In accordance with the delegated authority provided by regulations as published under Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7, authorized by Title 54 United States Code, Sec. 100751, the following regulatory provisions are established for the management, protection, and public use of Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments, herein referred to as the Flagstaff Area National Monuments.
Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained elsewhere in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7.
The closures and restrictions delineated in this compendium do not apply to official and/or administrative use or applications (36 CFR l.2(d) and 1.5(a)).
This Compendium supersedes all previous releases. All prior releases are rescinded.
Approved:
/s/ Robin Martin, Superintendent, November 4, 2023
36 CFR SECTION 1.5 - CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS
(a)(1) The following public use limits are established for listed portions of the Flagstaff Area National Monuments—Sunset Crater Volcano, Walnut Canyon, and Wupatki (the monuments)—and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the monuments to all public use or to a certain use or activity.
Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center
Visiting hours for public use of the Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center are daily between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. unless otherwise authorized by a permit from the superintendent or by authorized special postings. The visitor center is closed on December 25th, Christmas Day and January 1st, New Year’s Day.The trails may be closed to visitors during periods of snow cover. Due to the rugged nature of the trail and sharp surfaces of the lava; this closure is to ensure visitor safety.
Walnut Canyon Visitor Center
Visiting hours for public use of the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center, the Rim Trail, and Island Trail, are daily between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Closure will be confirmed by a locked gate at the entrance to the Walnut Canyon parking area. A permit from the superintendent may authorize other public uses of this facility and area. The monument will be closed on December 25th, Christmas Day and January 1st, New Year’s Day.The trails may be closed to visitors during periods of snow cover; this closure is to ensure visitor safety.
Wupatki Visitor Center
Visiting hours for public use of the Wupatki Visitor Center are daily between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise authorized by a permit from the superintendent or by authorized special postings. This visitor center will be closed on December 25th, Christmas Day and January 1st, New Year’s Day.
Determination: The National Park Service has substantial interest in buildings, materials, equipment, and supplies in the structures and work areas of the location. Consequently, it is necessary to limit public use of these areas to ensure the protection of the public and government interests.Therefore, public access to these buildings and areas is hereby limited to those days and hours where government employees are available to staff the visitor centers and provide necessary security and oversight of these facilities.All of the following archaeological sites designated within developed areas are open to public use from dawn to dusk: Citadel, Lomaki, Wukoki and Wupatki. Pueblos are closed from dusk to dawn, including trails leading to the pueblos.Determination: The dusk-to-dawn closure of the main archaeological sites at Wupatki is both to protect those cultural resources for which the monument was established and to protect public safety by limiting access to those times when employees are available to respond to accidents and incidents.
Facilities
The following sites are closed to public entry:
All maintenance areas
All NPS housing areas
Sewage lagoons
Water Tank
Justification: Per the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, public access must be denied to protect the public from potential hazards associated with wastewater treatment. This restriction is necessary for public safety and safety of the public water supply.
Closed Captioned Television (CCTV) Monitoring Policy
In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that the Flagstaff Area National Monuments uses
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring and recording.The Monuments use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for law enforcement and security purposes will be to visually monitor public Monument areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use—which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards—will be to help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1)This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in the government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers (RM-9, 26.1) Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations (RM-9, 26.1-26.4). No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views (RM-9, 26.4.2).Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.
Backcountry Use
Except by permit or participation in NPS-guided activities, all areas within the monuments' fenced or posted boundary and beyond developed roads, trails, or facilities are closed to entry. No foot or vehicle travel off paved developed trails is allowed.
Justification: These closures are necessary to protect the many archaeological sites within Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments, and the fragile volcanic and ecological features at Sunset Crater Volcano. Un-escorted public access to these locations has resulted in destruction and damage to sites and features in the past. These closures will remain in effect until a special regulation for closures at each monument can be promulgated.
Unmanned Aircraft
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of the monuments is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Definition: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air 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 on 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.
