Permits

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Special Use Permits	Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)
Filming and Photography	Scientific Research & Collection

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PERMITS

Certain activities require permits because they may impact the park resources or affect the experience of other visitors. Permits are a tool used by the National Park Service to ensure oversight of certain activities and, in some instances, to recoup the costs of oversight.

The four types of activities listed below require either a permit, license or tickets.

1. Backpacking (overnight)
   Wilderness permits are required for all overnight camping outside designated campgrounds. There is an overnight camping fee of $15 per trip for permits issued by these parks. more...
2. Mt. Whitney
   Permits are required for all hikers (even day hikers) in the Mt. Whitney area. Permits may be obtained from the Inyo National Forest. more...
3. Fishing
   Fishing is permitted in most areas of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and on adjacent national forests. Persons 16 years of age or older are required to have a California fishing license. Get copies of park-specific regulations at any visitor center. Licenses are not always available in park markets, so bring them with you or you may get one at Hume Lake (north of the Grant Grove area). Tackle is available at most park markets.
4. Cave Tours
   Anyone wishing to visit Crystal Cave must be part of a guided tour. Tour tickets are not sold at the cave entrance; they must be purchased in person at Foothills or Lodgepole visitor centers in Sequoia National Park. Allow at least 1½ hours to drive to the cave.
   Crystal Cave tour information
   
   For in-depth information about permits required to visit other park caves, contact the cave specialist at [phone].

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Special Use Permits
A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

1. Provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large;
2. Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
3. Is not prohibited by law or regulation;
4. Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and
5. Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

Examples include:
Ash-Scattering	Bike Rides (group organized)
Church Service	Demonstration/First Amendment
Freedom-of-Speech Act	Political Event
Public Assemblies	Weddings or Ceremonies

For more information regarding special use permits or to determine if your activity requires one, please call [phone] or e-mail the parks with the subject line "Attn: Special Use Permits."

Applications for permits should be submitted well in advance, preferably 2-3 months before event, for consideration and processing.

Special Permit Applications and Guidelines
General Special Use Permit Application
Ash-Scattering Guidelines Scattering cremated human remains ("cremains") in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks should be a small private activity, held away from high visitor-use areas. A permit is not required, but all park regulations must be followed as outlined in the attachment.

Weddings In The Parks
General Wedding Permit Information
Wedding Locations
Wedding Permit Application

Demonstrations (also referred to as First Amendment Permits)
Demonstrations include picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services, and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.

Demonstrations involving 25 people or less may be held without a permit within designated areas, provided that:

1. The group is not merely an extension of another group already using the park for a demonstration or First Amendment activity.
2. The group will not unreasonably interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events, or park program activities.
3. Hand-carried signs may be used, but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used.
4. While it is not mandatory, the organizer is requested to provide reasonable notice of the proposed event to the park superintendent, including whether or not there is any reason to believe there may be an attempt to disrupt, protest, or prevent the activity.

Demonstration/First Amendment Permit Application
Demonstration/First Amendment Location Maps

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Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA)
Commercial Use Authorizations are most commonly used for businesses that would like to operate guide services in the parks. A business wishing to conduct commercial guided tours must procure a CUA in advance and follow the terms and conditions of the authorization.

Permit applications should be submitted in advance, preferably two months before an event, for consideration and processing.

For more information regarding commercial use authorization (CUA) permits or to determine if your activity requires one, please call [phone] or e-mail the Commercial Services Office with the subject line "CUA".

Instructions
Application
Checklist
Permit
Additional Requirements Mountaineering
Additional Requirements Backcountry Skiing
Additional Requirements Fishing
Acknowledgement of Risk
Stock Use Reports

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Filming and Photography Permits
Filming permits are issued for still photography, filming, and associated sound recordings to ensure the protection of park resources, prevent significant disruptions to park visitors, or when an activity involves props, models, professional crews, and casts or set dressings. Permits are required for access to areas that are normally closed to the visiting public. If you have questions about filming guidelines or need assistance in completing your permit application (see links below), please call [phone] or e-mail the parks with the subject line "Attn: Filming Permits."

Filming and Photography Guidelines
Filming and Photography Permit Application

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Scientific Research & Collection Permits
A permit is required to conduct scientific research or collecting in a national park. This approval must be obtained annually. more...