Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Superintendent's Compendium

In accordance with the delegated authority provided in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), Chapter I, parts 1 through 5, authorized by Title 54 United States Code § 100751, the following regulatory provisions apply to the management, protection, and public use of all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. They do not apply to lands and waters administered by the Bureau of Land Management within the boundaries of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter I, parts 1 through 5. To enhance readability, the remainder of this document will reference the applicable Title, Part, Section, and Subsection only (for example, 36 CFR, 2.13(a)(1), while omitting the Chapter, I).

The regulations contained in 36 CFR parts 2 through 5 shall not be construed to prohibit administrative activities conducted by the National Park Service, or its agents, in accordance with approved general management and resource management plans, or in emergency operations involving threats to life, property, or park resources (36 CFR § 1.2(d).

This compendium supersedes all previous releases, which are rescinded.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required, appear in this document identified by italicized print.

Approved by: Wade Vagias, Superintendent
May 15th, 2025

 

36 CFR, Part 1 - General Provisions

 

36 CFR § 1.4 What terms do I need to know?

Note: The following definitions are those deemed most relevant to the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Compendium. Additional definitions are available in 36 CFR § 1.4.

Backcountry Camping

Camping at sites accessed by hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Cave

The Federal Cave Resource Protection Act of 1988 defines the term “cave” as: Any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess, or system of interconnected passages which occurs beneath the surface of the earth or within a cliff or ledge (including any cave resource therein, but not including any vug, mine, tunnel, aqueduct, or other manmade excavation) and which is large enough to permit an individual to enter, whether or not the entrance is naturally formed or manmade. Such term shall include any natural pit, sinkhole, or other feature which is an extension of the entrance. For management purposes, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve extends this definition to include any dissolution or erosion feature 50 feet or longer where the entrance is not wider than the cave is long.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve spans approximately 753,000 acres. This includes approximately 738,000 acres of federal land; 8,000 acres of state land; and 7,000 acres of private land. The federal land includes approximately 464,000 acres managed by the National Park Service, including approximately 54,000 acres within the original Monument designated in 1924 and 410,000 acres within the National Preserve, and approximately 274,000 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations, 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.

Electric Bicycle (aka E-Bike)

A two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of not more than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following three classes:

1. “Class 1 electric bicycle” shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
2. “Class 2 electric bicycle” shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
3. “Class 3 electric bicycle” shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

Food

Includes any human food, beverage, pet food, grain or other sweet stock food, food tainted garbage, food tainted equipment, toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, and cosmetics, and any creams, ointments, or lotions. Food containers include any object designed to contain food such as ice chests, coolers, food packaging, and grocery bags whether or not they contain food, or any object that contains food such as a pack or stuff sack.

Pack Animal

Horses, burros, mules or other hoofed mammals when designated as pack animals by the superintendent.

Permit

A written authorization to engage in uses or activities that are otherwise prohibited, restricted, or regulated.

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)

A device used for flight in the air without direct human input from being onboard the aircraft. Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) are considered aircraft regardless of size or weight. The “system” incorporates associated operational components including flight controller, flight software, communication radios, cameras, and sensors. UAS comprises all types of single-rotor, multi-rotor, fixed-wing, and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that meet this definition and are used for any purpose, from recreation to commerce.

 

36 CFR § 1.5 Closures and Public Use Limits

The authority for a Park Superintendent to establish a reasonable schedule of visiting hours, impose public use limits or close all or a portion of a park area to all public use or to a specific use or activity is found in 36 CFR §1.5(a)(1). The following park-specific restrictions are also based upon 36 CFR, parts 1 through 7 to protect park resources, visitors and employees. In accordance with 36 CFR §1.7 the public will be notified of all restrictions, closures, designations and permit requirements by one or more of the following methods: signs, maps, brochures, publication in local newspaper, or other appropriate methods, as well as within this compendium.

36 CFR § 1.5(a)(1) Visiting Hours

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Operating hours and services available at the Robert Limbert Visitor Center, located within Craters of the Moon National Monument, vary by season as posted on the park’s Current Conditions webpage at https://www.nps.gov/crmo/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

The Lava Flow Campground is open year-round. During seasonal closure of the Loop Road due to snow and ice, the Lava Flow Campground cannot be accessed by motorized vehicles, including Recreational Vehicles and trailers. However, it remains open to camping to visitors who snowshoe, cross country ski, or walk in. During seasonal closures of the Loop Road due to snow and ice, tent camping is also available in the Devils Orchard and Caves Areas to visitors who snowshoe, cross country ski, or walk in.