Determination: The superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of unmanned aircraft within the monuments will conflict with, or impact, a variety of Monument uses including visitor experience of unimpaired view sheds; the disturbance, displacement, or harassment of monument wildlife to include threatened and endangered species; creation of public safety hazards per operation near roadways or large aggregations of visitors; and visual or aural impacts to wilderness character and values within the monuments’ backcountry. Less restrictive measures were not considered sufficient due to the rapidly expanding and evolving use of unmanned aircraft throughout the world. Section 1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006 provides that a new form of Monument use may be allowed within a Monument only after a determination has been made by the Monument superintendent that it will not result in unacceptable impacts on the monuments’ resources and values.The National Park Service may use unmanned aircraft for administrative purposes when appropriate and approved by the Regional Director (RD) for that park unit. These purposes may include search and rescue operations, fire operations, and scientific study.
Caves
Public presence, use, and access in all caves, as defined below, is prohibited without a valid permit authorized by the superintendent.The Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 defines the term "cave" as any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess, or system of interconnected passages which occurs beneath the surface of the earth or within a cliff or ledge (including any cave resource therein, but not including any mine, tunnel, aqueduct, or other excavation), and which is large enough to allow an individual to enter. Such term shall include any natural pit, sinkhole, or other feature which is an extension of the entrance.
Determination: This restriction is necessary to protect the features, archaeological resources, and various life forms that may be present in caves within the monuments.
Operation of Vehicles
Vehicle traffic is restricted to maintained and designated Monument roads, including two-track roads.
Determination: Operation of vehicles off Monument roads and two-tracks destroys delicate natural and cultural resources.
Picnicking
Except for parking areas, picnicking is permitted only in those areas developed and signed for such use.
Determination: Trash and recycling receptacles are provided at permitted picnicking locations. Food, trash, and recyclable materials not properly disposed of will mar the landscape, change the natural environments, and may encourage nuisance or possibly hazardous wildlife behavior.
(a)(2) The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:
Pandemic Safety Measures - Mask Wearing
Mask-Wearing
1. General Guidance
Where federal, State, Tribal, territorial, or local laws, rules, regulations, or existing collective bargaining agreements impose more protective COVID-19 related mask wearing mask requirements, those requirements should be followed in DOI workplaces.
2. DOI mask-wearing protocols based on CDC COVID-19 Community Levels
The following requirements must be implemented indoors in DOI workplaces:
• When the CDC listed COVID-19 Community Level is LOW in the county where a DOI workplace is located, Bureaus and Offices do not require individuals to wear masks or respirators indoors in that workplace, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals may choose to wear a mask
.• When the CDC COVID-19 Community Level is MEDIUM in the county where a DOI workplace is located, Bureaus and Offices do not require individuals to wear masks or respirators indoors in that workplace, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals may choose to wear a mask or respirator.
• When the CDC COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county where a DOI workplace is located, pursuant to Executive Order 13991 and consistent with Task Force guidance, agencies, Bureaus, and Offices must require individuals to wear high-quality masks or respirators when indoors in DOI workplaces and while on-duty in other indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status.Consistent with CDC guidance and Safer Federal Work Force Task Force requirements, all individuals—including employees, onsite contractor employees, official visitors, and members of the public who are 2 years or older—must wear a high-quality mask or respirator under the following circumstances:
• When indoors in DOI workplaces when the CDC listed COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH for Coconino County;
• In government-operated aircraft, boats and other maritime transportation conveyances, and buses with multiple occupants regardless of CDC COVID-19 Community Levels;
• In healthcare settings or other specific settings consistent with CDC guidance;
• When required by, and in accordance with, protocols for post-isolation and post-exposure precautions; 16
• Where federal, State, Tribal, territorial, or local laws, rules, regulations, or existing collective bargaining agreements require individuals to wear masks; and
