Superintendent's Compendium

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site

Superintendent's Compendium of Designations, Closures, Use and Activities Restrictions, Permit Requirements and other Regulations

Approved: Lyn Carranza, Superintendent 01/09/2026
Superintendent, Southern Four Corners Group (Canyon de Chelly NM, Hubbell Trading Post NHS, Navajo NM)


In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), the following compendium actions regulations apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site. This document is the written compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, as required by 36 CFR 1.7(b). Violating any provision in this Compendium may result in criminal penalties under 36 CFR 1.3. Since Hubbell Trading Post is located on the Navajo Indian Reservation, Navajo Nation laws are also enforced, along with State enforcement agencies.

The compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site. These include:

• Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43, which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of the Interior. The current version of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR.

• Statutes codified in U.S. Code, in particular provisions in Titles 16 and 54.

This Compendium is organized by the sections in 36 CFR that give the Superintendent discretionary authority to take the compendium action. Written determinations that explain why each compendium action is necessary appear in this document in italicized print.

This Compendium is organized by the sections in 36 CFR that give the Superintendent discretionary authority to take the compendium action. Written determinations that explain why each compendium action is necessary appear in this document in italicized print.

Please contact Group Superintendent Lyn Carranza if you have any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium.

Please send any written comments via USPS to:

Superintendent
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
P.O. Box 150
Ganado, AZ 86505

NPS regulations in 36 CFR 1.4 define certain terms that are used in 36 CFR. Other sections in 36 CFR may define terms that are used in those sections. To the extent any terms defined in the CFR are used in this Compendium, those definitions apply. In addition to terms defined in the CFR, the following terms used in this Compendium are defined as follows:

Day Use Area: Any area consisting of or adjacent to paved parking lots, buildings, or toilet facilities that are open to the general public.

Uncrewed Aircraft: A device that is used or intended to be used for flight without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Walkway: Sidewalks, paths, trails, or hard-surfaced areas that are closed to the use of bicycles and motorized vehicles.

36 CFR §1.5 – CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS

(a)(1) – Visiting Hours, public use limits and closures.

Visiting Hours:

• The Historic Area, Visitor Center, Book Store, and Visitor Center parking lot are open to the public from 8:00 until 5:00 pm unless otherwise posted.

• All park areas are closed to the public on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Established visiting hours are necessary for visitor safety and resource protection.

Closures:

• The Hubbell Home is closed unless you are led by a ranger on a guided tour.
• The Log Hogan in the lane.
• Hubbell home - Root Cellar, back patio area.
• Hubbell Bunkhouse – Bunkhouse.
• Hubbell Barn - Stable, back half and upper area of barn.
• Park entrance - Wide Reed Ruin, at entrance area of the park.
• Back 40 - Sites 10, 11, 14, 15, and 18 in the unused fields.
• Curation facility - Curation area.
• Maintenance Yard -Near Curation facility.
• NPS Housing Area.

Hubbell infrastructure, areas/rooms closed are due to safety and security reasons. Some areas are used as storage facilities and may not be suitable for visitors. Other areas contain heating and cooling units, while other areas are fragile and cannot endure what visitation brings.The Curation Facility is closed due to the nature of collections being held in the facility. Individuals and institutions can access the collection by gaining permission from the Curator or Superintendent. Not all collections are allowed for viewing or access.The Superintendent has authority to designate additional closures as circumstances arise.

36 CFR §1.5(a)(2) – Designated areas, conditions or restrictions on a use or activity

Conditions or Restrictions on a Use or Activity

• Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

This restriction is necessary to prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources and values from the use of uncrewed aircraft. Potential impacts include harming visitors, interfering with rescue operations, causing excessive noise, impacting viewsheds, and disturbing wildlife. This restriction is required by NPS Reference Manual #60: Aviation Management, Chapter 12 – Uncrewed Aircraft Systems.

• Flash photography is not allowed while on a tour inside the Hubbell home to protect the historic museum items inside the home.

Fading and discoloration: Flash photography can cause pigments in paintings, dyes in the textiles, and inks in manuscripts to fade or change color permanently. This damage is cumulative, meaning that even a single flash, when multiplied by thousands of visitors over time, can significantly accelerate the degradation process.