Determination: This closure is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety.

36 CFR § 1.5(a)(1) Public Use Limits

Electric Personal Transportation Devices
Electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric skates, or any other similar electric transportation device designed to carry a single passenger and propelled or assisted by an electric motor are prohibited on all park roads, sidewalks, and trails. Electric bikes (e-bikes) are permitted on the Loop Road in compliance with all applicable Idaho state laws and local ordinances.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.

Other-Power-Driven Mobility Devices
Only individuals with disabilities may use Other-Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs), including Segways, in the park, however they are prohibited in undeveloped areas and the Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area. OPDMD users retain the right of way and duties applicable to any pedestrian, however, OPDMD users must yield to pedestrians. OPDMD’s may be used under the following conditions:

• Operators must be 16 years or older
• Must be a zero-emissions vehicle
• Is no greater than 36 inches in width at its widest point
• Speeds may not exceed 5 miles per hour

OPDMDs must be equipped with the following safety mechanisms:

• Front, rear, and side reflectors
• A system that enables the operator to bring the device to a controlled stop
• If operating an OPDMD between 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before dawn, a lamp emitting a white light that is visible from 300 feet in front of the OPDMD is required while the OPDMD is in motion
• A sound emitting device that can be activated by the operator, to alert nearby persons, as appropriate

Determination: These restrictions are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.  

Passenger Buses
Passenger buses are subject to the following restrictions on the Loop Road and within parking areas in Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve:

• Buses must shut down their engines when not underway. Idling must not exceed 5 minutes, or idling must not exceed 15 minutes if the driver is completing a required pre-trip inspection.

Determination: These restrictions are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and the protection of environmental and scenic values.

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

Determination: This restriction is necessary, in accordance with National Park Service Reference Manual #60: Aviation Management, for the maintenance of public health and safety, the protection of environmental and scenic values, the protection of natural and cultural resources, and the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.

North End
Public access to all areas of the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve located north of Highway 20/26, 93 (known as the “North End”) is restricted to foot travel between sunrise and sunset and requires a day use backcountry permit, available at no charge at the Visitor Center during business hours. Day use backcountry permits will not be issued during Idaho’s Regular Deer Hunting Season or during the peak pronghorn migration periods of February 25^th through April 7^th and September 25^th through November 15^th.

Determination: These restrictions are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and the protection of natural resources.

Marches and Parades
Marches and parades of any size require a permit.

Determination: These restrictions are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) or Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs)
The operation of off-road motor vehicles, also known as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) or Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs), is prohibited within Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, including on or along roadways. Off-road motor vehicles may be allowed for administrative purposes, such as fire control, search and rescue, law enforcement, resource management activities, and maintenance when approved by the Superintendent.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, the protection of natural and cultural resources, and the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.

36 CFR § 1.5(a)(1) Closures

Park Facilities
The following areas and facilities are closed to public use:

• Administrative areas
• Maintenance areas
• Utility and Storage facilities
• Access and Service Roads
• Outbuildings
• Water Treatment Facilities
• All other facilities not designated for visitor use

For the purposes of this compendium, administrative areas are defined as government owned buildings (or portions thereof) containing offices, meeting rooms, residences, maintenance equipment, storage space, or other areas not normally open to the public. This closure shall not apply to persons engaged in legitimate government activities, permitted business, or cooperator activities.

Determination: These restrictions are necessary for the protection of natural resources and the implementation of management responsibilities.

Geo-Caching
Park visitors participating in the practice of geo-caching are restricted to using “virtual” caches only. Virtual caches consist of providing GPS coordinates to existing points of interest, such as a geologic or cultural feature, wayside exhibit, or other object. Virtual caches do not involve a physical cache. Any other form of caching is prohibited.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the protection of natural and cultural resources.

Construction or Demolition Areas
Construction or demolition areas are closed to public access except where a designated route and means of travel have been established by the superintendent. These areas will be identified by signage indicating the closure.

Determination: This closure is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety.