• When required by other applicable authorities when engaged in official travel. When the CDC COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH, individuals are not required to wear a high quality mask or respirator under the following circumstances:
• When alone in an office with floor to ceiling walls and a closed door;
• During brief time periods when eating, drinking, or taking medications so long as physical distance is maintained in accordance with CDC guidelines
;
• In shared living areas when sleeping;
• Briefly if asked to lower a mask for identification purposes;
• Outdoors, including outdoor areas of conveyances, if any; and
• In government-operated aircraft, boats and other maritime transportation conveyances, and buses if there is a single occupant or if the occupants are all cohabitants. The failure to follow this requirement may result in appropriate corrective action, including appropriate discipline. Where individuals are not required to wear a mask indoors, including where the CDC COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM, nothing in this policy should be interpreted to prohibit an individual from choosing to wear a mask or respirator. When masks are NOT required, Bureaus and Offices shall not otherwise require individuals to wear a mask, except where required by federal, State, Tribal, territorial, or local laws, rules, regulations, or existing collective bargaining agreements. Bureaus and Offices should otherwise avoid limiting the types of masks that can be worn by individuals in DOI workplaces. DOI also strongly encourages:
• All employees to adhere strictly to CDC guidance for all travel, which includes wearing masks at indoor transportation hubs and on indoor conveyances, before, during, and after official travel;
• All individuals to wear high-quality masks in multi-passenger government-operated vans, cars, trucks, and other motor pool passenger vehicles; and
• All individuals, including members of the public, to wear masks on multi-passenger indoor or enclosed areas of aircraft, boats, and other maritime transportation 17 conveyances, and buses operating on DOI-controlled lands (e.g., conveyances operated by onsite contractor employees or concessioners, or other partners).
3. Enforcement: Enforcing mask-wearing requirements for official visitors and members of the public The DOI enforcement strategy will rely on appropriate regulatory actions, implementation, and enforcement by DOI law enforcement as appropriate, and the incorporation of clear and consistent signage as appropriate. Law enforcement officers should promote education and adherence to mask wearing requirements although when circumstances dictate that investigation, apprehension, or prosecution may be appropriate, an officer should do so professionally and effectively.
Physical Distancing and Avoiding Crowding
Individuals are generally not required to physically distance within DOI workplaces except under the circumstances provided in the DOI COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan and this implementation guidance, consistent with CDC guidance regarding specific settings in which physical distancing is appropriate. Nothing in this policy should be interpreted to prohibit an individual from choosing to maintain physical distance from others.
When the CDC COVID-19 Community Levels are MEDIUM or HIGH, Bureaus and Offices must post signage encouraging individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to consider avoiding crowding and physically distancing themselves from others in indoor common areas, and meeting rooms in DOI workplaces. (On September 15th, 2022, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force issued “Model Agency COVID-19 Safety Principles” which provides federal agencies with guidance on utilizing the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels to determine the appropriate mask-wearing requirements for each federal facility at a given time.)
36 CFR SECTION 1.6-(f) ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
The following is a compilation of activities requiring a permit from the superintendent:
l.5 (d) Areas Restricted to Public Presence, after hours use and Access by Permit Only (Caves See 36 CFR 1.5 section in the compendium).
2.1(c)(l) Gathering of plant products
2.12 Audio disturbances
2.5 Specimen collection
2.23 Special recreation activities
2.50 Special events, Section a (i.e., weddings, baptisms)
2.51 Public assemblies, meetings (except groups of 25 or fewer)
2.52 Sale or distribution of printed matter
4.10(a) Operating a motor vehicle off designated roads
4.10(a) Driving or parking off a designated road
5.5(a)(b) Commercial filming or photography
5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on Monument area roads
5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, path, structures, etc.
2.5 Scientific research and collection of cultural artifacts, biological, geological, or paleontological specimen
2.52(c)(2) The areas listed below are designated for demonstrations and the sale or distribution of printed matter. These areas may be occupied by groups of 25 or fewer persons without a permit provided that all terms of 36 CFR 2.51 and 2.52 are met.
