Commercial Use Permits
A Commercial Use Authorization is required for all commercial tours in Death Valley National Park. A Commercial Tour is defined as "consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of this service."
2009 Commercial Use Authorizations
CUA holders from 2009 are required to complete and submit a Year-End Report. Reports can be returned via fax or mail.
2010 Commercial Use Authorizations Applications for 2010 Commercial Use Authorizations are currently being accepted. Application forms, application instructions and appendices for specific CUA activities can be downloaded below. Please contact the CUA Program Manager at 760-786-3241, or click here to email, if the requested activity does not fall into these designated categories or if you need further information.
Guided Hiking Trips
Guided Backcountry
Stock/Packing Trips
Vision Quest-type Backcountry Camping
Guided Motorcycle Trips
Photography & Art Workshops
Guided Bicycle Trips
Commercial Tours
Filming Permits
Commercial filming or photography requires a filming permit. Permits are not required for visitors using cameras and/or recording devices for personal use, and they are not required for film or video news crews at breaking news events.
The Application for Photography/Filming (105k PDF) is required to evaluate a permit request. The completed form should be mailed to the Special Park Uses Coordinator at the address shown on the application form.
The Filming Guidelines (48k PDF) is designed to answer specific questions about the permit process, fees, bonds, insurance, and closures/restrictions.
Special Use Permits
A special-use permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large, and that require some degree of management from the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest.
Special-use permits are required for events such as: weddings, ceremonies, First Amendment activities, festivals, concerts, cultural programs, sporting events, and public spectator attractions. You may download an Application for Special Use Permit (67k PDF).
For information on sporting events, click on the following links, depending on the event:
Sporting Events - Bicycle
Sporting Events - Running
For questions about special-use permits, call the Special Park Uses Coordinator at 760-786-3241 or to email, click here.
Research Permits
To apply for a scientific research and collecting permit on the National Park Service’s "Research Permit and Reporting System" website, go to http://science.nature.nps.gov/research. The RPRS website has information on the necessary procedures and requirements.
