacking, Stargazing, Kayaking, Fishing, Guided Tours
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 Dogs
- How many days do you want? 2-3
Pro Tip: The park has three completely different areas. Start on the Visitors Center, they usually can assist you benefit from your time there.
See Related – Complete National Parks List by State
6. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
100 Great Basin, Baker, NV 89311, map
Average Temperatures: 67°F / 43°F
Why Visit: If you like stargazing, the Great Basin Astronomy Festival occurs in late September. It additionally brings nice climbing climate, and the caves keep the identical temperature year-round. We visited in June, which is the opposite optimum month to go to. If you’re not a lot into stargazing, anytime from June-September is nice. Since it’s one of many lesser-known nationwide parks, you don’t have to fret about summer season crowds like at Zion or Yosemite.
Best For / Top Activities: Hikers / Backpackers, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bristlecone Trail, Lehman Caves, Wheelers Peak, Stella Lake
- Wildlife – Water Shrews, Voles, Porcupines, Beavers, Ringtail Cats, Marmots, Bobcats, Mountain Lions
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: As it will get later in September, there will be early snowstorms, so preserve an eye fixed out for the climate. Check their present snow and street situations earlier than you go.
See Related – 7 Things You Can’t Miss in Great Basin National Park
7. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
43.6835523,-102.6622546, map
Average Temperatures: 76°F / 52°F
Why Visit: Temperatures drop over 10 levels in September, making the climate rather more gratifying. Plus, the busy summer season crowds are gone. In October, the temps begin dropping even decrease, so September is the perfect time to nonetheless take pleasure in some heat.
Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Hiking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fossil Preparation Lab, Sage Creek Rim Road, Sheep Mountain Table, Badlands Loop Road
- Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Dogs, Bighorn Sheep, Black-Footed Ferret
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Most of the highlights will be seen from the scenic drives, however hop out for some simple hikes (most are 1.25 miles or much less).
See Related – First Timer’s Guide to Badlands National Park
8. Acadia National Park, Maine
25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, map
Average Temperatures: 67°F / 48°F
Why Visit: September and October are the 2 finest months to go to Acadia. Although mid-October is finest for fall colours, you’ll compete with the leaf-peeping crowds. If the autumn foliage isn’t a high precedence and also you’re in search of a quieter time, go in early September between the summer season crowds and leaf peepers.
Best For / Top Activities: Scenic Drive, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Cycling, Lobster Boat Cruise, Kayaking, Tidepooling
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Cadillac Mountain, Scenic Park Loop Road, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Precipice Trail, Thunder Hole
- Wildlife – Moose, Black Bears, Whitetail Deer, Beavers, Seals, Harbor Porpoises
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: Tickets are actually required to drive up Cadillac Summit Road. There are two varieties of tickets which you can get at Recreation.gov.
See Related – 15 Breathtaking Things to Do in Acadia National Park
9. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, map
Average Temperatures: 59°F / 38°F
Why Visit: September is a nice time to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. You 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. If you’re there to see foliage, fall colours peak sometimes round late September and early October.
Best For / Top Activities: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Trail Ridge Road, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Road, Alpine Ridge Trail, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
- Wildlife – Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions, Deer, Bears, Bobcats
- How many days do you want? 2-4
Pro Tip: If you need to discover Bear Lake Road, you will need to get a allow.
10. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
11999 CO-150, Mosca, CO 81146, map
Average Temperatures: 73°F / 44°F
Why Visit: September has the finest climate of the 12 months, in keeping with the National Parks Service. The skies are sometimes clear and sunny, and the aspens begin altering colours peaking in late September or early October.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Sand Boarding, Off-Roading, Stargazing, Photography
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – High Dune, Sand Boarding, Medano Creek, Zapata Falls
- Wildlife – Mule Deer, Ord’s Kangaroo Rats, Black Bears, Abert’s Squirrels, Pronghorn, Pikas, Elk
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: During early September, the floor temperatures of the dunes can nonetheless attain as much as 150 levels.