5.3 Sunset Crater Volcano
Picnic area outside the visitor center
Picnic area at Lava Flow trailhead
Walnut Canyon
Picnic area adjacent to the visitor center
Wupatki
Picnic area outside the visitor center
Picnic area at Lomaki trailhead
Detailed maps of designated picnic areas are available by request from the superintendent's office and are included in Appendix A of this document. For all other locations or group sizes, a permit is required and can be obtained through the superintendent’s office.
5.4 Engaging in or soliciting any business
Engaging in or soliciting any business requires a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States or must be pursuant to special regulations. Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) are required for all commercial visitor services provided by entities not based in the Monument. CUA permits can be issued for such things as commercial tours, guided hiking, photography workshops. Individuals interested in applying for a CUA should contact the Monuments Chief Ranger’s office.
5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming
Definition – “Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.
Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact Monument resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of Monument areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.
All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in Monument areas.
The following types of filming activities may occur in areas open to the public without a permit and without advance notice to the NPS:
Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if necessary to manage the activity, to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, student filming, and filming for personal use and enjoyment. If you have questions about whether a non-commercial film project requires a permit, please contact the park where you intend to film in advance. In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors filming for personal enjoyment.
In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:
the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
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.
the National Park Service would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.
The organizer of commercial or special use photography/filming activity must submit a completed Special Use Application via email to the Special Use Coordinator and Application Fee via pay.gov at least 21 days prior to the start of the proposed activity. Based upon the information provided, the application will be reviewed to determine if a permit is authorized . Superintendent or their designee may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if it is necessary to:
maintain public health and safety
protect environmental or scenic values
protect natural or cultural resources
allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities
avoid conflict among visitor use activities
a commercial activity
If the Superintendent or their designee determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the Superintendent or their designee may deny a filming request without issuing a permit.
Superintendent or their designee will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request.
The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity. If the organizer provides the required 21 day advance notice to the NPS and can be verified by email, phone records etc, and has not received a written response from the NPS that a permit is required prior to the first day of production, the proposed filming activities may occur without a permit.
Violating a term or condition of a permit issued under to this action may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent.
36 CFR Part 2: Resource Protection, Public Use and Recreation
36 CFR 2.1- Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources
(a)(4) The collection of dead and down wood is prohibited anywhere in the monuments.
(a)(5) Scheduled NPS-led interpretive programs will permit public access to selected archaeological, historic, and natural sites.
(c)(l) There are no fruits, berries, nuts, or other items designated for collection within the Flagstaff Area National Monuments.
Exception: collection of elderberries at Walnut Canyon National Monument is permitted for on-site personal consumption. The collection site is limited to the vegetated island in the center of the Walnut Canyon parking lot.
Nominal quantities of these resources are in the monument and therefore public gathering of the above- specified quantities will affect the propagation of the species and deprive the natural wildlife of sustainable browse.
36 CFR 2.2 - Wildlife Protection
(e) All areas of the monuments are closed to the viewing of wildlife with an artificial light. Use of an artificial light for the purposes of viewing wildlife in closed areas is prohibited. Artificial light is defined as a flashlight, handheld spotlight, headlights, exterior vehicle lights, or other light which is emitted from a non- natural source.
This also includes any infrared or similar light used in connection with a scope or electronic viewing device.
Determination: Activities such as spotlighting or intentionally illuminating wildlife represent deliberate actions that cause significant disturbance to wildlife and are often associated with the illegal taking (poaching) of wildlife.
36 CFR 2.10 - Camping and Food Storage
(a) Camping and overnight parking of occupied vehicles are prohibited within the boundaries of the monuments.
Determination: Unrestricted camping activities may damage sensitive soil, archaeological, cave, and other natural resources. Camping is also not appropriate or esthetically suitable in areas subject to high public use and transit such as trailheads, picnic areas, and parking areas.
36 CFR 2.13 – Fires
(a)(1) Fires that produce ash residue are prohibited. Use of stoves and barbecues that use liquid or gaseous fuels is permitted at designated picnic areas.
Residents refer to Housing Management Plan for fire use policy.
