Commercial Use Authorizations

 

What is a CUA?

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 Grand Canyon National Park; will have minimal impact on Grand Canyon National Park’s resources and values; and are consistent with Grand Canyon National Park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

Do I Need a CUA?

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 Grand Canyon National Park, 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. You must be in possession of a valid CUA to conduct business in Grand Canyon National Park.

 
Banner collage of CUA related photos
 

How To Apply For A CUA

All CUA applications are processed through the online CUA Application and Reporting System.

Watch this instructional video on using the online CUA Application and Reporting System.

**This will be a one-year CUA expiring December 31, 2026.**

The application window closes 11:59pm (AZ time) on April 30, 2026. CUA applications will not be accepted after April 30, 2026.
We will continue to process CUA applications through May 31, 2026. Applications that have not been completed by May 31, 2026 will not be issued a CUA.

  • Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
  • We require up to 30 days to process a complete application.

Required Documents

The following documents (if applicable) must be uploaded onto the online CUA Application and Reporting System:

  1. Insurance Certification Required for all CUA applicants.

  2. Operating Plan Required for all CUA applicants. You must submit an activity-specific Operating Plan with each CUA application. The Operating Plan is a separate Microsoft Form. Once completed, click “Submit” at the bottom the form. You do not have to upload the Operating Plan to your application. The link to the Operating Plans will be avaible during the application process.

  3. Guide Registration Form - Click to download Required for Backcountry Hiking, Bicycle Tours, and Tuweep Tours.


Please contact us if you have any issues or questions during the application process.

 
 

Descriptions and Conditions of Activities and Services Authorized under a CUA

Grand Canyon National Park only issues CUAs for following authorized commercial activities:

NOTE: The names of our CUA activites are slightly different in the online application system.

Authorized Activity

Activity Name in the Online System

Activity Defined

Backcountry Hiking

Hiking-backcountry

Authorizes guided day hiking and overnight backpacking trips below the rim. A separate backcountry camping permit is required for overnight backpacking. Trail running is not an authorized activity under a CUA.

Bicycle Tours

Bicycle Tours

Authorizes road-based guided bicycle tours. The use of Class 1 e-bikes is authorized with this CUA.

Guided Interpretive Tours

Guided Interpretive Tours

NEW in 2026
Authorizes guided interpretive tours of one or more individuals that may be traveling in a single vehicle with a capacity of 15 or fewer passengers on roadways open to the public following an itinerary sold for leisure, recreational, or educational purposes. Guided Interpretive Tours take visitors through GRCA’s road system with a focus on interpreting the Park’s natural and cultural history. Additional guided commercial activities include, but are not limited to: Guided caravan tours including street-legal utility vehicles, Guided wildlife viewing, such as birdwatching, Guided astronomy tours, Guided walking tours above the rim (hiking below the rim requires the Backcountry Hiking CUA).

Motorcycle Tours

Motorcycle/Scooter Tour

Authorizes guided motorcycle tours on paved roadways on an itinerary sold for leisure/recreational/educational purposes. This CUA does NOT authorize Scooter Tours.

Photography and Art Workshops

Photography Instruction

Authorizes road-based above the rim instructional workshops that focus on the scenic, cultural, and/or natural resources of Grand Canyon to create an instructional based experience designed to improve a photographer's or artist's skills and/or techniques.

River Equipment Rental & Delivery

Equipment Rental

Authorizes delivery service of rental equipment to Lee’s Ferry and pick up of same at Pearce Ferry for authorized private, non-commercial river permit holders. Transportation of clients to and from put-in/take-out trailheads for passenger exchanges is permitted with this CUA.

Road Based Commercial Tours

Road-based Commercial Tours - bus, van, auto, etc.

Newly defined in 2026
Authorizes guided road-based interpretive tours. The National Park Service defines RBCTs as one or more individuals traveling in a single vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more passengers on an improved roadway, following an itinerary sold for leisure, recreational, or educational purposes. RBCT CUA holders are permitted to provide only incidental services related to road-based travel within a unit of the National Park System. These incidental services include on-board interpretation with a focus on the Park’s natural and cultural resources, brief stops at visitor centers, restaurants, and wayside exhibits, and limited guided hiking above the rim.

NOTE to Motorcoach Charter Companies: DO NOT APPLY FOR A CUA. Motorcoach operators who are providing chartered transportation services only are no longer required to apply for and secure a RBCT CUA, as it is the responsibility of the commercial tour provider to obtain the RBCT CUA. Nor are they required to obtain any type of CUA at Grand Canyon National Park. However, the park superintendent has the authority to require motorcoach operators providing transportation services only and not working under a tour provider's RBCT CUA to secure another type of CUA in order to avoid unacceptable impacts to park resources or visitor experiences resulting from the motorcoach operations.

Transport (Non-Tour)

Transport (non-tour) - road, air, water based

Authorizes companies to provide frequent and scheduled transportation services to and from the park, including but not limited to shuttle services; and/or transportation services within the park (such as rim-to-rim shuttles) to drop off and pick up passengers at trailheads, parking areas, pullouts, and developed areas.

Tuweep Tours

Other

Authorizes road-based day and overnight guided interpretive tours on the Toroweap Road by motor vehicle. A separate backcountry camping permit is required for overnight use at Tuweep Campground.

 

CUA Conditions

 

Which CUA Do I Apply For?

Be sure to apply for the correct CUA.

Please contact us if you have any questions prior to submitting you application.

**If you apply for the wrong CUA, your application will be denied and you will have to reapply for the correct CUA and pay the application fee again.**

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Additional Information

  • Grand Canyon National Park CUA Suspension and Revocation Policy

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 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.

  • Backcountry Camping Permits for Overnight Backpacking Operators

In addition to the CUA, Backpacking CUA holders are required to obtain all necessary backcountry camping permits from the Backcountry Information Center. Find more information about Backpacking Permits on the Backcountry Permits page.

  • NPS CUA Program

Learn more about Providing Visitor Services Through CUAs on the NPS CUA webpage.

 

Guide Resources

 


2025 CUA Directory

To view the public directory of 2025 CUA holders, please go to Grand Canyon National Park CUA Directory

  • Please note, this is not a comprehensive list. This list only shows CUA holders that chose to be included in the directory. If you are representing a CUA holder that spots an error, please contact The Permits Office at grca_permits_mail@nps.gov

 

CUA Office contact information

Email: grca_permits_mail@nps.gov

Mailing Address:
Commercial Services
Attn: CUA Coordinator
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Last updated: September 11, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

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