Loop Road
The Loop Road is closed seasonally, generally from mid-November to mid-April, to all motor vehicles due to snow and ice. Specific closure dates and locations will depend on weather and/or road conditions. Posted signs, barricades, and/or locked gates indicate that closures are in effect. During late spring, the Loop Road may be reopened to motor vehicles in sections as snow removal and other necessary work is completed.

Determination: This closure is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety.

Lava Flow Campground
The Lava Flow Campground is closed seasonally, generally from mid-November to mid-April, to all motor vehicles, including Recreational Vehicles and vehicles towing trailers, due to snow and ice. Specific closure dates and locations will depend on weather and/or road conditions. Posted signs, barricades, and/or locked gates indicate that closures are in effect. The Lava Flow Campground remains open during the seasonal motor vehicle closure for tent camping to visitors who walk, snowshoe, or cross-country ski in.

Determination: This closure is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety.

Camping in Visitor Center and Other Area Parking Lots
The visitor center parking lots are closed to camping and overnight parking year-round. Other parking lots within Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve are closed to camping and overnight parking when the Loop Road is open to motor vehicles. When the Loop Road is seasonally closed to motor vehicles due to snow and ice, generally from mid-November to mid-April, the Devils Orchard, Caves, and Tree Molds parking lots are open for tent camping to visitors who walk, snowshoe, or cross-country ski in.

Determination: These closures are necessary for the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.

Caves
All caves within the boundary of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve are closed to members of the public with the exception of Indian Tunnel and Dew Drop caves. Members of the public may visit Indian Tunnel and Dew Drop caves after obtaining a required permit, available at no cost at the visitor center during operating hours as posted on the park’s Current Conditions webpage at https://www.nps.gov/crmo/planyourvisit/conditions.htmIndian Tunnel and Dew Drop caves are closed seasonally, generally from late fall to late spring, due to snow and ice.

Determination: These closures and restrictions are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and the protection of natural resources.

Picnicking
The Lava Flow Campground is closed for picnicking to visitors who are not camping there. Picnic areas are available at the visitor center, Old Man Pullout, Devils Orchard, and pullouts along the Loop Road in the vicinity of the Tree Molds and Caves areas.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.

Climbing
All areas within Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve are closed to climbing.

Determination: This closure is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and the protection of natural and cultural resources.

Off-Trail Travel
Off-trail travel is prohibited in the Spatter Cones/Big Craters area and in the North Crater Flow Trail area.           
Determination: This closure is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and the protection of natural and cultural resources.

 

36 CFR § 1.6 Permits

36 CRF § 1.6(a) When authorized by regulations set forth in this chapter, the superintendent may issue a permit to authorize an otherwise prohibited or restricted activity or impose a public use limit.

36 CFR § 1.6(f) A compilation of activities requiring a permit shall be maintained by the superintendent and available to the public upon request. For more information about specific activities that require a permit, see Part 2 (page XX), Part 4 (page XX), and Part 5 (page XX).

What Do I Need a Permit For?

The following activities related to Closures and Public Use Limits:

• Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) use
• Wilderness camping
• North End day use
• Cave access
• Filming, still photography, and audio recording involving more than eight persons

36 CFR § 2.5(b) Specimen collection
36 CFR § 2.10(a) Camping
36 CFR § 2.12 Audio disturbances
36 CFR § 2.16 Horses and pack animals
36 CFR § 2.17 Aircraft and air delivery
36 CFR § 2.23(a) Recreation fees
36 CFR § 2.37 Noncommercial soliciting
36 CFR § 2.38 Explosives
36 CFR § 2.4(e) Carry or possess a weapon that is not otherwise authorized
36 CFR § 2.50(a) Special events
36 CFR § 2.51(a) Demonstrations
36 CFR § 2.52(a) Sale and distribution of printed matter and other message-bearing items
36 CFR § 2.61(a) Residing on Federal lands
36 CFR § 2.62 Memorialization
36 CFR § 4.11(a) Exceeding designated vehicle load, weight and size limits
36 CFR § 5.1 Advertisements
36 CFR § 5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas
36 CFR § 5.5 Filming, still photography, and audio recording
36 CFR § 5.7 Construction of buildings or other facilities

 

Permit information
Special regulations, restrictions and fees may apply when applying for a special use permit. Information regarding permits is available at park headquarters during normal business hours or calling 208-527-1300 or can be found on the park website at https://www.nps.gov/crmo/planyourvisit/permits-reservations.htm

Federal law and agency regulations and policy require that certain activities that fall outside the scope of normal visitation be managed through the issuance of permit. Permits may only be issued if the activity is in keeping with the purpose of the park and will not cause damage to the resources or conflict with other park users. Permits may be denied/terminated based on 36 CFR 1.6(a), (d), (e), (g)(1), (g)(2), and/or (h) or applicable NPS policy.

