Special Use Permits

Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include many types of organized gatherings, distribution of printed material and other public expressions of opinion, and other activities that are controlled or prohibited. See the following definitions and examples to determine if your use might be included.

It is the policy of the National Park Service (NPS) to allow special uses that are not in conflict with law or policy; will not result in derogation of the values and purposes for which the park was established; do not present a threat to public safety or property and do not unduly interfere with normal park operations, resource protection, or visitor use.

The park has the authority and responsibility to evaluate applicant requests, permit, manage, and/or deny all special uses within the park. Therefore, before any permit will be granted, consideration will be given to potential park resource impacts, as well as impacts to visitor use, access to park sites, or park administration. There are cost recovery fees associated with the administration and management of special use permits for costs incurred by the park. Special park use guidelines state that “it is the policy of the NPS to charge permit fees for special uses. Permit fees should reflect the fair market value of a benefit provided the permittee. The fair market value of a special use is the value of the lands or facilities used and the NPS cost incurred in managing, facilitating, or supporting the use.”

A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large;
• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation; Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

 

What Activities Require a Special Use Permit?

A special use permit (SUP) is required for activities that benefit an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large. Examples of activities that require a permit at Guadalupe Mountains include, but are not limited to:

• Certain Types of Filming
• Certain Types of Still Photography
• Any organized group (scouting groups, churches, academic institutions, or other non-profit organizations) sponsoring a hike or other activity or event in the park
• Spreading cremated remains in the park
• Any person or persons seeking to visit a airplane crash site
• Weddings/elopements/vow renewals
• Other ceremonies or public assemblies

 

Other Activities That Require Use-Specific Permits

• Commercial use
• Scientific Research and Collecting Permits

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Permit for Organized Group Recreation

Any organized gathering of a group of people for recreation, including hiking, within the park may require a Special Use Permit. “Groups” are any organized gathering of people, including (but not limited to):

Clubs/meet-up groups Church groups Scouts

School groups Mountaineering groups Youth groups

Restrictions and Conditions

• For most recreational activities, a permit is required if group size is 20 or greater.
• Location of activities may be restricted, depending on group size.
• On trails or in Wilderness, groups must break into parties of 10 or less and maintain separation by staggering start times by at least 15 minutes, paying close attention to route selection and pace. Groups must not merge along the route or gather at any time.
• Competitive events are not allowed in park Wilderness.
• The permittee must obtain all necessary wilderness permits prior to the activity. Entrance fees will not be waived.
• Activity monitoring and cost-recovery charges may be required. Permit Coordinators can help determine potential costs, if any, for the activity.

How to Apply

• Complete an application form  and email it to [e-mail].
• Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the requested date with the the non-refundable $150 application fee. Please contact the Permit Coordinator via email if expediting of your application is requested (less than four weeks advance submission).
• Application fees must be paid before the permit will be processed/approved.

 

Permits for Photography and Filming

Some forms of photography and filming not meant solely for personal use may require a permit. Please reach out to [e-mail] for more information. 

 

 

Permit to Scatter Ashes

Human ashes may be scattered in Guadalupe Mountains National Park with a permit.

Restrictions and Conditions

The scattering of cremated human remains (“cremains”) in Guadalupe Mountains National Park should be a small private affair, held away from high visitor use areas under the following conditions: 

• Party size is limited to 1-10 participants and cremains may be scattered in wilderness and primitive areas along most trails and throughout the park.
• Those wishing to scatter cremains on Guadalupe Peak are subject to the additional restrictions:
  • The peak trail and summit are closed to cremains scattering on Saturdays.
  • Due to heavy trail traffic during the months of March, April, October, and November, scattering permits may be further restricted. 
• Cremated remains are not allowed within the regular course of all dry washes and intermittent waterways within the park.
  • The McKittrick Canyon trail from the visitor center to the Notch is closed to the scattering of cremated human remains.
  • The portion of Pine Spring Canyon leading to Devil’s Hall is closed to the scattering of cremated human remains.
• Access to the area must be kept open to the public and the memorialization cannot interfere with normal visitor activity. Outdoor areas will not be closed off during memorialization and parking may not be reserved. The park will not exclude nor allow you to exclude other park visitors from the site.
• Cremated remains must be pulverized and fully dispersed so that no obvious piles remain in any one place.
• Ashes may not be dispersed within 100 yards of any body of water or in a developed area.
• No container, urn, flowers, or memorial markers may be left within park boundaries.
• Do not bring any potted plants, dried flower arrangements or any plant with seeds as these may introduce non-native or invasive species.
• The National Park Service (NPS) does not commit to treating the area as a burial ground or cemetery. Park uses, operations and programs will be continued without regard to the presence of the cremains.
• Recognize and be aware of the sensitivity of this activity and perform it in a discreet and private manner.

How to Apply

• Complete an application form and email it to [e-mail].

• Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the requested date with the the non-refundable $55 application fee. Please contact the Permit Coordinator via email if expediting of your application is requested (less than four weeks advanced submission).
• Application fees must be paid before the permit will be processed/approved.

 

Permit to Visit a Documented Airplane Crash Site

All aircraft crash sites within the park boundary are closed, except through limited access granted through an approved Special Use Permit. Between 1943 and 1986, 22 Americans (civilian and military) lost their lives in nine aircraft accidents inside the present park boundary, and this restriction maintains the solemn commemorative and historic character of these sites of tragedy and prevents damage or loss to cultural resources.

Restrictions and Conditions

• Group size can be no larger than six persons.
• Two park employees will accompany the group to the site. Time to hike to sites varies from at least two to twelve hours or more. 

Fees

• All costs incurred by the National Park Service for issuing the permit, and staff to accompany and monitor the group will be reimbursed by the permittee as a condition of the permit.

How to Apply

• Complete an application form  and email it to [e-mail].
• Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the requested date with the the non-refundable $150 application fee. . Please contact the Permit Coordinator via email if expediting of your application is requested (less than four weeks advance submission).
• Application fees must be paid before the permit will be processed/approved.