See Related – 9 Things You Can’t Miss at Great Sand Dunes National Park
11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, map
Average Temperatures: 79°F / 57°F
Why Visit: September is the tail finish of the realm’s “wet” season, though that doesn’t imply it will get a lot rain. But you see it as inexperienced because it will get this time of 12 months. Plus, if you wish to discover any of the floor climbing trails, the temperatures are a lot cooler than in the summertime. And don’t miss out on the Bat Flight Program (late May by way of October at 7 pm)!
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Guided Tours, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bat Flight Program, Big Room and Natural Entrance Trails, Guadalupe Ridge Trail
- Wildlife – Vesper Bats, Coyotes, Gray Fox, Kit Fox, Bobcat, Black Bears, Pronghorn, Vipers, Box Turtles
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro 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 Related – 15 Least Visited National Parks You Need to Explore Next
12. Yellowstone IN SEPTEMBER
44.4279929,-110.6243323, map
Average Temperatures: 62°F / 31°F
Why Visit: Summer is just too crowded in Yellowstone. September is a superb time since you lose the summer season crowds, however most every little thing remains to be accessible. Mid-September to mid-October is a superb time to see the elk rut (males out in search of mates). Plus, bears are prepping for the winter, and also you get to benefit from the park with fall foliage.
Best For / Top Activities: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring
- Wildlife – Bison, Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Mule Deer, Elk, Bighorn Sheep
- How many days do you want? 2-4
Pro 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 Related – The Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
13. North Cascades National Park, Washington
376 Newhalem St, Marblemount, WA 98267, map
Average Temperatures: 46°F / 26°F
Why Visit: The climate is chilly in September, nevertheless it’s getting extra in style as a result of its fall colours and wildlife. It’s additionally shoulder season, though this park by no means will get that busy.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking / Backpacking, Fishing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – North Cascades Highway, Cascade Pass, Washington Pass Overlook, Diablo Lake Vista Point, Stehekin
- Wildlife – Black Bears, Gray Wolves, Elks, Beavers, Bobcats
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: With the cooling climate, it’s at all times good to examine the present situations earlier than heading there in case there are any closures.
See Related – Travelogue: North Cascades National Park
14. Mesa Verde National Park, New Mexico
35853 Rd H.5, Mancos, CO 81328, map
Average Temperatures: 74°F / 46°F
Why Visit: Mesa Verde is an incredible National Park and archeological web site. There are 600 cliff dwellings! In September, the temperatures cool down, and crowds skinny, making it a nicer time to discover the websites.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking, Guided Tours, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drive
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Step House, Mesa Top Loop Road, Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum
- Wildlife – Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coyote, Bobcat, Spotted Bat, Great Horned Owl
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Local Tip: Stop by the Visitors Center, Museum, or the Durango Welcome Center to buy tickets for the guided excursions
See Related – 7 Things You Can’t Miss in Mesa Verde National Park
15. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
800 E Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, map
Average Temperatures: 62°F / 49°F
Why Visit: 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. Although, 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.
Best For / Top Activities: Hiking / Backpacking, Camping, Fishing, Kayaking, Scuba Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ferry Ride, Greenstone Ridge Trail, Tour the three Lighthouses
- Wildlife – Moose, Wolves, Elk, Snowshoe Hares, Foxes, Mink, Beavers
- How many days do you want? 1-3
16. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
629 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, map
Average Temperatures: 85°F / 61°F
Why Visit: September is a superb time to go to Hot Springs National Park as a result of it’s shoulder season with fewer crowds across the springs. Plus, it makes for higher climbing temps whereas going leaf-peeping.
Best For / Top Activities: Soaking in Springs, Hiking, Birdwatching, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Buckstaff Bathhouse, Quapaw Bathhouse, The Display Spring, Hot Water Cascade
- Wildlife – White-Tailed Deer, Groundhog, Black Bear, Bats, Song Birds
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: You can not soak in any of the outside thermal springs, solely within the two bathhouses.
17. Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
11 N 4th St #1810, St. Louis, MO 63102, map
Average Temperatures: 80°F / 57°F
Why Visit: This isn’t a park like the best way we historically consider National Parks, however St Louis is a superb metropolis to go to this time of 12 months with tons of festivals and occasions.