Material Degradation: Organic materials such as paper, wood, leather and textiles are highly susceptible to light damage. Flash can break down the chemical bonds within these materials, leading to embrittlement, cracking, and eventual disintegration.

Irreversible Harm: Damage caused by light exposure is often irreversible. Once color fades or a material deteriorates chemically, it cannot be restored to its original state.

Flattened Appearance: Flash photography tends to “flatten” subjects, washing out details and crating harsh, unnatural shadows. It eliminates the subtle nuances of light and shadow that define the form and texture of an artwork, making it appear two-dimensional and lifeless.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.
  • Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
  • Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
  • If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.

Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.

• Hubbell home tour is limited to 15 people per tour.

To protect the fragile and highly unusual historic resources from the impacts of walking, touching, and potential theft. To preserve the Historic resources for future generations. To preserve the Historic resource for its ethnographic, scientific, and educational integrity.

• Eating restrictions while visiting the sites:
  • No food, drinks or gum may be consumed in the Hubbell Home.

Food crumbs attract rodents and insects that burrow through structures and possibly weaken them. The rodents and insects can create conservation and structural problems. Foods can also contaminate precious irreplaceable historic artifacts. Disposal of chewing gum in the Hubbell home or any historic setting is difficult to remove and can contaminate precious irreplaceable historic artifacts. Drinks can ruin historic irreplaceable flooring and rugs.

• Passenger Carrying Buses & Vehicles:
  • Drivers of commercial passenger-carrying diesel-fueled motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines in parking lots of developed areas.

Idling engines are noisy and add unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air, which impacts tranquil atmosphere of the park that is sought by many visitors.

36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

• Launching or landing uncrewed aircraft. 36 CFR 1.5.
• Specimen collection for research purposes. 36 CFR 2.5.
• Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian tribes. 36 CFR 2.6.
• Operating a power saw in developed areas and a motor or engine in undeveloped areas. 36 CFR 2.12.
• Operating a public address system 36 CFR 2.12.
• Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means. 36 CFR 2.17.
• Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services. 36 CFR 2.37.
• Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives; using or possessing fireworks or firecrackers. 36 CFR 2.38.
• Conducting a special event. 36 CFR 2.50.
• Conducting a demonstration by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.51.
• Selling or distributing printed matter and other message-bearing items by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.52.
• Running-at-large, herding, driving across, allowing on, pasturing or grazing of livestock, or using the park for agriculture. 36 CFR 2.60.
• Residing on federal lands. 36 CFR 2.61.
• Towing a person using a parasail, hang-glider, or other airborne device. 36 CFR 3.12.
• Displaying, posting, or distributing commercial notices or advertisements. 36 CFR 5.1
• Engaging in or soliciting any business. 36 CFR 5.3.
• Using commercial vehicles on NPS-administered roads. 35 CFR 5.6.
• Constructing or attempting to construct any building, structure, road, trail, path, or utility. 36 CFR 5.7.
• Rights-of-way. 36 CFR part 14.
• Examining ruins, excavating archeological sites, and gathering of objects of antiquity. 43 CFR part 3.
• Excavating or removing archeological resources. 43 CFR part 7.
• Collecting paleontological resources. 43 CFR part 49.
• Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 54 U.S.C. 100905.

36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

36 CFR §2.1(b) – Hiking

• The majority of trails are on the outer parameters of the Hubbell infrastructure are open and are fairly well defined.

36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE

• Camping is prohibited in the park except for NPS staff, volunteers and partners who have permission from the Superintendent to do so.

The park does not have infrastructure to support overnight stays by the public.

36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING

• Picnicking is prohibited in:
  • Any historic grounds around the Trading Post, Hubbell Home and Barn Area.
  • Any location near livestock.
  • Any areas that would impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
  • Any areas that would interfere with park operations.
  • Picnicking is allowed where there are picnic tables near the visitor center.

Picnicking in certain areas could pose a hazard to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic or impede park operations. Also, food crumbs will attract unwanted rodents.

