Business Permits and Commercial Use Authorizations
Commercial Services Updates
COVID-19 Pandemic Guidance for Park Partners
Commercial Use Authorization Suspension, Restriction, Revocation, and Application Denial Policy
Passenger Vehicle Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)
All commercial passenger transportation companies that wish to operate in Yosemite National Park must hold a valid 2023 CUA.
Before you apply:
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Your company must hold general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and commercial automobile liability as required by the DOT or CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission.) Insurance certificates must list the United States of America as an additional insured.
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California based companies conducting intrastate trips must hold current passenger transportation operating authority from the CPUC.
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Companies conducting interstate transport must hold current passenger transportation operating authority from the DOT.
To apply for a CUA submit the following to us via email:
Before each trip to Yosemite National Park:
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All vehicles must clearly display your company name, logo, or DBA.
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All vehicles must clearly display your DOT or PUC number.
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Ensure your driver, and clients understand and abide by all conditions of your CUA. (Violation of CUA conditions by any of your employees, agents or clients including tour groups may result in a citation, and/ or a suspension or termination of your CUA.)
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Reservations are required for bus parking at Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
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The Driver must carry a paper copy of the entire CUA and be prepared to show it at the entrance station or to any park staff upon request.
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Driver or guide must have a valid debit or credit card to pay entrance fee. View entrance fees for commercial tours.
Other Requirements for CUA holders:
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All Road based tour CUA holders must submit an annual report. This is a condition of your CUA even if you make no trips to the park. You will receive the annual report form through email at the end of the calendar year.
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Notify the CUA office by email if any of your contact information changes.
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You will periodically receive important information regarding the park or your CUA from us. Be sure these emails do not end up in your spam/junk folder.
If you have any questions, please email us or call 209/347-2697 or 209/379-1854.
Guiding Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)
Organizations wishing to conduct commercial guiding activities must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). Guiding CUA activities include, but are not limited to:
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Hiking and backpacking
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Step-on guiding
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Photography or art workshops
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Fishing
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Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
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Nordic activities including winter backpacking, snowshoeing, and snow camping
Before applying for a Guiding CUA:
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New companies (defined as a company that has not held a CUA in the last 2 years) should contact the Commercial Use Office at 209/347-6412 or by email.
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Returning organizations must have submitted an Annual Report. for the previous year and, if required, paid the Market Price Fee, before a new CUA will be issued. Please contact the Commercial Use Office at 209/347-6412 or by email.
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Please allow at least 30 days to process CUA applications!
Before each trip to Yosemite National Park:
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Ensure the group is aware of park regulations and safety issues. Trip leaders must also be familiar with the conditions of the CUA.
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The trip leader must carry a hard copy of page 1 of the CUA. The trip leader must also have a hard copy or electronic copy of the full CUA.
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Reservations are required for bus parking at Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
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Check the Yosemite National Park Conditions and Alerts before heading to the Park.
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Additional maps related to special regulations and camping closures along with a list of approved bear canisters are outlined in Part 7 of the park's compendium. [7.2 MB PDF]
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All vehicles must clearly display your company name, logo, or DBA; all employees must wear attire displaying easily visible company identification (a hat, shirt, vest, or similar items).
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Guides must have a valid debit or credit card to pay entrance fee.
Other requirements:
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CUA holders must submit monthly itineraries and activity reports per the conditions of the CUA.
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All CUA holders must submit an annual report by December 1 or the calendar year. This is a condition of your CUA even if you make no trips to the park. You will receive the annual report form through email.
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You may receive important information from us. Be sure these emails do not end up in your spam/junk folder.
If you have questions please e-mail us or call 209/347-6412.
Authorized Guides
Special Use Permits
Special Events Permits, First Amendment Permits, and Right-of-Way Permits
Film Permits
Wedding Permits
Permission to Scatter Cremated Remains
Educational Fee Waivers
Research and Collection Permits
Wilderness Permits
Half Dome Permits