The monuments are mandated to manage resources to minimize human impacts and protect physical, biological, and cultural resources. Unplanned and managed ground fires have been determined to adversely affect the resources of the area through the gathering of rare old wood which is valuable for study, the damage and destruction of cultural/archaeological resources, the damage and destruction of pristine geological and sensitive biological resources, in addition to increasing the potential of catastrophic wildfire. Therefore, non-National Park Service planned and managed ground fires are prohibited.
(c) Additional prohibitions of igniting fires/open flames will be consistent with the Coconino National Forest during periods of high/extreme fire danger.
Determination: The monuments contain seasonally flammable plant communities such as grasslands, dense stands of pinyon/juniper trees, and ponderosa pines. Ground fires and open fires create an undue risk of wildfire that would put the visiting public, Monument neighbors, staff, and resources in jeopardy.
36 CFR 2.15 - Pets
(a)(l) Pets (as defined by 36 CFR 1.4 (a) to be a dog, cat, or other animal that has been domesticated) are prohibited on all trails and in areas off trail and/or off road.
Exception: Leashed pets are allowed on two trails only: the Rim Trail at Walnut Canyon National Monument and the paved portion of the Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
Pets must be restrained by leash (maximum of six feet) at all times they are outside of a vehicle in the Monuments.
Properly restrained pets are allowed along public roads and parking areas, generally within 10 feet of the road surface.
Pets are not allowed in government and public buildings, even if carried. This prohibition does not include service animals. A service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The tasks performed must be directly related to the person’s disability.
(a)(4) Leaving a pet unattended is prohibited.
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be picked up and properly disposed of by the pet owner from all areas.
(e) Monument employees residing in the Monuments may keep pets in accordance with FLAG Areas Housing Management Plan.
Determination: Consistent with public health and safety, protection of natural resources and avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities, pets must be restricted. The burden is placed on pet owners to assure their pets do not destroy Monument values for others in those areas where they are allowed. Pet excrement disposal stations are provided along the Rim Trail at Walnut Canyon National Monument, as well as the Visitor Center and Lava Flow Trail parking lots at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument for this purpose.
36 CFR 2.19 - Winter Activities
(a) Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, inner tubing, tobogganing, and similar non-motorized winter sports are prohibited within the boundaries of Flagstaff Area National Monuments.
Exception: Snowshoeing is allowed on trails normally open to the public when snow is of sufficient depth that the snowshoe is not in contact with the trail surface.
Determination: Unrestricted off trail activities may damage sensitive soils, and other cultural and natural resources.
36 CFR 2.20 - Skating, Skateboards, and Similar Devices
For public safety, the use of skates, skateboards, roller-skis/blades, and similar devices are prohibited within the boundaries of the Flagstaff Area National Monuments.
Residents refer to Housing Management Plan for policy.
Motorized scooters are prohibited on all trails with the exception of Segway’s used by people with mobility impairments. Segway’s can be operated on those areas accessible to regular and motorized wheelchairs.
Determination: The terrain encountered at the monuments precludes the safe use of roller- skates, in-line skates, skateboards, and similar devices.
36 CFR 2.21-Smoking
(a) Smoking is prohibited on all monument trails and within 50 feet of government buildings. All federal buildings and structures are closed to smoking pursuant to Executive Order 13058.
Smoking is prohibited at other locations including:
Within 50 feet of all fuel pumps
Within 50 feet of fuel/paint storage areas
Within 50 feet of propane tanks/enclosures
At all archeological sites
Seasonal smoking restrictions will be applied for protection of life, property, and Monument resources from wildfire according to Section 2.13 (a)(5) and Section 2.21(a):
Smoking restrictions will be consistent with the Coconino National Forest during periods of high or extreme fire danger. During fire restrictions, the National Park Service will coordinate with the Coconino National Forest on posting signs on the restrictions in needed areas.Removal of restrictions will occur when fire danger is low.
Determination: the inappropriate disposal of cigarette butts negatively impacts natural and cultural resources. The presence of burning smoking materials of any type represents a fire risk.
