Road-Based Commercial Tours in Big Bend National Park

Operators in Big Bend NP must be familiar with park guidelines for motorcoaches and buses.

On May 26, 2020, the National Park Service announced it will not standardize the Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) requirement for road-based commercial tours and will not raise commercial tour entrance fees from current rates.

The parks that have historically issued road-based commercial tour CUAs may continue to do so and will charge current CUA fees. Parks that have not historically issued road-based commercial tour CUAs will not begin issuing at this time. As usual, road-based commercial tour operators need to check with each park individually for specific CUA requirements and fees as well as any park-specific operating requirements.

Big Bend National Park does not issue Road-based Commercial Tour CUA’s. Operators are authorized to operate on paved park roads with visits to facilities, services, vehicle pullouts, scenic waysides, developed areas and must adhere to all park rules and familiarize your tour guide/bus driver with the “Summary of Rules for Motorcoaches and Buses.”

Chisos Basin Parking Restrictions:
ONE bus may park behind the visitor center. Do not block emergency access. Overnight parking will require Superintendent’s approval and MUST be submitted in writing and in advance. NO “on demand” requests will be granted.

Please refer to Summary of Rules for Motorcoaches and Buses for:

• Maximum group size
• Motorcoach/bus per day limits
• Authorized locations
• Parking restrictions
• Pre-approval for overnight parking in the Chisos Basin
• Step-on guide service

 

Contact Us

If you have any questions concerning the Commercial Use Authorization program at Big Bend, please contact:

Kelly VandenBerg
CUA Coordinator
email: [e-mail]
cell [phone]

 

Chisos Basin Parking Restrictions: 

ONE bus may park behind the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. Do not block emergency access. Overnight parking will require Superintendent’s approval and MUST be submitted in writing and in advance. NO “on demand” requests will be granted.