Reservations and Special Use Permits

Reservations

Ranger-guided tours and interpretive talks are offered year-round. For large groups, such as tour groups or school groups, it is highly recommended to make reservations for tours/talks in advance. Call [phone] for reservations.

 

Special Park Use Permits

A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a unit of the National Park System and provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large. The National Park Service may permit a special park use providing the activity will not cause destruction of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or conflict with the purpose(s) for which the park was established. Permit consideration will be evaluated for potential resource damage and anticipated disruption of normal public use.

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site issues permits for the following activities:

• Public and Private Gatherings or Ceremonies
• 1st Amendment activities
• Filming and Photography

If applicants are not familiar with the park, a preliminary visit is advisable. The location where the special park use is desired needs to be determined before a Special Use Permit is issued. There are restrictions in certain areas of the park which could limit planned access and/or activities. Not all proposed activities may require a formal permit.

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site commemorates an 1864 attack perpetuated by the United States upon peaceful bands of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, the effects of which still resonate within those communities. The Park closely evaluates special use requests and consults with our Tribal partners. from those wishing to interpret this story through various media. Finally, we recommend being as detailed as possible when completing the application. Feel free to add a supplemental information page(s) to the application if you need additional space to answer the requested information.


Required processing time for a Special Use Permit is a minimum of 14 days and may be longer for some activities. The application fee is $97.00 based upon actual costs to write and review the permit application. Some Special Use Permits may require insurance and payment to recover costs to support the permitted activity.

For information on Special Use Permits or to email in your application, please contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator. Applications accepted by email ONLY.

Activities and events that require Special Use Permits include:

• Photography
• Filming
• Special Events
• First Amendment Activities: Application (no fee), First Amendment Special Use Locations

 

Permit for Photography

In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography in certain cases.

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234). Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming and photography in park areas. Questions and answers about filming and photography.

 

Permit for Photography

In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography in certain cases.  

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234). Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming and photography in park areas. Questions and answers about filming and photography. 

Still Photography

In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:  

1. the activity takes place in an area closed to the public; or  
2. the activity uses a model, set, or prop; or  
3. the National Park Service would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.  

A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models, if the image will not be used to promote or sell a product or service. 

Restrictions and Conditions

• Visitor access may not be restricted from any location; short interruptions to normal visitor use patterns are only allowed if specified in the approved permit. 
• The permit does not include authority to film or photograph individuals. Model releases are the responsibility of the permittee. 
• On-camera appearances by employees must be approved by park management as a condition of the permit. 
• Coverage of breaking news does not require a permit but is subject to restrictions and conditions to protect park resources. 
• The park cannot sign a location release supplied by the permittee.

Fees

• All costs incurred by the National Park Service for issuing the permit, scouting locations, monitoring, or otherwise supporting the photography activities will be reimbursed by the permittee as a condition of the permit. 
• Performance bond and liability insurance requirements must be met. The required amount of insurance will be determined by the potential risk to park resources and the complexity of activities. 
• If required, general liability insurance must be issued by a United States company. “United States Government” must be named as “additional insured” on the insurance certificate. Certificates naming the United States Government as “certificate holder” only are not acceptable. 

Location Fee Schedule

Still Photography and Audio Recording Fees 

• 1-10 people - $50/day 

• 11-30 people - $150/day 

• Over 30 people - $250/day 

How to Apply

• If you think your proposed photography activity will not require a permit, please email e-mail us with a complete description of your proposed activity. 

• If you believe your proposed photography activity meets the requirements for a permitted activity, please complete an application form and email it to e-mail us. 

• A minimum of four weeks is required to process the application and issue a permit. Please contact the Permit Coordinator via email if expediting of your application is requested (less than 90 days advanced submission). 

• Once your application is received by the Permit Coordinator, you will be given instructions on paying the non-refundable $97 application fee online. 

• Application fees must be paid before the permit is processed/approved. 

 

Permit for Filming

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234). Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming and photography in park areas. Questions and answers about filming and photography. 

In certain circumstances filming may require a permit to manage the activity, to protect park resources and values, to preserve wilderness character, to minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Interviews with park staff or volunteers will almost always require a film permit. 

A permit may be required if: 

• 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. 

Restrictions and Conditions

• Visitor access may not be restricted from any location; short interruptions to normal visitor use patterns are only allowed if specified in the approved permit. 
• The permit does not include authority to film or photograph individuals. Model releases are the responsibility of the permittee. 
• On-camera appearances by employees must be approved by park management as a condition of the permit. 
• Coverage of breaking news does not require a permit, but is subject to restrictions and conditions to protect park resources. 
• The park cannot sign a location release supplied by the permittee. 

Fees

• All costs incurred by the National Park Service for issuing the permit, scouting locations, monitoring, or otherwise supporting the filming activities will be reimbursed by the permittee as a condition of the permit. 
• Performance bond and liability insurance requirements must be met. The required amount of insurance will be determined by the potential risk to park resources and the complexity of activities.
• If required, general liability insurance must be issued by a United States company. “United States Government, National Park Service” must be named as “additional insured” on the insurance certificate. Certificates naming the United States Government as “certificate holder” only are not acceptable. 

Location Fee Schedule

• 1–2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day  
• 1–10 people - $150/day  
• 11–30 people - $250/day  
• 31–49 people - $500/day  
• Over 50 people - $750/day 

 

Permit for a Special Event or Activity

Any organized gathering of a group of people within the park may require a Special Use Permit. These gatherings or events could include, but are not limited to: 

• Stationary events at a single location for over 30 participants, such as picnics, family reunions, special programs 

Restrictions and Conditions

• Location of activities may be restricted, depending on group size. 

• 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. Please contact the Permit Coordinator via email if expediting of your application is requested (less than four weeks advance submission).

• Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the requested date. 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 is processed/approved. 

• Depending on the activity planned, cost-recovery charges may be required. 
  Permit Coordinators can help determine potential costs, if any, for the actual activity. 

 

First Amendment Activities

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are Constitutional Rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. 

Less than 25 participants

First Amendment activities with less than 25 participants who utilize designated areas do not require a permit (per 36 CFR 2.51), unless the group uses amplified sound. Hand carried signs may be used, but stages, platforms, or structures may not be used without a permit. 

More than 25 Participants

All First Amendment activities with over 25 participants require special use permits, and the park may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted. 
 
First Amendment permit requests will be processed within 10 business days. Some examples of special events that require permits (per 36 CFR 2.51) include: 

• Distribution and/or sale of printed matter (over 25 participants) 
• Religious services 
• Scattering of ashes 
• Public demonstrations or assemblies, etc. (over 25 participants) 
• Collecting signatures for petitions 
• Complete an application form and email it to [e-mail].