36 CFR 2.22 - Property
(a)(2) The superintendent may grant permission to leave property (e.g. vehicles, trailers) longer than 24 hours in the following areas:
All roadside parking areas
Visitor center parking areas
All NPS residence areas
All NPS maintenance areas
Areas designated for parking for overnight ranger-led hikes or required by researchers under permit of Section 2.5
Determination: The areas listed are the safest and most appropriate within the Monuments for property to be left. Areas not listed may be subject to a greater risk of theft or vandalism.
36 CFR 2.23 - Recreation Fees
(c) As per the signed Interagency Agreement between the USDOI National Park Service, Flagstaff Area National Monuments, and the U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest, fees will not be charged to visitors who are passing through NPS lands for the sole purpose of accessing U.S. Forest Service lands.
Fees will not be charged to members of American Indian tribes, or traditionally associated groups entering the monuments for traditional, non-recreational activities.
Property owners and guests at Alpine Ranches, Babbitt or Chambers Ranches and Walking Cane Ranches, may access through the Monument at no charge.
Determination: The Monument provides the primary access to many residents that live in communities adjacent to them, thus access for their residence or business is necessary and should not incur a fee.
36 CFR 2.35 - Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances
(a)(3)(i) The following areas are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or the possession of a bottle, can, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or that has been opened, or whose seal is broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed:
Inside visitor centers and on adjacent patio/porch areas
At all interpretive activities within NPS jurisdiction
On trails
Determination: Alcoholic beverages are inappropriate within the visitor centers since they serve as public museums. The educational purpose of the museum is the primary focus.
Alcoholic beverages are allowed outside of the buildings in accordance with applicable laws.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited along public trails for the safety of all visitors. Trails are narrow with exposure to cliffs and other hazards.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages poses an increased threat of accidents along trails. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at interpretive activities within NPS jurisdiction for the safety of all visitors and to keep the experience focused and appropriate.36 CFR 2.38 (b) - ExplosivesUsing or possessing fireworks, firecrackers, or other explosives devices within the monuments is prohibited.Determination: Using or possessing fireworks, firecrackers, or other explosives devices is inherently dangerous, constitutes a fire hazard, and is not appropriate within a heavily visited protected natural and cultural resource.
36 CFR 2.62 - Memorialization
(a) The placement of memorials within the monuments is prohibited.
Determination: The placement of memorials may cause damage to sensitive physical and biological resources. Increased human activity at such areas may promote adverse effects such as ground compaction, disruption to vehicle traffic flow, damage, or disturbance of archaeological or historic heritage sites, and interference with normal patterns of wildlife behavior or movement.
(b) The scattering of human ashes from cremation is prohibited.
Determination: The scattering of human remains, or ashes can conflict with the spiritual or cultural practices of indigenous people traditionally associated with the monuments. In addition, the presence of modern remains could affect the National Park Service's ability to preserve and protect human remains that are themselves cultural resources.
36 CFR Part 4: Vehicle and Traffic Safety
36 CFR 4.21 - Speed Limits
(a)(1) Non posted speed limits: 15 miles per hour within all, roadspicnic areas, parking areas, utility areas, business or residential areas, other places of public assemblage, and at emergency scenes.
(b) Speed limits are designated as posted on roads within the monuments.
Determination: The superintendent has determined that these restrictions are necessary to promote traffic and visitor safety, and to reduce wildlife mortalities caused by vehicular collisions.
36 CFR 4.30 – Bicycles
(a) Designated bicycle routes within the monuments include only the public roads. Bicycle use on trails, including paved trails, is prohibited. Bicycle use on dirt roads closed to public vehicle use is prohibited.
Determination: The steep terrain and volume of pedestrian traffic encountered on the trail system at the monuments precludes the safe use of bicycles and similar devices.
(b) E Bikes:
The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.)
E-bikes are allowed in all Flagstaff Area National Monuments where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited under section (a) above. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).
Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Flagstaff Area National Monuments is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