 

Relevant CFR Sections

Note: The following CFR sections are paraphrased for consolidation, understandability, or pertinence. To see the entire CFR, go to https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-I.
This is not a complete, comprehensive list of all CFR sections, rather it is a list of the CFR sections that have been identified to be the most relevant to the management of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. All CFR sections, not just the ones listed here, apply to management of the park.

 

36 CFR, Part 2 – Resource Protection, Public Use and Recreation

 

36 CFR § 2.1 – Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archaeological Resources

What's Prohibited

36 CFR § 2.1(a)(1) Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing wildlife, plants, paleontological specimens, cultural or archaeological resources, or a mineral resource or cave formation from its natural state is prohibited.

36 CFR § 2.1(a)(3)Tossing, throwing or rolling rocks or other items inside caves, into valleys, and down hillsides or mountainsides is prohibited.

36 CFR 2.1(a)(4) Using or possessing wood gathered from within the park area is prohibited.

 

36 CFR § 2.2 – Wildlife Protection

What's Prohibited

36 CFR § 2.2(a)(1) The taking of wildlife is prohibited, except by authorized hunting activities conducted in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.

36 CFR § 2.2(a)(2)The feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding or other activities is prohibited.

Hunting and Trapping

36 CFR § 2.2(b)(1) Hunting is permitted on lands within the Craters of the Moon National Preserve in accordance with the applicable laws of the United States and the State of Idaho, as mandated by Public Law 107-213. See Idaho Fish and Game website at https://idfg.idaho.gov

Determination: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve enabling legislation prohibits hunting and trapping within the boundaries of the National Monument and prohibits trapping within the boundaries of the National Preserve.

Transporting Lawfully Taken Wildlife

36 CFR § 2.2(d) The superintendent has established the following conditions and procedures for transporting lawfully taken wildlife through the park area:

• Carcass(es) must be tagged in accordance with Idaho state and federal law
• Carcass(es) must be kept out of sight as much as practicable
• Carcass(es) may not be transported on the Loop Road or in Visitor Center and Trailhead parking areas
• Carcass(es) may not be transported on any portion of the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Trail system
• Carcass(es) may not be kept overnight in the park, except by park residents

Violation of these conditions and procedures is prohibited.

Determination: These conditions are necessary for the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities

Viewing Wildlife with Artificial Light

36 CFR § 2.2(e) The superintendent has designated all of the park area as closed to the viewing of wildlife with an artificial light, except when used in support of hunting on lands within the Craters of the Moon National Preserve in accordance with the applicable laws of the United States and the State of Idaho, as mandated by Public Law 107-213. See Idaho Fish and Game website at https://idfg.idaho.gov

Determination: This closure is necessary for the protection of scenic values and the protection of natural resources.

 

36 CFR § 2.4 – Weapons, Traps and Nets

Weapons in Support of Hunting

36 CFR § 2.4 (b)(2)(i)(A) Weapons may be carried, possessed and used in support of hunting on lands within the Craters of the Moon National Preserve in accordance with the applicable laws of the United States and the State of Idaho, as mandated by Public Law 107-213.

Permit to Carry

36 CFR § 2.4 (e) The superintendent may issue a permit to carry or possess a weapon that is not otherwise authorized under the following circumstances:

• 36 CFR § 2.4 (e)(2) To carry firearms for persons in charge of pack trains or saddle horses for emergency use. 

 

36 CFR § 2.5 – Research Specimens

Specimen Collection

36 CFR § 2.5(a) Taking plants, wildlife, rocks, or minerals except in accordance with other regulations of this chapter or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a specimen collection permit, is prohibited.

Qualifying researchers must be in compliance with the General Conditions for Scientific Research and Collecting Permit available at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/science/general-conditions-for-scientific-research-and-collecting-permits.htm

All environmental compliance issues (e.g. categorical exclusions), and minimum requirement analysis for research conducted in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area must be resolved prior to commencement of specimen collecting.

