The National Park Service requires specific authorizations for commercial businesses to operate in National Parks, usually in the form of a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). If a business does not have a Commercial Use Authorization, they may not operate in the park.
Commercial service opportunities in Bandelier National Monument are reviewed annually and subject to change year to year.
CUA Program Updates - 2024
The application fee for CUA permits has increased to $170.00 for 2024.
Market price management fee for CUA permits implemented for 2024.
Parks are required to collect a reasonable fee to recover the costs associated with administereing and managing the CUA program.CUA holders are subject to a market price fee calculated by gross receipts earned from park-based operations. Application fees are credited to the CUA holder upon payment of market price fee. Fees are based on the following:
Market Price Fee (% of gross receipts earned from park-based operations)
<$250,000.00 - 3% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
$250,000>00 to $500,000>00 - 4% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
>$500,000.00 - 5% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
Road Based Commercial tour permits not required for 2024
Bandelier is pausing the need for road-based tour companies to obtain a Bandelier CUA permit for 2024. This is a temporary pause for the 2024 permit year at Bandelier ONLY. Permitting requirements vary at each NPS site and other areas may still require road-based CUA permits. Road based tour operaters should contact each individual NPS site for that park's specific requirements. The National Park Service is in the process of standardizing requirements and fees for road-based tour operators, at which time, CUA permits will once again be required at Bandelier for road-based tour operators. Also, since permits are not being required during 2024, road-based tour groups will be required to take the Bandelier Shuttle (mid-May to mid-October) if arriving in vehicles with capacity of 15 passengers or less.
Important Dates
December 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024: CUA Application period for 2024. No applications accepted after July 31, 2024.
February 27, 2024: Virtual 2024 CUA Meeting (optional)
January 31, 2024: Annual Reports due for previous calendar year of operation. Failure to submit annual reporting will result in application denial for new year CUA.
What is a CUA?
A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a National Park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that:
are determined to be an appropriate use of Bandelier National Monument;
will have minimal impact on Bandelier National Monument's resources and values; and
are consistent with Bandelier National Monument's purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
A CUA is required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
take place at least in part in Bandelier National Monument,
use park resources, and
result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
Businesses and individuals may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.
How much does a CUA cost?
Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee for Bandelier CUAs is $170.00. This fee is due at application submission. Application fees are required for each CUA permit application. Market Price Fee: Parks are required to collect a reasonable fee to recover the costs associated with administering and managing the CUA program. CUA holders are subject to a market price fee calculated by gross receipts earned from park-based operations. Application fees are credited to the CUA holder upon payment of market price fee. Fees are based on the following:
Market Price Fee (% of gross receipts earned form park-based operations)
<$250,000.00 - 3% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
$250,000.00 to $500,000.00 - 4% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
>$500,000.00 - 5% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
You will receive a bill of collection for the management fee from Bandelier National Monument by December 1. Payment is due by January 31. You may subit your payment via Pay.gov or by check with advance approval of CUA Coordinator.
Do CUA holders have to pay park entrance fees?
Yes. Road-based commercial tour operators, while not required to obtain a CUA in 2024, pay the commercial tour entrance fee each time they enter the park.Park Fees and Passes
Other types of CUA holders pay the park's per person entrance fee of $15/person for their clients; Interagency and Bandelier Annual passes held by clients are accepted. Park Fees and Passes
How do I apply for a CUA?
Step 1:
Download and complete the CUA Application Bandelier National Monument only accepts a CUA application for the commercial activities listed below. Reach out to the CUA Program Office for activities not listed.
Commercial Guided Tour Services - Front Country
Front country includes all developed areas in Frijoles Canyon (Pueblo Loop Trail, Alcove House, Falls Trail, Frey Trail,) campgrounds (including Overlook Trail), and remote trail heads (Burnt Mesa, Cerro Grande & Ski Trails, Tsankawi, Apache Springs, and Alamo Boundary Trail).
Commercial Guided Tour Services - Back Country
Back country includes undeveloped areas and trails located within Bandelier (south/southwest of Frijoles Canyon to Rio Grande and park western boundary; up Frijoles Canyon to Rio Grande and park western boundary; up Frijoles Canyon past Alcove House). Includes all of Bandelier Wilderness.
Step 2:
Pay the non-refundable application fee via Pay.gov or check with advanced approval from CUA Coordinator.
Submit your application package via email to Bandelier National Monument. Complete appication packages should include:
The signed application
Insurance certificate(s) (see Attachement A of application for insurance requirements)
Proof of payment of application fee
And any aditionally required documentation (see Attachement B of application for any additional required documentation)
Incomplete applications will not be processed.
How long does it take to get a CUA?
Bandelier National Monument requires 2-4 weeks upon receipt of a complete application package to process a CUA application. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
What are the reporting requirements?
CUA holders must submit an annual report for the previous year by January 31. Download the report form. This report provides the park with visitation statistics, reportable injury data, and a record of annual gross receipts.
You must return this report via email by January 31 each year. Failure to return required reports or misrepresentation of statistics or earnings will result in denial of your next CUA application.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the CUA application process or requirements, please contact the Bandelier CUA Program at band_cua_program@nps.gov