36 CFR §2.13 (a)(1) – FIRES

36 CFR §2.13(a)(1) - Conditions on Lighting or Maintaining a Fire

• A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.

This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.

36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

36 CFR §2.15 (a)(1) - Dogs, cats and other pets are prohibited in the following areas:

• All park buildings
• Historic grounds
• These restrictions do not apply to service animals
• All pets must be on a leash at all times.

Pet behavior interferes with the quiet nature of the park and can scare wildlife and park farm animals.

36 CFR §15 (a)(2) - Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

• Pet owners must pick up and dispose of pet excrement.

Pet excrement has an undesirable smell and is unsightly. The smell of pets and their excrement has been shown to alter natural wildlife behavior.

36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

36 CFR (a)(1) - Smoking is prohibited:

• In all buildings and structures
• Within 25 feet of the entrance to all public buildings
• Within 25 feet of heating/cooling units of all public buildings

Tobacco and e-cigarette smoking is prohibited in the above areas to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, or prevent conflicts among visitor use activities.

36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY

36 CFR (a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions:

• With the consent of the Superintendent and only in approved area/s.
• Abandoned property will be confiscated and removed after 24 hours.

36 CFR §2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

36 CFR (a)(3) – Closures to Alcohol

The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:

• The park does not allow for the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages
• It is also against Navajo Nation Law to possess or consume alcoholic beverages on the Navajo reservation
• The consumption of an alcoholic beverage or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage would be inappropriate considering other uses of the location and the purposes for which it is maintained or established; or
• Incidents of aberrant behavior related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages are of such magnitude that the diligent application of the authorities [in 36CFR], over a reasonable time period, does not alleviate the problem.

36 CFR §2.51 – DEMONSTRATIONS AND DESIGNATED AVAILABLE PARK AREAS

36 CFR §2.5 ( c )(2) – Designated Locations

• The following location to the right side of the park road at main entrance just outside the park welcome sign is designated as available for demonstrations. A permit is not required for a demonstration in the designated location if it involves 25 persons or fewer and does not involve structures. See map in Appendix A below.

• Demonstrations of more than 25 people are allowed within designated park areas when the Superintendent has issued a permit for the activity, but may require an alternative location as to not interrupt flow of traffic or disrupt the visitors experience. The north parking lot is a alternate designated location. See map of alternate site in Appendix A below.

36 CFR §2.52 – SALE AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER AND OTHER MESSAGE-BEARING ITEMS

• The following location to the left of the main entrance to the visitor center is designated as available for the sale or distribution of printed matter, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items. A permit is not required for these activities in the designated location if they involve 25 persons or fewer and do not involve structures. See map in Appendix A below.

The designated location is in a prominent location near the visitor center that will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. At the same time, the designated location leaves ample space for visitors to enter and leave the visitor center safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such as interpretive events.

36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS

(b) The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

• Park entrance road and bridge 10 MPH

The established 10 mph for the entrance road is due to local pedestrian traffic along side of entrance road and bridge. The entrance road is of dirt and gravel, which can get slippery during storms, it also cannot be striped.

36 CFR §4.30 BICYCLES

36 CFR §4.30(i) – Electric bicycles

• Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles are allowed in the following locations where traditional bicycles also are allowed:
  • Park roads and parking areas.
  • Trail that parallels the main park road.

Allowing electric bicycles on roads and parking areas will not create new, adverse impacts to resources or visitors because those locations are already used by motor vehicles and traditional bicycles. Electric bicycles provide a recreational opportunity for visitors who want to ride a bicycle but might not otherwise because of physical fitness, age, or convenience, especially at high altitudes and on terrain with changing elevations. Class 3 electric bicycles, which allow the motor to assist pedaling up to 28 mph, would create unacceptable risks to visitor safety on roads and parking areas in the park due to potential conflicts with heavier and faster motor vehicles, and with other electric bicycles and traditional bicycles, which travel at slower speeds. Accidents that occur at higher speeds increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Appendix A

Designated Areas for First Amendment and Distribution of Printed Material Activities

 

East road park entrance area for public assembly that requires no permit

NPS

 

Alternate location for public assembly and printed matter distribution that requires a permit if activity involves 25 or more people

NPS