Commercial Use Authorizations

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a permit provided by Death Valley National Park’s Office of Special Park Uses for suitable commercial services for park visitors within the boundaries of the park. A suitable commercial service must meet three conditions: the services (a) will have minimal impact on the park area’s resources and values; (b) are consistent with the purposes for which the park area was established; and (c) are consistent with all applicable park area management plans, policies, and regulations.

 

CUA Categories

We are aware these CUA categories are confusing! If you apply for the wrong category of CUA, we cannot refund your application fee. Therefore, we strongly urge you to contact us at [e-mail] before you apply.

Road-Based Commerical Tour (large bus tour)

The Road Based Commercial Tour CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct road-based tours, which consist of persons traveling on a commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more passengers either:

• with an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purposes, or
• by providing a chartered vehicle and thereby recognizing financial gain through the provision of this service.

Areas approved for operation of Road Based Commercial Tour CUAs: 

• Public paved roads and parking lots.
  • Vehicles over 25 feet long are not permitted on Artists Drive and the road to Dantes View.  
• The following front country unpaved roads, however these unpaved roads may not be suitable for all vehicles.  
  • Devils Golf Course
  • Salt Creek

Conditions

• For the purpose of this authorization the term “Road Based Commercial Tour vehicle” shall mean any vehicle with a carrying capacity of 16 or more passengers which is used to carry paying passengers through the park. 
• Road Based Commercial Tour vehicles may travel on paved Park roads except as otherwise prohibited by vehicle length restrictions. 
• Road Based Commercial Tour vehicles may travel on the following front-country unpaved roads: Devils Golf Course & Salt Creek. RBCT CUAs may not travel on other unpaved roads.
• Idling is permitted while passengers are on board and 10 minutes prior to passenger boarding and in times of excessive heat when idling is necessary for the safety of the driver and/or passengers. Idling shall only occur in designated parking spaces. Idling shall not occur in loading zones in front of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center or any other park facility or building in order to reduce noise and air pollution.
• Road Based Commercial Tour vehicles may pause in designated passenger loading and unloading zones to allow passengers to actively embark and disembark and then must immediately park in designated parking areas. If no designated loading area exists at a park facility, Road Based Commercial Tour vehicles must board passengers from a designated parking space. Road Based Commerical Tour vehicles may not obstruct the flow of other vehicle traffic to allow passengers to embark and disembark.
• This CUA is for a company that owns the vehicles.
• A tour company that operates only on chartered vehicles does not require a CUA. However, the company which provides the chartered vehicle and driver must have a CUA to operate in Death Valley National Park.

Guided Interpretive Tour

A Guided Interpretive Tour is a tour in a single vehicle with capacity of 15 or fewer passengers, traveling on an itinerary which has been packaged, priced, or sold as a tour accessing areas of Death Valley National Park. 

This CUA permits travel in the following areas:

• Public paved roads and parking areas
• Developed areas open to the public
• Some unpaved roads:
  • Devils Golf Course
  • Keane Wonder Mine
  • Twenty Mule Team Canyon
  • Mustard Canyon
  • Salt Creek
  • Mosaic Canyon (limited to one CUA per day, reservable in advance by emailing [e-mail])
  • Natural Bridge (limited to one CUA per day, reservable in advance by emailing [e-mail])

This CUA does not include:

• Photography instruction
• Camping
• Hiking (beyond short walks)

Required documents:

• Insurance Certification

Guided 4x4 Trips

The Guided 4x4 Trip CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct guided motor vehicle trips on unpaved roads for private individuals, groups or organizations. 

This CUA does not authorize camping in Death Valley National Park.

Conditions:

1. Maximum group size is limited to twelve (12) vehicles per group.  

2. Trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care for operation in the backcountry. 

3. To minimize impact to visitor experience, trip leaders shall keep a minimum of one-half (1/2) mile between their group and any other group visiting the area at all times.  

4. Groups are limited on unpaved roads as shown in the chart below.  Trips conducted on paved roads are not limited by location as indicated below.   

Group Size	Per Day/Per Location Group Limit	Per Week/Per Location Group Limit
1-3 Motor vehicles	No Limit	No Limit
4-12 Motor vehicles	1   group	2 groups

Guided Motorcycle Trips

The Guided Motorcycle Trip CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct guided motorcycle trips for private individuals, groups or organizations. This CUA does not authorize camping in Death Valley National Park.

Conditions

1. Maximum group size is limited to twelve (12) vehicles per group.  
2. For frontcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid/CPR level or higher for emergency medical care. Frontcountry trips include travel on paved roads and the following unpaved roads: Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon.  
3. For backcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. Backcountry trips include travel on backcountry unpaved roads (i.e., all unpaved roads excluding Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon). 
4. To minimize impact to visitor experience, trip leaders shall keep a minimum of one-half (1/2) mile between their group and any other group visiting the area at all times.  
5. Groups are limited on unpaved roads as shown in the chart below.  Trips conducted on paved roads are not limited by location as indicated below.   

Group Size	Per Day/Per Location Group Limit	Per Week/Per Location Group Limit
1-3 Motor vehicles	No Limit	No Limit
4-12 Motor vehicles	1   group	2 groups

Guided Bicycle Trips

The Guided Bicycle Trips CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct guided bicycle trips for private individuals, groups or organizations.

Conditions

1. Maximum group size is limited to twenty (20) people per group, including clients and trip leaders.  

2. For frontcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid/CPR level or higher for emergency medical care. Frontcountry trips include travel on paved roads and the following unpaved roads: Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon.  

