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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 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area;
will have minimal impact on Glen Canyon’s resources and values; and
are consistent with Glen Canyon’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 Glen Canyon,
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.
Program Updates
The National Park Service (NPS) has developed an online CUA system designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process for NPS staff and applicants. The opening of the online system was launched and tested by parks who opted in during Phase I; the application was a success!
All NPS units will be using the online system for the 2025 CUA season. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area will begin accepting applications for the 2025 CUA season in the fall of 2024.
Additionally, the online system has implemented a standard CUA application fee. For the 2025 CUA season the application fees will increase to $350for the first CUA service type, any additional service types submitted to Glen Canyon during the same CUA season will be $250 each. The application fees are non-refundable and due at time of application submission via the online system.
How to Apply for a CUA
Apply for a CUA by accessing the online application portal. Companies will be required to set up an account and upload all the required documents and pay the application fee through the CUA Portal.
CUA Applications will be accepted year-round, all permits will expire on December 31st, regardless of when they were issued. Complete applications should be submitted a minimum of 45 days in advance of first trip to allow time for processing.
Applications will no longer be accepted through the Glen Canyon CUA Office. Beginning in 2025, applications must be submitted through the online portal. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
Approved companies that provide vessel-based services inside Glen Canyon National Recreation Area:
Vessel Caretaking
Minor Vessel Repair
Launch and Retrieval – Motorized Vessels less than 26’ (Commercially Owned Only)
Launch & Retrieval – Human Powered Vessels less than 26’ (Commercially Owned Only)
Launch and Retrieval Service - (Privately Owned Vessels)
Marine Salvage
Alternative Anchoring
We apologize for any inconvenience; we kindly remind all clients of Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit Holders that pets are not allowed on any CUA Trips. This policy is to protect the health and safety of all people in the area, as well as animals themselves.
It is important to abide by these rules, as animals are unpredictable and can cause harm to other individuals. It is also important to note that this rule applies to any kind of animals, such as domestic pets, wild animals, and exotic pets; excluded are service animals.
Definition of Service Animal: A service animal means any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The service animals may accompany visitors with disabilities in areas of Glen Canyon open to the public.
For Current CUA holders - Annual Reports
All CUA Holders must fill out one ofthe following forms for each business they provide:
Guided Services: Fishing-Lake Powell, Land Tours, Hiking, Photography, Hunting, Kayak/Canoe, Kayak/SUP, Scuba Instruction, Waterski Wakeboard Instruction: Guided Service Annual Report
Guided Colorado River Fishing and Backhaul: Guided Colorado River Services Annual Report
Private Vessel Services - Caretaking, Minor Repair, Launch and Retrieve, Marine Salvage: Vessel Service Annual Report
Commercial Vessel Services - Launch and Retrieve-Motorized Vessels, Launch and Retrieve - Human Powered Vessels: Commercial Vessel Service Annual Report
Retail Services - Mobile Food & Beverage Service: Retail Service Annual Report
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Revocation And Suspension Policy
The NPS may terminate a CUA upon violation of any of the CUA conditions or at the discretion of the Superintendent, at his or her 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. This policy memorandum is intended to provide guidance regarding the actions taken in the event of a permittee violation (as defined in this policy).
Learn more about CUAs
Commercial Use Authorizations in the National Park Service
928 608-6200
Receptionist available at Glen Canyon Headquarters from 7 am to 4 pm MST, Monday through Friday. The phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911 or hail National Park Service on Marine Band 16.