 

36 CFR § 2.10 – Camping and Food Storage

Designated Sites

36 CFR § 2.10(a) The superintendent has designated sites or areas for camping under established conditions and with required permits as follows:

• Designated sites within the Lava Flow Campground with a payment receipt.
• Backcountry camping in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area with a permit, available at no cost in the visitor center.
• Backcountry camping in the Devils Orchard, Tree Molds, and Caves parking lots during seasonal closures of the Loop Road due to snow and ice with a permit, available at no cost in the visitor center.
• Camping stays are limited to seven consecutive days per month. All camping equipment, including vehicles, must be removed from the camping area at the end of the seven-day period.
• Camping equipment, including vehicles, recreational vehicles, trailers, and tents must not be left unattended for longer than 24 hours.
• Camping inside caves or within 50 feet of the mouth of a cave is prohibited.

Lava Flow Campground

• The Lava Flow Campground operates on a first come, first served basis, reservations are not accepted.
• Campers must register and pay for their campsite at the self-service pay station within 30 minutes of arrival and must display the payment receipt in the designated numbered site box in their campsite so that it is visible.
• Reserving or holding campsites for others in the Lava Flow Campground is prohibited.
• A maximum of 8 people, 2 vehicles, and 2 tents are allowed per campsite in the Lava Flow Campground unless otherwise posted.
• All vehicles in the Lava Flow Campground must remain on paved roads and park on paved pads without blocking or impeding traffic flow.
• Checkout time for the Lava Flow Campground is 12:00 p.m. on the day the payment receipt expires. After check-out time, any unattended property remaining in a site may be impounded immediately (See 36 CFR § 2.22 - Property).

Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area/Backcountry Camping

• All individuals or groups who wish to camp in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area must obtain a permit, available at no cost in the Visitor Center, and carry it with them at all times.
• No more than a total of eight permits for camping in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area will be issued per night, including no more than two permits per night for camping within Echo Crater.
• Groups camping in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area are limited to a maximum of eight individuals. Affiliated groups of more than eight individuals must hike and camp separately from one another.
• Pets are not allowed in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area or on any trails within the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
• Camping is not permitted within one mile of the Tree Molds/Broken Top Loop Trailhead, inside caves, or within 50 feet of the mouth of any caves.
• No wood fires are permitted, only gas-powered or similar camp stoves that can be switched off are permitted.
• All caves within the Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area are closed to public use.
• Everything that is packed in to the Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area must be packed out.
• All food and garbage must be stored securely at night.
• Caching of water, food, or other supplies is not permitted.
• Human body waste, toilet paper, and other garbage associated with human waste must be disposed of, containerized, or carried out in accordance with conditions established by the superintendent, see 36 CFR § 2.14(b) page XX

Determination: These designations and conditions are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, the protection of natural and cultural resources, and the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.

Food Storage

36 CFR § 2.10(d) The superintendent has designated all of the park as an area where food, lawfully taken wildlife, garbage, and equipment used to cook or store food must be kept sealed in a vehicle, or in a camping unit that is constructed of solid, non-pliable material, or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet horizontally from a post, tree trunk, or other object, with the exception of the following areas where it shall be stored as designated:
Craters of the Moon Wilderness Area/Backcountry – if food and other items cannot be suspended properly, they must be placed inside a backpack or tent.

For purposes of this section, food is defined as items to be consumed, drinks, pet food, toiletries and soaps. Garbage is defined as food wastes, empty food containers, trash, and recyclables.

This restriction does not apply to food that is being transported, consumed, or prepared for consumption.

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and the protection of natural resources.  

 

36 CFR § 2.11 – Picnicking

Areas Closed to Picnicking

The Lava Flow Campground has been designated as closed to picnicking in accordance with 36 CFR § 1.5(a)(1) See page XX

Determination: This restriction is necessary for the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.   

 

36 CFR § 2.12 - Audio Disturbances

Developed Areas

36 CFR § 2.12(a)(2) In developed areas, operating a power saw, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit is prohibited.

Nondeveloped Areas

36 CFR § 2.12(a)(3) In nondeveloped areas, operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.

Public Address Systems

36 CFR § 2.12(a)(4) Operating a public address system, except in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to 36 CFR § 2.50 or 36 CFR § 2.51, is prohibited.