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 (719) 438-5916, from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, for reservations.

Special Park Use and Special Use Permits

A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a unit of the National Park Service 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 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 (NHS) issues permits for the following activities:
  • Public and Private Gatherings or Ceremonies (1st Amendment activities)
  • Commercial Filming and Photography
If applicants are not familiar with Sand Creek Massacre NHS, 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.

APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMITS

If an applicant wishes to request a special use of the park for a planned activity, they must complete the application for a Special Use Permit and send to the park, to the attention of the Special Use Permit Coordinator. Applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable, $97.04 cashier’s check or money order made out to "National Park Service." (see Permit Fees and Proof of Insurance)

Sand Creek Massacre NHS commemorates an 1864 attack perpetuated by the United States upon peaceful bands of Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, the effects of which still resonate within those communities. The Park closely evaluates requests from those wishing to interpret this story through various media. To that end, 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.

PUBLIC and PRIVATE GATHERINGS or CEREMONIES (1st Amendment activities)
If an applicant wishes to access the park for purposes of holding a public or private gathering or ceremony, and/or making use of park resources for non-commercial Education/Outreach purposes, these activities may fall under 1st Amendment activities and may not require permit fees. For more information regarding 1st Amendment activities, please contact the Special Park Use Coordinator at (791) 438-5916.

Special Use Permit Application 10-930 (non-commercial purposes)

FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY APPLICATIONS
Applications for filming and photography for both commercial and still photography must be submitted in advance. Depending on the complexity of the project, applicants must complete either the 10-931 (for less than 10 people on crew) or the 10-932 (for 10 or more people on the crew). Submit completed applications to the Special Park Use Coordinator, Sand Creek Massacre NHS. Allow a minimum of 4 weeks for evaluation by the park staff. All efforts will be made to expedite the permitting process.

Special Use Permit Application 10-931 (commercial purposes short form)

Special Use Permit Application 10-932 (commercial purposes long form)

PERMIT FEES and PROOF OF INSURANCE

WHAT FEES WILL I HAVE TO PAY?
The National Park Service (NPS) will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for commercial filming and still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the NPS in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedule:

COMMERCIAL FILMING/VIDEOS
  • 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
STILL PHOTOGRAPHY
  • 1–10 people - $50/day
  • 11–30 people - $150/day
  • Over 30 people - $250/day
Permits issued for non-commercial filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, and you may be required to obtain insurance naming the United States as additionally insured.

ARE THERE OTHER PERMIT REQUIREMENTS?
You will be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

Last updated: September 22, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1301 Maine Street
P.O. Box 249

Eads, CO 81036-0249

Phone:

719 438-5916

Contact Us