3. For backcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. Backcountry trips include travel on backcountry unpaved roads (i.e., all unpaved roads excluding Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon). 

4. Participants must remain in contact with either the trip leader or support vehicle at all times. 

5. Roadside support and aid stations are only permitted at the locations listed in Appendix: Authorized Aid Station Locations. Aid stations include tents, tables, food, water, first aid, and portable toilets. All aid stations must be placed in previously disturbed areas. Aid stations are not permitted in roadways, they must be located on the graded surface between the fog line and the berm on the edge of the road shoulder between 6 and 20 feet from the fog line. 

6. Support vehicles shall not travel alongside, or trail behind, any participant either on the road or shoulder. Vehicles must “leapfrog” ahead and park on the shoulder of the road, only in areas where there is sufficient shoulder to park completely off the road. Verbal communication and passing of objects between participants and support vehicle occupants while the vehicle is moving is prohibited.  

7. Support, event, or team vehicles will not stop or park in a way that blocks roadways or restricts normal vehicle traffic except to protect an injured participant from oncoming traffic. Stopping is only permitted in designated parking areas, designated paved pullouts, previously disturbed unpaved pullouts, and the shoulder of the road when there is sufficient room for all tires to be completely off the roadway. 

8. No signs or markings of any kind, including chalk to tape markings, shall be placed on park road surface or other park property.   

9. HEALTH & SAFETY 

   1. Participants must bike single file except when passing a slower participant. Participants shall not be more than two abreast when passing.  
   2. Cyclists on the roadway must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway except when passing another bicycle proceeding in the same direction, consistent with CA VC 21202(a).  
   3. All cyclists must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 
   4. Cyclists riding at night must have lighting in accordance with CA VC 21201. In addition to a primary rear facing red flashing light mounted to the bicycle, cyclists must have a second flashing red light mounted to either the bicycle or the cyclist. Both lights must be visible at a distance of no less than 500 feet when directly to the rear of the cyclist.   
   5. Cyclists shall not be under the influence of alcohol and/or any drug while operating a bicycle on the roadway, consistent with CA VC 21200.5.  
   6. No person operating any vehicle (including a bicycle) on the roadway, shall wear any headset covering, or any earplugs in, both ears. This prohibition does not apply to a person using a prosthetic device that aids the hard of hearing.   
   7. Cyclists shall not use any hand-held photography device or cell phone while actively riding. 

10. LOCATION RESTRICTIONS: 

    1. Bicycle trips are prohibited on closed roads, NPS service roads, off roadways, in the wilderness, on any trails, or on paved pedestrian walking paths. 
    2. Airport Road: Bicycle trips are prohibited on Airport Road.  
    3. Furnace Creek Wash Road (Dantes View Road): Bicycle trips are prohibited on the Furnace Creek Wash Road/Dantes View Road beyond the gate located near the Ryan Mine entrance, 2.5 miles south of State Route 190.  
    4. Emigrant Canyon Road: Bicycle trips are prohibited between mile 13 and the junction with Wildrose Road. Use of Emigrant Canyon Road is permitted for the first 13 miles (from State Route 190) provided groups abide by the following restrictions: 
       1. Cyclists must be released in groups of up to four (4) at a time with a 10-minute interval between groups. 
       2. Groups that are conducting up and back rides must ride to the turn-around point and wait for the entire group to gather at that location prior to making the return trip. For the return trip, cyclists must be released in groups of up to 4 at a time with a 10-minute interval between groups. 
    5. Upper Wildrose Road: Use of Wildrose Road is permitted from the junction with Emigrant Canyon Road to the Charcoal Kilns. Bicycle trips are prohibited beyond the Charcoal Kilns.  
       1. Groups that are conducting up and back rides must ride to the turn-around point and wait for the entire group to gather at that location prior to making the return trip.  
    6. Artists Drive: Bicycle trips are permitted to ride on Artist’s Drive provided groups abide by the following restrictions: 
       1. Cyclists must be released in groups of up to four (4) at a time with a 10-minute interval between groups starting at the entrance of Artists Drive. Group must remain separate from each other for the entirety of Artists Drive. 
       2. Two signs that read either “Caution Cyclists on Road” or “Caution Special Event Ahead” must be placed at the following locations on the right-hand side of the roadway where they are easily recognized and understood by road users:  
          1. The entry of Artists Drive (just past the Artist Drive sign) 
          2. North of the Artists Palette pullout. 
       3. Signs must by be in compliance with the California Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD). 
       4. Signs must be freestanding and may not be attached to existing road signs or posts. Signs may not be secured using rocks or other artifacts from the park. The Holder must provide their own way to secure signs (weights, sandbags, bricks) and must remove from the park all weight devices when the sign is taken down.  
       5. Signs must remain in place until all cyclists have reached the end of Artist’s Drive at the junction with Badwater Road. Holder must remove signs at that time.   
       6. No aid stations may be located along Artists Drive or at the Artists Palette parking area. 
    7. Zabriskie Point Pedestrian Walking Path: Bicycles trips are prohibited on the paved pedestrian path to the Zabriskie Point lookout area. All bicycles must be left at the bottom of the hill and must not block the two visitor information boards.   

