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Commercial Use Authorizations

What is a Commercial Use Authorization?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service. It authorizes you to conduct commercial activities and to provide specific visitor services within a national park. We will only issue CUAs for activities that:

You must have a CUA if you or your organization provide services that:

  • take place at least in part in the national park area,
  • use park resources, and
  • result in monetary gain.

You may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.

 

Authorized Services and CUA Conditions

Arches National Park authorizes the following commercial activities with an approved Commercial Use Authorization:

 
A large white bus in a parking area.
Road-based Commercial Tours

Road-Based Commercial Tours

a group of people walk along the trail in Arches
Hiking - backcountry

Hiking - backcountry

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Photography Instruction

Photography Instruction

Three people sit outside while painting
Art Instruction

Art Instruction

A white car with a visible logo sits at a trailhead in the park
Transport (non-tour) - road

Transport (non-tour) - road

 
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Services NOT permitted

  • Drones

  • Motorcycle tours

  • Delivery or pickup of any out of park rentals, including but not limited to:
    • RV’s, ebikes, bikes, vehicles, camping gear, etc...

 

 

How much does a CUA cost?

 

How do I apply for a CUA?

As part of a larger effort to streamline and modernize the National Park Service (NPS) Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) program, the NPS has developed on online system designed to process CUA applications and collect required CUA reports.

2025 applications may be submitted beginning December 1, 2024.

You may use the following link to access the website where you can apply for a CUA: https://cua.nps.gov/

All required documents and payments need to be submitted through this online system.

Please carefully read the application to review conditions, required documents, and insurance requirements.
 
 

Southeast Utah Parks Guide Orientation Video

 
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Duration:
6 minutes, 15 seconds

Millions of visitors come to the Southeast Utah Parks each year and seek out knowledgeable guides to aid them in their experience. As a commercial guide, it is your responsibility to keep the members of your group safe while also providing a worthwhile experience. Please ensure all tour guides watch this video before taking guests into the park.

 

     

CUA Supplemental Materials

 

Sample Acknowledgement of Risk Form

CUA holders may not require clients to sign a waiver of liability statement or form, insurance disclaimer and/or indemnification agreement. They may request or require clients to sign an acknowledgement of risk statement or form prior to participation. You can download a sample. [178k Accessible PDF]

 

CUA Suspension, Revocation, or Denial

CUA holders and their employees are required to meet the conditions of the CUA while operating within Southeast Utah Group parks. Failure to meet these conditions may result in CUA suspension, restriction, revocation or application denial. Review the Southeast Utah Group Commercial Use Authorization Revocation Policy.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Questions

For questions or additional information, please contact the Commercial Services Office: email us.

Last updated: November 22, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 907
Moab, UT 84532

Phone:

435 719-2299

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