Commercial Use Authorization

CUA Program Updates

 

Important Dates

October 15, 2025 - November 30, 2025 - Winter CUA application period. 
mid November - Winter CUA meeting (optional) 
December 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026 - Spring/Summer CUA application window using the new NPS Online Application and Reporting System.
End of January - Spring/Summer CUA virtual meeting (optional)

January 31 - Annual Reports due for previous calendar year of operation. If your Annual Report is late, your current CUA will be suspended until we receive your Annual Report.
 

 

Important Links

• Apply for a CUA
• CUA Conditions

The National Park Service requires specific authorizations for commercial businesses to operate in national parks, usually in the form of a Commercial Use Authorization. If a business does not have a Commercial Use Authorization, they may not operate in the park.

Commercial service opportunities in Glacier National Park are reviewed annually and subject to change year to year. 

 

 

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?

Public Law 105-391, Section 418, which was signed in 1998, provides for the issuance of Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) to a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide suitable commercial services for park area visitors. Commercial activities are generally prohibited in National Parks unless authorized by a CUA or concessions contract.

 

Spring biking on the Going to the Sun Road

NPS Photo

What Activities are Authorized Through a CUA?

Glacier National Park currently issues CUAs for the following activities. All CUAs are issued for up to one operating season. The CUA operating season depends on the activity.

Winter Season

Guided Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Tours
Day and/or overnight guided cross-country ski and snowshoe tours. This does not authorize backcountry skiing.

Spring & Summer Season

Shoulder Season Shuttle Service
Shuttle service for the purpose of picking up and dropping off visitors within Glacier National Park during the shoulder seasons.
Guided Bicycle Tours
Guided bicycle road tours during daylight hours on roads open to hiker/biker access and motorized traffic.
Photography/Art Workshops
Day and/or night photography workshops and art woskshops that includes in-depth instruction.
East Side Shuttle Services
A scheduled shuttle service for the purpose of picking up and dropping off visitors within Glacier National Park’s east side at designated locations.

 

Services Not Permitted

These types of commercial services are prohibited in Glacier National Park. These are some of the services not allowed through the Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Program or authorized under any other permit in Glacier National Park:

• Guided Motorcycle Tours
• Delivery or pick-up of any out-of-park rentals by a third party, including, but not limited to, the following:
  • RVs or other camper units
  • Bicycles

Guided hiking (day hiking or backpacking) is only permitted through Glacier Guides, Inc., our current concessioner. There is no CUA available for this service at Glacier National Park.

Vehicle Tours/Commercial Transportation is generally not permitted in Glacier National Park. Exceptions are:

1. Our concessioners Glacier National Park Lodges and Sun Tours. Glacier National Park Lodges operates the historic Red Buses. Sun Tours operates interpretive tours highlighting Blackfeet culture and history.
2. Non-scheduled, infrequent commercial motor vehicle tours where the visit to the park is incidental to the larger tour and carrying roundtrip passengers are allowed to enter the park from the west to travel to Lake McDonald Lodge and from the east as far as the Rising Sun boat dock. These tours are not permitted to travel over the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road between Lake McDonald Lodge and Rising Sun boat dock. These commercial tours are also allowed to travel into the Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas. These tours do not require a CUA in 2025. Commercial tour entrance fees apply and will be charged upon entry to Glacier National Park based on vehicle capacity. For more information, please visit the Fees & Passes - Glacier National Park.
3. Shoulder Season and East Side Shuttle Services CUAs are permitted to transport visitors to and from specific locations inside the park during specific times of year. See CUA conditions for more details.

No commercial transportation is available or authorized in the North Fork area or on the inside North Fork Road.

 

 

Resources

Commercial Use Authorization

• CUA Conditions
• Apply for a CUA
• CUA Annual Reports
• Employee List and Certification Documentation
• Glacier CUA Denial, Revocation and Suspension Policy
• Laws, Policies, & Superintendent's Compendium

Plan Your Tours

• Road & Trail Status
• Construction Projects

 

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the CUA application process or requirements, please contact the Commercial Services Office at [e-mail].