Appendix: Authorized Aid Station Locations 

1. Badwater Road: from north junction with HWY 190 to south junction with HWY 178 at Park boundary. 

   1. Mile 3.0 – Golden Canyon parking lot, first (West most) RV parking spot.  Aid station must not block vehicle traffic into and out of parking area. 
   2. Mile 3.1 ~ 3.1 – Both sides of road. Aid station must not block or hinder viewing of speed limit sign. 
   3. Mile 7.1 ~ 7.3 – Both sides of road. 
   4. Mile 8.4 – West side of road, South of sign. Aid station must not block or hinder viewing of sign. 
   5. Mile 10 – West side of road. 
   6. Mile 10.9 ~ 11.1 – West side of road. Aid station must not block or hinder view of Devils Golf Course road sign. Aid station must be located off pavement entering Devils Golf Course road and must not hinder traffic to Devils Golf Course road.  
   7. Mile 12 – East side of road. 
   8. Mile 13.7 – West side of road. 
   9. Badwater parking lot – Southernmost Bus/RV parking stall. 
   10. Mile 20.3 – Both sides of road 
   11. Mile 21.4 ~ 21.5 – West side of road 
   12. Mile 22.8 ~ 23 – Both sides of road 
   13. Mile 26.7 – West side of road 
   14. Mile 30.2 – West side of road (small pullout) 
   15. Mile 34.1 – West side of road 
   16. Mile 37 ~ 37.2 – Both sides of road 
   17. Mile 41.4 – West side of road 
   18. Mile 43.8 – Ashford Mill parking area by restroom – Aid station must not block visitor traffic. 
   19. Mile 47.4 ~ 47.6 – South side of road 
   20. Mile 48 – Both sides of road 
   21. Mile 49.7 – Both sides of road 
   22. Mile 52.1 ~ 52.3 – Both sides of road 
   23. Mile 52.4 ~ 53.7 – Both sides of road 
   24. Mile 56 – North side of road 
   25. INYO 178 (Badwater road)  Mile 28.6 ~ 28.9 – Both sides of road 
   26. INYO 178 (Badwater road)  Mile 31.4 – North side of road 
   27. INYO 178 (Badwater road)  Mile 36 – Both sides of road. Do not block access to Furnace Creek Road. 

2. Scotty’s Castle Road/North Highway: From south junction with HWY 190 to Grapevine Ranger Station.  

   1. Northbound: 
      1. Mile .07 – Pullout – Northern end of pullout 
      2. Mile 4.2 – E side wide area 
      3. Mile 8 – E side 
      4. Mile 11.9 – E pullout – no not block sign 
      5. Mile 13.4 – E side 
      6. Mile 13.9 – E side 
      7. Mile 15.6 – E side wide area 
      8. Mile 16.8 – E side wide area 
      9. Mile 18.0 – E side 
      10. Mile 19.4 – E side 
      11. Mile 19.8 – E side wide area 
      12. Mile 20.3 – E side wide area 
      13. Mile 20.7 – E side wide area 
      14. Mile 22.3 – E side 
      15. Mile 24.75 – E side wide area 
      16. Mile 28 – E side wide area 
      17. Mile 28.8 – E side wide area 
      18. Mile 31.01 – E side wide area 
      19. Grapevine Ranger Station parking lot, S end – Do not block traffic 
   2. Southbound: 
      1. Grapevine Ranger Station parking lot, S end – Do not block traffic 
      2. Mile 31.01 – W side wide area 
      3. Mile 28.8 – W side wide area 
      4. Mile 24.01 – W side wide area 
      5. Mile 22.8 – W side wide area 
      6. Mile 20.7 – W side wide area 
      7. Mile 20.3 – W side wide area 
      8. Mile 19.1 – W side 
      9. Mile 18 – W side 
      10. Mile 16.8 – W side wide area 
      11. Mile 15.6 – W side wide area 
      12. Mile 13.9 – W side 
      13. Mile 12.3 – W side 
      14. Mile 4.2 – W side wide area 
      15. Mile.07 - Pullout – Northern end of pullout 

3. Ubehebe Crater Road: 

   1. Mile 3.3 – N & S side of road 
   2. Mile 5.9 – Parking lot at crater, 4 most N parking stalls 

4. Bonnie Claire Road: From west junction with Scotty’s Castle Road/North Highway to east junction with HWY 267 at Park boundary.  

   1. Mile 36.3 – Scotty’s Castle parking area 
   2. Mile 39.2 – S side of road 

5. Daylight Pass Road: From west junction with Scotty’s Castle Road/North Highway to east junction with HWY 374 at Park boundary.  

   1. Scotty’s Castle Road – Mud Canyon Kisok. South end of pullout, do not block roadway. 
   2. Mile 3.4 – Both sides of road 
   3. Mile 6.6 – Hells Gate Kisok – East turnout section, do not block roadway or access to pullout. 
   4. Mile 9.5 ~ 9.6 – South side of road 
   5. Mile 13 – Daylight pass pullout – North side of road 
   6. Mile 17.1 – East park entry sign pullout, East most parking stall, do not block roadway or access to pullout. 

6. Beatty Cutoff: From south junction with HWY 190 to north junction with Daylight Pas Road at Hells Gate Kiosk. 

   1. HWY 190 and Beatty Cutoff intersection - East side of Beatty road. 
   2. Mile 3.4 ~ 3.5 – Both sides of road 
   3. Mile 7.1 – Both sides of road 
   4. Hells Gate Kiosk – East turnout section, do not block roadway or access to pullout. 

Guided Hiking - Frontcountry

The Guided Hiking - Frontcountry CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct guided hiking services for private individuals, groups or organizations. This CUA does not authorize overnight backcountry or front country (drive-in) camping trips in Death Valley National Park.

Conditions

1. Frontcountry hiking is permitted up to two (2) miles from trailheads that are accessed from paved roads and the following unpaved roads: Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon. 

2. Maximum group size is limited to twelve (12) people per group, including clients and trip leaders, and four (4) support vehicles.  

3. Trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid/CPR level or higher for emergency medical care. 

4. For all wilderness locations to minimize impact to the wilderness, trip leaders shall keep a minimum of 1,000 feet between their group and any other group visiting the area at all times. Individuals may hike on their own without a trip leader but may not meet up in a wilderness location in groups larger than 12 people. 

5. Water caches are prohibited under this type of CUA.  

Guided Hiking - Backcountry (Backpacking)

The Guided Hiking - Backcountry CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct guided backpacking/ hiking with or without overnight camping for private individuals, groups, or organizations. This CUA does not authorize any other guided activities such as front country camping or backcountry (dispersed/roadside) camping in Death Valley National Park. A separate Hiking - Frontcountry CUA is not required in addition to this CUA.

Conditions

1. Backcountry hiking is permitted up to any distance from trailheads that are access from paved and unpaved roads. 
2. Backpacking camping is permitted in previously disturbed areas free of vegetation, provided that the camp is at least one mile from the nearest paved road, developed area, or dirt roads that are closed to camping. Backpacking camping is additionally prohibited at the following areas: 
3. Within 100 feet from a flowing stream, spring, or other natural body of open water. 
4. On all paved roads within the limits of the national park boundary.  
5. On the following unpaved roads: Titus Canyon Road, West Side Road, Wildrose Road, Skidoo Mine Road, Aguereberry Point Road, Mosaic Canyon Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road (first 8 miles), Grotto Canyon Road, Keane Wonder Mine Road, Racetrack Road (from Teakettle Junction to Homestake Dry Camp), Natural Bridge Canyon, Desolation Canyon, Pinon Mesa Road, and the 22 mile section of the Big Pine / Death Valley Road that is within the park’s boundary. 
6. Within one mile of certain mining areas: Ubehebe Lead Mine, Leadfield Mines, Keane Wonder Mill, and Skidoo Mill 
7. The floor of Death Valley, from the Ashford Mill to the north end of the shifting sands of the Mesquite Sand Dunes. 
8. The active, shifting sand areas of Eureka Dunes. 
9. Within one mile of Darwin Falls trail and Greenwater Canyon. 
10. Only one commercial camping group per day is allowed in Cottonwood Canyon or Marble Canyon. Backpacking along the Cottonwood-Marble Loop is only permitted with a permit obtained in advance of trip. Permits are required via www.recreation.gov. Permits must be obtained through commercial user accounts. Permits obtained under a personal (individual or participant) account are prohibited.  
11. A permit is recommended but not required for backpacking trips at other locations. Information: Backcountry Camping - Death Valley National Park.
12. Trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. 
13. Holder and participants must abide by quiet hours from 10:00PM – 7:00AM.  
14. Group size is limited to twelve (12) persons, including clients and trip leaders, and no more than four (4) vehicles parked at the trailhead. Groups larger than twelve (12) must split up into smaller groups and must camp, hike, and eat at least a half-mile apart from any other group. 
15. Pets are prohibited. 
16. All solid waste must be strained from dish and cooking water and packed out. Remaining wastewater must be either dumped in a vault toilet where available or spread out over the ground. 
17. Where available, holder and clients must utilize vault toilets. Where toilets are not available, holder must either pack out waste using an approved waste disposal (WAG) bag or buried in a cat hole. Cat holes must be dug 4-6 inches deep at least 200 yards from any water source or campsite.   
18. FIRES 
    1. Campfires are prohibited except in provided metal fire rings (campgrounds) or in firepans (backcountry).
    2. Gathering, cutting, or scavenging of firewood or kindling is prohibited. 
    3. Fires shall not be left smoldering or unattended. 
    4. Leaving trash, including glass, in the fire grates is prohibited.  
    5. Debris burning is prohibited. 
    6. Construction of fire rings or use of illegally constructed fire rings is prohibited. 
    7. Natural gas or white gas produced fires are permitted in appropriately designed units wherein the flow of gas can be controlled and instantaneously discontinued.  
19. FOOD & TRASH 
    1. All unattended food, garbage or cooking equipment must be sealed in a solid, non-pliable, animal-resistant container 
    2. Trash must be disposed of in receptacles provided or packed out. 
    3. Do not dispose of food, trash or feminine products in vault toilets.  
20. HIKING 
    1. Maximum group size is limited to twelve (12) people per group, including clients and trip leaders, and four (4) support vehicles.  
21. For backcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. Backcountry trips include travel on backcountry unpaved roads (i.e., all unpaved roads excluding Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon). 
22. For all wilderness locations to minimize impact to the wilderness, trip leaders shall keep a minimum of 1,000 feet between their group and any other group visiting the area at all times. Individuals may hike on their own without a trip leader but may not meet up in a wilderness location in groups larger than 12 people. 
23. Backcountry cabins may be used for overnight camping or day-use subject to the following conditions: 
    1. Cabins must remain unlocked. 
    2. Human waste must be packed out or disposed of at least 400 feet from a cabin, unless a toilet is present. 
    3. Cabins are to be used on a first-come, first-served basis, and for short-term occupancy not to exceed seven days, with the exception of Butte Valley and Warm Springs, which is three days. 
    4. All cabin maintenance will be performed only with written approval from the superintendent. 
    5. Fires in backcountry cabins are not permitted. Fires outside of cabins must be in NPS provided metal fire grates. 
24. WATER CACHES: 
    1. Water caches are an extreme measure and are only permitted when there is no other alternative (e.g. resupply at road crossings, carry enough water for the trip, plan a route to follow perennial natural water sources, etc.). 
    2. Water caches must be transportable using non-motorized, non-mechanized methods (e.g. hikers must transport the water either by pack stock or by backpacking). 
    3. Water caches are limited to 30 days duration from the time the water is initially cached until it is consumed and the containers removed.  
    4. Water caches shall not involve digging or any disturbance to natural or cultural resources.   
    5. Use of a water cache is at the Holders own risk. Holder shall accept responsibility for potential health risks including water contamination and unexpected loss of the cache (due to weather, wildlife, vandalism, etc.). 
    6. Proposed caches must be identified in the Operating Plan including locations, volumes to be cached, and the dates the cache will be left and when it will be removed. 

