Commercial Use Authorizations

 
 

Overview and How to Apply

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) are limited authorizations to provide specific visitor services within the boundaries of Bryce Canyon National Park for the term of one year or less. Bryce Canyon National Park accepts CUA applications for the following commercial activities:

  • Bicycle Tours: This commercial service allows groups of bicyclists accompanied by a leader to ride through designated portions of Bryce Canyon National Park.
  • Hiking/Walking Frontcountry: This commercial service is defined as natural or cultural resource information provided by a designated leader to a specified group of people.
  • Motorcycle/Scooter Tours: This commercial service allows groups of motorcycles accompanied by a leader to ride through designated portions of Bryce Canyon National Park.
  • Photography Instruction: These workshops are allowed to give technical and artistic instructions on composition of photographs and paintings related to the unique resources protected in Bryce Canyon National Park.
  • Transport (non-tour) - road, air, water based: Commercial shuttle service is authorized for the point-to-point transportation and drop-off of passengers in Bryce Canyon National Park at designated parking areas, pullouts, and developed areas.

If you are interested in providing a commercial service that is not currently authorized, please contact our commercial services office.

 
Please note:
  • Complete applications should be submitted a minimum of 45 days in advance of first trip to allow time for processing.
  • Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Only online application packets will be accepted. Application packets may no longer be submitted by email or mail.
  • Please submit all CUA applications via the online application portal, which can be found here: Applying for a CUA - Commercial Use Authorizations (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Step 2:

The following can only be submitted through the online application portal. If you have questions, please e-mail us. PDF is the preferred format for all application documents.

  1. Your completed CUA application form.

  1. A current General Liability Certificate of Insurance documenting adequate General Liability coverage for the type of activity you will be conducting. The minimum coverage for commercial use is $1,000,000. The insurance certificate must name "United States of America, Bryce Canyon National Park" as additionally insured.

  1. Current Automobile Liability Insurance that complies with the minimum coverage required based on capacity of each vehicle. The insurance certificate must name "United States of America, Bryce Canyon National Park" as additionally insured. See CUA application for insurance minimum requirements.

  1. A list of all company vehicles including vehicle year, make/model, license number, state issued, passenger capacity, and whether owned, leased or rented.

  1. A list of guides and drivers with additional certification requirements. Guides (and those in driver/guide roles) are required to be basic first aid and CPR certified. Use of guide template is preferred to submit this information

  1. Detailed itinerary including planned dates in the park and intended locations (specific viewpoints, trails, facilities) that will be visited inside the park boundaries. Sample itineraries are acceptable.

  1. Copy of safety briefing or information delivered to guests with information specific to Bryce Canyon National Park, including but not limited to Leave No Trace, high elevation complications, lightning safety, and importance of hydration/salty snacks.

  1. Copy of company 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. Download an Acknowledgement of Risk template for approved language. If your company does not use an acknowledgement of risk form, please state that in your application.

  1. The previous year's annual report and market price fee payment. This report will be submitted through the online system beginning in 2024. You may access a copy of the annual report (form 10-660) (optional) to assist with information gathering.
    Please note: If your company held a CUA with Bryce Canyon in the previous calendar year, this is required. You may be issued a CUA without this information if applying prior to January, but if the information and payment are not recieved by January 31st, your CUA may be suspended.

Step 3:

Pay a non-refundable fee of $350 for your initial CUA application, and $250 for each additional application type. The fee must be paid through the online application system. Application packages cannot be reviewed without payment. Once payment is received and application is complete, you will receive confirmation that your application packet is being reviewed.

Your CUA is not considered active until you receive a final signed version.

 

Market Price Fee Structure

Effective January 1, 2023, Bryce Canyon National Park implemented a new fee structure for Commercial Use Authorizations, consistent with the service wide effort to adopt a market price system to recover the costs associated with managing this growing program.

The market price fee is a tiered fee. For example, if a CUA holder grosses $400K for operations within or dependent upon Bryce Canyon NP, they are charged 3% of gross receipts for the first $250K and then 4% for the next $150K. Management Fees will be collected each January for gross receipts earned in the previous operating year.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Point of Contact

Bryce Canyon Commercial Services Office
CUA Coordinator
Email: brca_cua@nps.gov
Office: (435) 834-4730
Mailing Address: Bryce Canyon National Park, Attn: CUA Coordinator, P.O. Box 640201, Bryce, UT 84764-0201

Last updated: November 21, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O Box 640201
Bryce, UT 84764

Phone:

435 834-5322
Phones are answered and messages returned as soon as possible as staffing allows.

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