Beginning May 2009 Arches and Canyonlands National Parks began implementing the issuing of Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA) for commercially guided day hiking. The parks previously issued permits only for guided overnight backpacking, photography workshops and canyoneering.
Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1.6(a) - Permits and 5.3 – Business Operations states, “Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, except as such may be specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited.” The decision to issue CUA’s for guided day hiking is not a new policy but rather the park complying with the regulations.
Guided Day Hiking is defined as leading a group of people beyond the areas typically defined as being paved. Typical areas include all named trails as well as hikes in washes and along slickrock. Tour groups stopping at common parking areas, pullouts and trailheads but that do not lead guided hikes are not required to obtain a permit at this time
How to Apply
Download application [21k PDF file]
Requirements
- Payment of a non-refundable fee of $250.00 made payable to the “National Park Service”. This fee covers the processing and administering of your CUA. This includes costs for overseeing the operational, safety, and environmental requirements stipulated in the permit. Up to two hours of incidental monitoring by field rangers is included in this fee. If problems should arise during your time in the park, which requires additional monitoring by ranger staff, you will be billed for those costs.
- A current Certificate of Insurance documenting adequate General Liability coverage for the type of activity you will be conducting. The minimum coverage for commercial guided overnight backpacking, day hiking or still photography instruction is $300,000 per occurrence if the total party size is five or less, $500,000 if the party size is six to twelve and $1,000,000 for parties of 13 or more. The insurance certificate must name the United States Government as an additional insured as well as specify that the service authorized by the permit is covered by the insurance policy.
- Automobile liability insurance will comply with the minimum coverage required by Utah State law. The insurance certificate must name the United States Government as additional insured.
-
At least one guide in each overnight land tour group must have an Advanced American Red Cross First Aid Card or its equivalent and a current CPR card in his/her possession while in the park. At least one guide in each day use only trip must have a American Red Cross Standard First Aid Card or its equivalent and a current CPR card in his/her possession while in the park. Copies of those cards must be sent in with your application.
Entrance Fees
Commercial tour fees do not apply. Individuals participating in the activity will pay the individual entrance fee. Annual and lifetime federal recreational land passes are accepted. However, passes are non-transferable & are only valid for the owner of the pass & immediate family members. The entrance fees per person are $5.00. The vehicle and driver/guide have free entry into the park. Individuals or groups who have previously paid the entrance fee must show proof of prior payment. Permittees may not use personal annual or lifetime federal recreational land passes to gain entry to the park for themselves or their customers when conducting business.
When entering the park each time, permittees must identify themselves; show a copy of the CUA, and state that they are transporting visitors. This will enable the entrance station personnel to verify that you are on the approved list for commercial activities and are not to be charged the commercial tour fee.
Commercial fees paid at one unit of the Southeast Utah Group may not be used to enter another unit. Entrance to another unit of the Southeast Utah Group requires payment of entrance fees to that unit.