Guided Horse and Pack Animal Trips

The Horse and Pack Trips CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct guided horse and pack animal trips for private individuals, groups, or organizations. This CUA does not authorize overnight camping trips in Death Valley National Park.

Conditions

1. Maximum group size is limited to fifteen (15) people, including clients and trip leaders, and fifteen (15) stock animals. 

2. For frontcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid/CPR level or higher for emergency medical care. Frontcountry trips include hiking up to two (2) miles from or travel on paved roads and the following unpaved roads: Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon.  

3. For backcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. Backcountry trips include hiking more than two (2) miles from any trailhead or travel on backcountry unpaved roads (i.e., all unpaved roads excluding Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon). 

4. Horses, mules, and burros may be used as stock animals. No other species may be used for purposes of transporting equipment or riding. 

5. Free ranging or grazing is not permitted in order to minimize damage to natural resources. All feed brought into the park must be weed free feed in order to prevent the spread of invasive species. The Office of Special Park Uses may request copies of the documents certifying weed free feed.   

6. All manure shall be removed or spread over a large area. 

7. Horses and pack animals are permitted on dirt roads, in wilderness areas, in other natural areas, on designated horse trails in the Furnace Creek area, and non-paved trails and areas that are not closed to stock. Holder is prohibited from conducting horse and pack trips at the following locations:  

   1. Badwater Boardwalk and Trail 
   2. Darwin Falls Trail 
   3. Devils Hole Unit of DVNP 
   4. Golden Canyon Trail 
   5. Harmony Borax Works 
   6. Ibex Dunes 
   7. Eureka Sand Dunes 
   8. Mesquite Flat Dunes (Stovepipe Wells area) 
   9. Mosaic Canyon Trail 
   10. Salt Creek Trail 
   11. Telescope Peak Trail 
   12. Ubehebe Crater Trail 
   13. Zabriskie Point Trail 
   14. Trail to Scotty's Grave 
   15. Trail from Scotty's Castle to Lower Vine Ranch 
   16. All campgrounds and picnic areas 
   17. All lawn areas 
   18. All areas closed to public use 

Guided Camping - Frontcountry

The Guided Frontcountry Camping CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct guided camping services for private individuals, groups, or organizations at the following developed campgrounds: Furnace Creek, Sunset, Texas Springs, Stovepipe Wells, Mesquite Springs, Wildrose, and Emigrant. This CUA does not authorize any other guided activities including hiking in Death Valley National Park.

Conditions

1. Frontcountry camping is permitted at the following developed campgrounds: Furnace Creek, Sunset, Texas Springs, Stovepipe Wells, Mesquite Springs, Wildrose, and Emigrant.  

2. Trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care.  

3. Where reservations are available or required, Holder shall reserve sites in competition with the public via www.recreation.gov. When commercial user accounts become available on www.recreation.gov, holder must make reservations with a commercial user account and reservations made under a personal (individual or participant) account will be prohibited.  

4. Holder and participants must abide by quiet hours from 10:00PM – 7:00AM. 

5. Holding or reserving a campsite in any designated campground for another party is prohibited. Sites may not be paid for by those who do not intend to occupy the site immediately. Sites must be occupied with a camp unit (tent, trailer, or other sleeping unit) and by persons using the area for overnight sleep purposes. Sites may not be unattended for more than 24 hours. 

6. Where campground use fees apply, fees shall be paid within 30 minutes of arrival. 

7. Check out time for all campgrounds is 12:00 noon. 

8. GENERATORS: 

   1. Generators are defined as a motor, engine, or equipment capable of producing electrical energy. 
   2. Generators are prohibited at Furnace Creek group sites and at all sites in Texas Springs Campground. 
   3. Generators shall not run unattended. 
   4. Generator hours for Sunset campground are from 7:00AM – 9:00PM. 
   5. Generator hours for all other campgrounds are from 7:00AM – 7:00PM, where not prohibited. 

9. GROUP SIZE LIMITS: 

   1. Nine (9) to forty (40) people are permitted at Furnace Creek group sites 1 & 2. Nine (9) to fifteen (15) people are permitted at Furnace Creek group sites 3 & 4.  
   2. No more than eight (8) people are permitted at every other campsite.  
   3. Up to eight (8) people may visit the registered campers in a designated campsite between the hours of 7:00AM and 10:00PM.   
   4. Up to ten (10) vehicles are permitted at Furnace Creek group sites 1 & 2. Up to four (4) vehicles are permitted at Furnace Creek group sites 3 & 4. No driving or parking into group sites, even to unload.  
   5. No recreational vehicles (trailers, motor homes, or pop-ups) shall be parked at the tent only sites in Furnace Creek Campground, Stovepipe Wells Campground and the lower loop of Texas Spring Campground. In tent only sites vehicles can be used as sleeping facilities.   
   6. Two (2) vehicles, one (1) RV and one (1) vehicle, or four (4) motorcycles are permitted at every other campsite. Where campsites provide paved pad, all wheels must be on pavement. 
   7. Holder must comply with maximum vehicle length of 8.5 feet or a total of 17 feet for both vehicles for each tent only site or what is listed on recreation.gov. 

