In search of the very best nationwide parks to go to in September?
September is one in every of our favourite occasions to go to Nationwide Parks. Some parks begin to see the indicators of fall, and since most youngsters are again at school, 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 Go away no Hint ideas. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and don’t take something you discover within the parks.
In regards to the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place collectively this listing, 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 taking place within the space. We additionally took under consideration any distinctive adventures solely provided at sure occasions of the yr to seek out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was lots!
It took me an entire 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 listing 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 | Might | 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 slender it all the way down to our typical prime 15. 17 will simply need to do.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this yr? Choose up an America the Lovely annual cross to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per car). Plus, you’re serving to help the Parks that all the time 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 often peak across the third week of September, and it’s additionally a very good 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 / High Actions: Mountaineering, Leaf-Peeping, Wildlife, Pictures, 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. Maintain your ear out for the male elk’s bugle within the early evenings. They do that to sign dominance and appeal to females. Maintain 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 every of our favourite parks, however we hear numerous complaints concerning the crowds. September provides you a very good stability for fewer crowds, and it’s sometimes the final month that every thing continues to be open. It’s not on the prime of our listing for parks with the very best fall foliage since many of the timber are evergreen, however you will see hints of fall, which peaks mid-Oct. We’ve principally taken summer season and winter journeys to Yosemite, however Jacob obtained to go to most not too long ago 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 / High Actions: Mountaineering and Backpacking, Excursions, Pictures, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Taft Level, Glacier Level, Half Dome, Tunnel View
- Wildlife – Bears, Mule Deer, Massive Horn Sheep, Nice Grey Owl, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Porcupines, Pink 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 wish to go to throughout Spring and Summer time as an alternative. A lot of the waterfalls, together with Yosemite Falls, can have little to no water by this time of yr.
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. If you happen to’re searching for colourful leaves, mid-September is often the very best time. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may as well catch the Northern Lights.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, Stargazing, Guided Excursions, Hen 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 by way of water. Test their web site and Guests Middle for more information.
See – Your Checklist 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 mountaineering 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 mountaineering temps, it rained the complete time.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering / Backpacking, Scenic Drive, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fern Canyon, Woman Hen 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 yr. The skies are often clear and sunny, and the evenings are cool. You possibly can go mountaineering, view wildlife, and take within the sights. We visited on our cross-country street journey in late June, which was manner too sizzling for us. I bear in mind taking a number of breaks within the automotive for AC.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering / 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 completely different areas. Begin on the Guests Middle, they usually might help you profit from your time there.
See – Full Nationwide Parks Checklist by State
6. Nice Basin Nationwide Park, Nevada
100 Nice Basin, Baker, NV 89311, map
Common Temperatures: 67°F / 43°F
Why Go to: If you happen to love stargazing, the Nice Basin Astronomy Competition occurs in late September. It additionally brings nice mountaineering 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 happen to’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 / 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 might be early snowstorms, so maintain an eye fixed out for the climate. Test their present snow and street situations 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 gratifying. 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 get pleasure from some heat.
Finest For / High Actions: Scenic Drives, Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Mountaineering
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 might 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 Middle 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 prime precedence and also you’re searching for a quieter time, go in early September between the summer season crowds and leaf peepers.
Finest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Mountaineering, 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 kinds of tickets that you could 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 possibly can cowl some floor on the over 300 miles of trails, or in order for you a extra leisurely expertise, the scenic drives are additionally stunning. If you happen to’re there to see foliage, fall colours peak sometimes round late September and early October.
Finest 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, it’s essential to 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, 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.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, Sand Boarding, Off-Roading, Stargazing, Pictures
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 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 mountaineering trails, the temperatures are a lot cooler than in the summertime. And don’t miss out on the Bat Flight Program (late Might by October at 7 pm)!
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, Wildlife Viewing, Guided Excursions, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bat Flight Program, Massive 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 Must 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 superb time since you lose the summer season crowds, however most every thing continues to be accessible. Mid-September to mid-October is a superb 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 / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mammoth Scorching Springs, Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Outdated Trustworthy, 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 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, but it surely’s getting extra widespread as a result of its fall colours and wildlife. It’s additionally shoulder season, though this park by no means will get that busy.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering / 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 all the time good to test the present situations 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 an incredible Nationwide 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.
Finest For / High Actions: Mountaineering, 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 Middle, Museum, or the Durango Welcome Middle 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 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 / High Actions: Mountaineering / Backpacking, Tenting, Fishing, Kayaking, Scuba Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ferry Experience, 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 superb 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 mountaineering temps whereas going leaf-peeping.
Finest For / High Actions: Soaking in Springs, Mountaineering, 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, 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 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 Honest (Sep September 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 / High Actions: Guided Excursions, Museums, Sightseeing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Tram Experience 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 well-liked parking on the Stadium East Parking Storage. It’s at the moment $9 for five hours.
Map of the Finest Nationwide Parks to Go to in September
Need to See Extra NATIONAL Parks to Go to in SeptembeR?
If you happen to’re a nationwide park lover like us and have accomplished most of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in September. Whereas September will not be the highest two months out of the yr to go to these parks, it’s nonetheless a good time.
- Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
- Massive 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 Go away no Hint ideas. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many others.
- Choose up the Nationwide Park Annual Cross if you happen to plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr. It saves you some huge cash.
- Need to see fall foliage? Local weather change and droughts this yr will make timing extra unpredictable. We sometimes go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by all of the current posts to see what it’s wanting like. Take into account 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 all the time 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 probably be heat on the valley ground and chilly at greater elevations.
- You could want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times test the park’s web site and Guests Middle for probably the most up-to-date info on closures.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be aware of work together with animals and the way a lot house you must 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 basic information on gadgets we all the time 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 is dependent upon the area, however typically, September and October are the very best occasions to go to since most parks are much less crowded. Plus, it’s often cheaper, the climate is gentle, and the animals are extra lively.
What nationwide park is greatest to go to in September?
We simply made a listing 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 listing 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 way 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 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 you recognize the place to go.
Is Glacier park open in September?
September is often the final month that every thing is open in Glacier Nationwide 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.
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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 listing of greatest nationwide parks to go to in August? Which of them are we lacking?
