Commercial Use Authorizations

Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance, and to adjust operations as needed.

Visit this page for a list of what is open, and for park-wide updates >

UPDATE: New COVID-19 guidance for Commercial Use Authorizations:

• Public Health Information for the Park Partner Community
• Multi-day Road-based Tours

NOTE: As of May 15, 2021, Grand Canyon National Park only accepts credit or debit cards for all entrance fees, including commercial tour fees. Visit the Commercial Tours Entrance Fee page for more details.

 

Update effective May 28, 2021

CUA holders may now operate at 100% capacity.

The Department of Interior issued a memorandum on May 27, 2021 allowing transportation systems to operate at 100% capacity. This also applies for Commercia Use Authorizations.

"While some practices that promote physical distancing may be appropriate to continue (such as designating an entry and exit door for vehicles with multiple doors), practices that limit capacity such as closing alternate rows of seating or limiting occupancy below established vehicle or vessel capacities may be discontinued."

Effective immediately, all CUA holders may operate at 100% capacity. Previous guidance regarding the 100% / 50% capacity operations are no longer in effect. However, masks/facial coverings are still required in all commercial vehicles - buses, jeeps, vans, etc. And masks should be worn when 6 feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained for unvaccinated visitors.

Continued COVID-19 mitigations other CDC recommendations should also be in place.

Operators are independently responsible for understanding and complying with the most current applicable laws, regulations, orders, ordinances and other requirements and for conducting their operations in a manner that is safe and protects the health of employees, customers and the public.

Please see the links below about COVID-19 guidance for multi-day road-based tours and transportation system operations. The guidance is based on current information.

• Multi-day Road-based Tours COVID-19 Guidance (June 3, 2021)

• Transportation System Operations COVID-19 Management Practices (June 9, 2021)

If conditions change, Grand Canyon National Park reserves the right to change these parameters or other operational conditions immediately. Please understand the Park will make every effort to communicate the need for the change in a timely manner; however, depending on conditions, immediate action may be necessary.

Please e-mail us at the Permits Office with any questions.

 

 

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?

A CUA allows an individual, group, company or other for-profit entity to provide commercial visitor services within a National Park area. Services provided to NPS employees are not covered by CUAs (e.g., Schwan's grocery delivery). Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) are required for all commercial visitor services provided by a company or organization not based in the park.

What does the law and regulations say about CUAs?

PL 105-391, Section 418 and 36 CFR 5.3 require NPS issue and charge a reasonable fee for CUAs. The law requires that NPS ensure CUAs:

• Are accomplished in a manner consistent to the highest practicable degree with the preservation and conservation of park resources and values;
• Are consistent with the purpose for which the Park was established;
• Comply with all applicable management plans, park policies and regulations;
• Are subjects to conditions promoting the safety of visitors;
• Limit the liability of the United States Government;
• Are subjet to a reasonable fee that at a minimum recovers administrative and management costs of the CUA.

Who needs a CUA?

A CUA is required if an entity provides a good, activity, service, or other function to visitors in a NPS managed area, uses park resources and results in compensation, monetary gain, benefit or profit.

What constitutes a commercial tour or service?

A commercial tour or service consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure/recreational purposes by an organization that profits from providing that service.

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

How to Apply for a CUA

Find CUA forms and application instructions on the How to Apply for a CUA page.

 

 

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