10. FIRES 

    1. The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited, except in NPS provided fire grates or grills.  
    2. Gathering, cutting, or scavenging of firewood or kindling is prohibited. 
    3. Fires shall not be left smoldering or unattended. 
    4. Leaving trash, including glass, in the fire grates is prohibited.  
    5. Construction of fire rings or use of illegally constructed fire rings is prohibited. 
    6. Debris burning is prohibited. 
    7. Natural gas or white gas produced fires are permitted in appropriately designed units wherein the flow of gas can be controlled and instantaneously discontinued. 
    8. At Wildrose campground the setting, maintain, attending, or using of open flame of any kind is prohibited between June 15th and September 15th or during other periods of high fire danger. Controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves that use gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed. 

11. WASTEWATER 

    1. Dump all liquid waste, including dish water, only at sanitary stations. 
    2. Wash dishes in deep sinks; do not bathe at sinks, spigots or in rest rooms. 
    3. Do not wash vehicles at RV dump stations or in campsites. 
    4. Containers must be placed under trailers or camper drains to collect liquid to be disposed of in designated disposal areas. 
    5. Wash dishes in designated areas only, not restrooms or drinking water spigots; bathing facilities are not available in campgrounds. 

12. PETS 

    1. Maximum limit of four pets per campsite in all designated campgrounds in the park. 
    2. Pets must be confined or leashed at all times. 
    3. Pets shall not be left unattended. 
    4. Holder must clean up and dispose of pet waste promptly.  
    5. Pets are only permitted in developed areas or along roads. 

13. FOOD & TRASH 

    1. All unattended food, garbage, cooking equipment, or similar scented items must be sealed in a vehicle (not a truck bed) or a solid, non-pliable, animal-resistant container when it is not being consumed or prepared for consumption. 
    2. Trash must be disposed of in receptacles provided or packed out. 
    3. Do not dispose of food, trash or feminine products in rest room sinks or toilets. 

Guided Camping - Backcountry

The Guided Backcountry Camping CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct guided primitive campground camping and dispersed road-side camping (including roads with marked, designated sites) for private individuals, groups, or organizations. This CUA does not authorize any other guided activities including hiking in Death Valley National Park.

Conditions

1. Trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. 

2. Holder and participants must abide by quiet hours from 10:00PM – 7:00AM.  

3. Holding or reserving a campsite in any primitive campground or road-side camp site or location for another party is prohibited. Sites must be occupied with a camp unit (tent, trailer, or other sleeping unit) and by persons using the area for overnight sleep purposes. Sites may not be unattended for more than 24 hours. 

4. Where available, holder and clients must utilize vault toilets for human waste. Where toilets are not available, holder must either pack out human waste using an approved waste disposal (WAG) bag or buried in a cat hole. Cat holes must be dug 4-6 inches deep at least 200 yards from any water source or campsite.   

5. FIRES 

   1. The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited, except in NPS provided fire grates or grills.  
   2. Gathering, cutting, or scavenging of firewood or kindling is prohibited. 
   3. Fires shall not be left smoldering or unattended. 
   4. Leaving trash, including glass, in the fire grates is prohibited.  
   5. Debris burning is prohibited. 
   6. Construction of fire rings or use of illegally constructed fire rings is prohibited. 
   7. Natural gas or white gas produced fires are permitted in appropriately designed units wherein the flow of gas can be controlled and instantaneously discontinued. 
   8. At Thorndike and Mahogany Flats campgrounds, the setting, maintain, attending, or using of open flame of any kind is prohibited between June 15th and September 15th or during other periods of high fire danger. Controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves that use gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed. 

6. WASTEWATER  

   1. Dumping is prohibited. 
   2. All solid waste must be strained from dish and cooking water and packed out. Remaining wastewater must be either dumped in a vault toilet where available or spread out over the ground. 

7. PETS  

   1. Maximum limit of four pets per campsite in all designated campgrounds in the park. 
   2. Pets must be confined or leashed at all times. 
   3. Pets shall not be left unattended. 
   4. Holder must clean up and dispose of pet waste promptly.  
   5. Pets are only permitted in developed areas or along roads. 

8. FOOD & TRASH  

   1. All unattended food, garbage or cooking equipment must be sealed in an enclosed vehicle (not a truck bed) or a solid, non-pliable, animal-resistant container. 
   2. Trash must be disposed of in receptacles provided or packed out. 
   3. Do not dispose of food, trash or feminine products in vault toilets.  

Primitive Campground Camping: 

9. Primitive campground camping is permitted at Thorndike, Mahogany Flat, Eureka, Homestake, and Warm Springs (Saline Valley) Dry Camps. 

10. Group size per campsite is limited to eight (8) persons, including clients and trip leaders, and two (2) vehicles, one (1) RV and one (1) vehicle, or four (4) motorcycles per campsite. Vehicles and RVs must be shorter than 25 feet and high clearance. Four-wheel drive may be necessary. Groups larger than eight (8) must split up into separate sites. 

11. Up to eight people may visit the campers in a designated campsite. Between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am, no more than eight people may occupy a campsite. 

12. Check out time for all campgrounds is 12:00 noon. 

13. GENERATORS: 

    1. Generators are defined as a motor, engine, or equipment capable of producing electrical energy. 
    2. Generators shall not run unattended. 
    3. Generator hours for all primitive campgrounds are from 7:00AM – 7:00PM. 

Dispersed Road-Side Camping: 

14. Camping on Echo Canyon Road, Hole in the Wall Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road, and Marble Canyon Road is only permitted in designated road-side sites with a permit obtained in advance. Permits are required via www.recreation.gov. Permits must be obtained through commercial user accounts. Permits obtained under a personal (individual or participant) account are prohibited.  

16. Dispersed road-side camping, outside of Echo Canyon Road, Hole in the Wall Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road, and Marble Canyon Road, is permitted in previously disturbed shoulder areas along open dirt roads, provided that the camp is at least one mile from the nearest paved road, developed area, or dirt roads that are closed to camping. Road-side camping is additionally prohibited at the following areas: 

    1. Within 100 feet from a flowing stream, spring, or other natural body of open water. 
    2. On all paved roads within the limits of the national park boundary.  
    3. On the following unpaved roads: Titus Canyon Road, West Side Road, Wildrose Road, Skidoo Mine Road, Aguereberry Point Road, Mosaic Canyon Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road (first 8 miles), Grotto Canyon Road, Keane Wonder Mine Road, Racetrack Road (from Teakettle Junction to Homestake Dry Camp), Natural Bridge Canyon, Desolation Canyon, Pinon Mesa Road, and the 22 mile section of the Big Pine / Death Valley Road that is within the park’s boundary. 
    4. Within one mile of certain mining areas: Ubehebe Lead Mine, Leadfield Mines, Keane Wonder Mill, and Skidoo Mill 

17. Generators are prohibited.  

18. Group size is limited to twelve (12) persons, including clients and trip leaders, and no more than four (4) vehicles. Groups larger than twelve (12) must split up into smaller groups and must camp and eat at least a half-mile apart or must obtain a permit for an additional designated site in required areas. 

19. Backcountry cabins may be used for overnight camping or day-use subject to the following conditions: 

    1. Cabins must remain unlocked. 
    2. Human waste must be packed out or disposed of at least 400 feet from a cabin, unless a toilet is present. 
    3. Cabins are to be used on a first-come, first-served basis, and for short-term occupancy not to exceed seven days, with the exception of Butte Valley and Warm Springs, which is three days. 
    4. All cabin maintenance will be performed only with written approval from the superintendent. 
    5. Fires in backcountry cabins are not permitted. Fires outside of cabins must be in NPS provided metal fire grates. 

Photography and Art Workshops

The Photography and Art Workshops CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct photography workshops for private individuals, groups or organizations.

Stylized photo shoots, commercial filming, and some still photography requires a Special Use Permit. 

Conditions

1. Maximum group size is limited to twelve (12) people per group, including clients and trip leaders, and four (4) support vehicles.  

2. Sale of photography equipment, gear, or other items, as well as photographs is prohibited within the park. 

3. Hiking or walking routes used to access workshop destinations must be chosen so as to minimize biophysical and social impacts, including utilizing NPS established trails where possible. 

4. For frontcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid/CPR level or higher for emergency medical care. Frontcountry trips include hiking up to two (2) miles from or travel on paved roads and the following unpaved roads: Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon.  

5. For backcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. Backcountry trips include hiking more than two (2) miles from any trailhead or travel on backcountry unpaved roads (i.e., all unpaved roads excluding Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon). 

6. For all wilderness locations to minimize impact to the wilderness, trip leaders shall keep a minimum of 1,000 feet between their group and any other group visiting the area at all times. Individuals may hike on their own without a trip leader but may not meet up in a wilderness location in groups larger than 12 people. It is the responsibility of the trip leader to understand the wilderness boundary locations,  

   1. At Badwater Basin, wilderness begins immediately off the boardwalk. 
   2. At Mesquite Sand Dunes, wilderness begins immediately off the paved sidewalk.  

 

How to Apply for a CUA

If you apply for the wrong category of CUA, we cannot refund your application fee. Therefore, we strongly urge you to contact us at [e-mail] before you apply.

Please submit all CUA applications via the online CUA system. 

CUAs are valid from January 1 through December 31. 

Death Valley National Park will begin accepting 2026 CUA applications on October 15, 2025. Applications can be submitted any time after that. Our office requires 30 days to produce a CUA permit. 

Documents required for all CUA types, which should be submited in the online CUA system:

Certificate of General Liability Insurance. This is required for all CUAs and must be in the amount of $1,000,000 listing the United States of America as additional insured and negotiable in US funds. See Attachment A in application form for additional insurance information.

Certificate of Commercial Auto Liability Insurance. This is only required if a CUA holder transports passengers in a vehicle or uses a vehicle in the performance of the service. See Attachment A in NPS Form 10-550 Commercial use Authorization Application for additional insurance information including amount required.

Operating and Trip Plan This is required for all CUAs except Road-Based Commerical Tours and Guided Interpretive Tours.

Trip Leader Addendum This is required for all CUAs except Road-Based Commerical Tours and Guided Interpretive Tours.
 

 

How much does a CUA cost?

Annual Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee for each CUA activity is $350. This fee is due at application submission. That same applicant will pay a $250 application fee for each subsequent application submitted to the same NPS unit during the same CUA season. This fee is not refundable.

Annual Management Fee: In addition to the application fee, CUA holders must pay a management fee to allow Death Valley National Park to recover costs associated with managing CUAs. All Death Valley Activity-Based CUAs must pay a Market Price Fee. Road Based Commercial Tours are exempt from Management Fees. Management Fees are paid via the online CUA system, and are to be paid between January 1, and January 31 of the following calendar year.

• 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 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)

 

Reporting

Annual Report

NPS Form 10-660 CUA Annual Report

All CUA holders are required to submit the above Annual Report which is due when all trips have been completed but no later than January 31 of the following year. Gross receipts must be reported accurately.

Failure to submit a complete and accurate annual report by the above date will result in suspension of your CUA or compromise your ability to obtain a new CUA.

In 2025, Market Rate Management Fees will apply. For more information email us at [e-mail]. It may be helpful to use the Market Rate Management Fee Calculator.

 

All CUA holders are required to read the following, expand the panel below.

Death Valley National Park CUA Revocation and Suspension Policy

United States Department of the Interior 
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 
Death Valley National Park 
P.O. Box 579 
Death Valley, CA 92328 

IN REPLY REFER TO: 
DEVA Management 

SUBJECT: DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK COMMERCIAL USE AUTHORIZATION SUSPENSION, RESTRICTION, REVOCATION, AND APPLICATION DENIAL POLICY 

AUTHORITY: Public Law 105-391, Section 418; 54 United States Code (USC) § 101925; 36 CFR Section 1.6 (g) and Section 5.3 

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 26, 2024 

Purpose: 
This policy memorandum is intended to provide guidance regarding the actions taken in the event of a permittee violation (as defined in this policy). The Superintendent, at their discretion, may take actions other than those identified and retains the authority to immediately suspend, restrict, or revoke a CUA or deny a future CUA application for reasons not covered in this policy memorandum. 

Definitions: 

• Holder/Owner - a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, or corporation including corporate officers and those shareholders who have a controlling interest in a corporation which has applied for or received a CUA. 
• Employee - a person in the service of the Holder/Owner under any contract of hire, express or implied, oral or written, where the Holder/Owner has the power or right to control and direct the Employee in the work performed. 
• Violations - Payment of collateral, an accepted plea of nolo contendere, or a conviction in Federal or State court where a nexus exists between the offense and the business activity authorized, regardless of whether the violation occurred in a unit of the National Park System; failure to comply with the provisions and conditions of the CUA; or failure to adequately address material and documented operational concerns expressed by the National Park Service. 

Permit Conditions Related to Termination or Revocation: 
Authority to terminate or revoke a permit is provided for via conditions in the CUA application and authorization and the signed statement on both1. Failure on the part of the permittee to abide by the conditions of the permit is citable under 36 CFR Section 1.6 (g) and Section 5.3. and may result in CUA suspension, restriction, revocation, or denial. 

Suspension, Restriction and Revocation: 
A CUA may be suspended, restricted, or revoked when the Holder/Owner or Employee commits a violation as defined above. The Superintendent will determine the appropriate administrative action regarding the violation based on the totality of the circumstances, including consideration of prior relevant violations. The following table provides a general guideline. 

VIOLATION	ACTION BY SUPERINTENDENT
First Violation	A written warning (email and/or formal letter) at a minimum. May include a period of CUA suspension or restriction depending upon the violation.
Second Violation	May include CUA restriction or suspension for a minimum of 30 operating days and up to a maximum of 120 operating days. The restriction may continue into the next operating season and CUA applications for the next season may be denied until the term of the suspension is met.
Third Violation	May include CUA revocation for the remaining operating season and subsequent application denial for the next three operating seasons.

 
 
A CUA may also be suspended or restricted when the Holder/Owner or Employee is under investigation or is charged for a criminal offense by state or federal authorities if a nexus exists between the offense and the authorized business activity, the safety of Park visitors, or the preservation and protection of Park resources and values, regardless of whether the offense occurred in a unit of the National Park System. The CUA holder shall notify the Superintendent within one week of such a criminal charge being issued by a court. A CUA may be reinstated, or restriction lifted as a result of the final adjudication. 

CUA Application Denial: 
An application for a CUA may be denied if the Holder/Owner or any of the Holder/Owner’s current or proposed Employees committed a violation, as defined above, within three years of the date of application. Applicants denied a CUA due to previous violations may reapply at any time but are subject to an additional nonrefundable application fee. 

Notification Process: 
If a Holder/Owner or any of the Holder/Owner’s current Employees has committed a violation, the Superintendent or their designee may: 

1. Notify the Holder/Owner of the violation in writing as soon as appropriate. This notification may include immediate suspension or restriction of the CUA. It is in the best interest of the National Park Service and the Holder/Owner that the Holder/Owner be made aware of the violation and, if deemed appropriate, be given an opportunity to take corrective action to avoid future violations and provide an explanation of the circumstances leading to the violation. 
2. Notify the Holder/Owner in writing of the final administrative action including, but not limited to, suspension, restriction, revocation or denial of a future CUA or other National Park Service-issued permits. The Holder/Owner will also be notified of their right to appeal. 
3. Notify the Pacific West Region and Washington Office CUA Coordinators as appropriate. 

Appeal Process: 
An appeal of the action may be made to the Superintendent in writing within 30 days of the action. Appeals must set forth the facts and circumstances the Holder/Owner believes support the appeal. The Holder/Owner may request a meeting to discuss the appeal with the Superintendent or his/her representative. The Superintendent may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision appealed and will set forth in writing the basis of the decision after considering the materials submitted by the Holder/Owner and the National Park Service record of the matter, and after the meeting with the Holder/Owner if the Holder/Owner requested a meeting. A copy of the final decision will be forwarded to the Holder/Owner. 

APPROVED: /s/ Mike Reynolds    DATE: October 02, 2024
Mike Reynolds, Superintendent