Festivals and Events: St Louis World’s Fare Heritage Festival & Games (Sep 2-4), The Gateway Cup (Sep 2-5), St Nicholas Greek Festival (Sep 2-5), Japanese Festival (Sep 3-5), St Louis Art Fair (Sep 11th of September), Ascension CHarity Classic (Sep 6-11), Music on the Intersection (Sep 10-11), St Louis Ren Faire (Sep 17-Oct 23), Greater St Louis Hispanic Festival (Sep 23-25), and Taste of St Louis (Sep 23-25).
Best For / Top Activities: Guided Tours, Museums, Sightseeing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Tram Ride to the Top, Explorer’s Garden, Reflection Ponds, Grand Staircase, Old Courthouse
- Wildlife – Gray Squirrel, Opossum, Coyote, Bats
- How many days do you want? 1-3
Pro Tip: There isn’t any official parking at Gateway Arch National Park, however you get most well-liked parking on the Stadium East Parking Garage. It is presently $9 for five hours.
Map of the Best National Parks to Visit in September
Want to See More NATIONAL Parks to Visit in SeptembeR?
If you’re a nationwide park lover like us and have carried out lots of the above, listed here are some extra concepts for National Parks to go to in September. While September might not be the highest two months out of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless a good time.
- Arches National Park, Utah
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
- Canyonlands National Park, Utah (submit coming quickly!)
- Capitol Reef National Park, Utah (submit coming quickly!)
- Channel Islands National Park, California
- Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
- Denali National Park, Alaska
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
- Lassen Volcanic National Park, California (submit coming quickly!)
- New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington (submit coming quickly!)
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona (submit coming quickly!)
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, California
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Zion National Park, Utah
Tips for Visiting the Best National Parks in September
- Explore the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace ideas. Stay on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many others.
- Pick up the National Park Annual Pass in the event you plan on visiting a number of parks inside the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Want to see fall foliage? Climate change and droughts this 12 months will make timing extra unpredictable. We sometimes go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by way of all of the current posts to see what it’s wanting like. Keep in thoughts that folks submit older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You may 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 throughout the day and funky at night time. Pay consideration to the elevation change too! Some parks will probably be heat on the valley ground and chilly at larger elevations.
- You may have a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- Always examine the park’s web site and Visitors Center for essentially the most up-to-date data on closures.
- Remember that wildlife is wild. Be aware of the way to work together with animals and the way a lot house it’s best to have between you and them.
What to Pack
How you’ll pack is dependent upon which park you go to and the actions you propose, however here’s a normal information on gadgets we at all times attempt to pack.
Want to know what to put on to the airport? Here’s my very best airport outfit.
FAQs
Are nationwide parks crowded in September?
September is without doubt one of the finest instances of 12 months to go to National Parks as a result of they’re much less crowded than in the summertime.
What time of 12 months is finest to go to nationwide parks?
This is dependent upon the area, however on the whole, September and October are the perfect instances to go to since most parks are much less crowded. Plus, it’s often cheaper, the climate is gentle, and the animals are extra energetic.
What nationwide park is finest to go to in September?
We simply made an inventory of this! Go test it out right here.
What is the perfect nationwide park to go to within the fall?
All the parks on this record are good for one cause or one other, however our vote goes to Acadia National Park for fall foliage.
What is Zion like in September?
With a excessive of 91 levels Fahrenheit and a low of 60. Avoid 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 is 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 remains to be open. To keep away from crowds, go on longer hikes or keep away from the Valley. The park is sufficiently big to discover in solitude so long as the place to go.
Is Glacier park open in September?
September is often the final month that every little thing is open in Glacier National Park, whereas in October, roads begin to shut.
How sizzling is Grand Canyon in September?
On the South Rim, the highs are often round 76 levels Fahrenheit, and the lows are round 43.
Can you consider others that belong on this record of finest nationwide parks to go to in September? Which ones are we lacking?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust