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
 

Descriptions and Conditions of Activities and Services Authorized under a CUA

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

  • Backcountry HikingAuthorizes 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 ToursAuthorizes road-based guided bicycle tours. The use of Class 1 e-bikes is authorized with this CUA.

  • Guided Interpretive Tours:   NEW for 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. 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 ToursAuthorized guided motorcycle tours traveling on paved roadways. This CUA does NOT authorize scooter or ebike tours.

  • Photography and Art WorkshopsAuthorizes 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.

  • Road Based Commercial Tours: Newly defined for 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.  NOTEMotorcoach operators who are providing chartered transportation services only are no longer required to apply for and secure a Road Based Commercial Tour (RBCT) CUA, as it is the responsibility of the commercial tour provider to obtain the RBCT CUA. 

  • River Equipment Rental and DeliveryAuthorizes 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.

  • Transport (non-Tour): 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 (including but not limited to rim-to-rim transportation) to drop off and pick up passengers at trailheads, parking areas, pullouts, and developed areas. These services are not sold for leisure/recreational/educational purposes.

  • Tuweep ToursAuthorizes 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:

 

How much does a CUA cost?

Annual Application Fee - 2026 (application fees are NON-REFUNDABLE):
  • $350 for first application, $250 for subsequent applications to same park in same calendar year.

Management Fee: In addition to the application fee, The NPS must charge CUA holders a management fee that at a minimum recovers the costs of all CUA management after application approval. CUA management includes, but is not limited to, correspondence with the CUA holder, in-the-field monitoring, and the mitigation of resource impacts caused by the commercial activity. Grand Canyon National Park uses a market price calculation (set by the NPS) to assess a management fee based on the in-park gross receipts earned as a result of doing business authorized by the CUA. Application fees are credited towards the final management fee. Fees are calculated using the following market price percentages:

  • 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)

  • Payment is due by March 31.

  • Application and Management fees are paid directly through the online CUA Application and Reporting System.

  • NOTE: Road Based Commercial Tours, Motorcycle Tours, and Transport (Non-Tour) CUA holders will not be charged a management fee in 2025.

    In 2026, all CUA activities, except Road Based Commercial Tours (RBCTs), will be charged a management fee based on the Market Price calculation.

Do CUA holders have to pay park entrance fees?

How do I apply for a CUA?

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

How long does it take to get a CUA?

  • Grand Canyon National Park requires up to 30 days to process a complete CUA application. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

What are the reporting requirements?

  • The holder must submit annually the CUA Annual Report (NPS Form 10-660) by February 28 for the prior CUA season. The holder is to provide the area Superintendent upon request any other specific information related to the holder’s operations that the area Superintendent may request, including but not limited to, visitor use statistics, and resource impact assessments.

  • Failure to return required reports or misrepresentation of statistics or earnings will result in denial of your next CUA application or suspension of your current CUA.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

Additional Information

  • Grand Canyon National Park CUA Revocation and Suspension 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.

Guide Resources

Improve your guiding skills and knowledge by learning more about Grand Canyon National Park
Learn About the Park

Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics

Grand Canyon National Park CUA Program - CUA Guide Training Seminar

Grand Canyon Conservancy - Guide Training Seminars

Grand Canyon River Guides - Training Seminars

NPS CUA Program

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

 

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: May 14, 2025

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

Contact Us