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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 above and below the rim of the canyon.
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. The driver is not required to accompany passengers after an authorized drop-off; this exception does not apply to guided activities.
Road Based Commercial Tour: This commercial service allows persons traveling by vehicle (16+ capacity) on an improved roadway:
On an itinerary that someone has packaged and sold for leisure/recreational purposes, and which provides no other services except those incidental to road-based travel in an area unit of the National Park System (on-board interpretation and incidental stops at visitor centers, restaurants, wayside exhibits, etc.)
This activity does not permit guided hiking below the rim of the canyon.
Guided Motorized Tour- 15 passengers or less: This category is for persons travelling in a vehicle with a capacity of 15 passengers or less and on an itinerary that someone has packaged and sold for leisure/recreational purposes, and which provides no other services except those incidental to road-based travel in an area unit of the National Park System.
This activity does not permit guided hiking below the rim of the canyon.
You must obtain a CUA for each type of activity that you provide in the park.
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.
Complete applications should be submitted a minimum of 2 weeks in advance of first trip to allow time for processing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Create an account or log in to an existing account in the online application portal.
If you have applied for a CUA with Bryce Canyon or another National Park since 2025, you should have an existing account and should NOT create a new account.
Step 2:
A complete CUA application will include all of the following documents:
Your completed online CUA application.
A current General Liability Certificate of Insurance
The minimum coverage for commercial use is $500,000.
The insurance certificate must name "United States of America" OR "Bryce Canyon National Park" as additionally insured.
ACORD-25 forms are preferred.
Current Automobile Liability Insurance
See CUA application for minimum coverage requirements.
ACORD-25 forms are preferred.
A list of all company vehicles
Include vehicle year, make/model, license number, state issued, passenger capacity, and whether owned, leased or rented.
A list of guides and drivers
Must include additional certification requirements.
Guides are required to hold BASIC FIRST AID/ CPR certifications.
Drivers are required to provide DRIVERS LICENSE information.
For any CUA groups with only a driver and no guide, BASIC FIRST AID/ CPR certification is also strongly recommended.
Use of guide template is preferred to submit this information
Detailed itinerary
Include projected date(s) and intended locations (specific viewpoints, trails, facilities) that you plan to visit within the park.
Sample itineraries are acceptable.
Include intended date of first trip!
Copy of safety briefing or information delivered to guests
Include information specific to Bryce Canyon NP to be shared with guests. Topics should include: visitor safety, Leave No Trace concepts, elevation sickness (hydration and electrolytes), lightning safety, resource protection, etc.
The previous year's annual report and market price fee payment (if one is owed)
This report will only be accepted through the online system process.
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 due dates, but if the report and payment are not received by the deadline, your CUA may be suspended at that time.
PDF is the preferred format for all application documents.
Step 3:
Pay a non-refundable fee of $350 for your initial CUA application, and $250 for each additional application type within Bryce Canyon. 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.
CUA holders must have the entire CUA with them at all times while in the park.
Digital or printed is okay, but signed cover page and all conditions pages need to be present.
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.
CUA Fees
As per 54 U.S. Code § 101925: “The Secretary shall: require payment of a reasonable fee for issuance of a commercial use authorization, the fees to remain available without further appropriation to be used, at a minimum, to recover associated management and administrative costs;” Thus, all CUA applicants will be required to pay two (2) types of fees: Application Fees and CUA Management Fees. Payment instructions will be posted on the park website.
Required fees:
$350 Application Fee – mandatory, one-time, non-refundable fee to recover all administrative costs associated with reviewing and approving/denying applications for CUAs.
Management Fee: Covers all CUA management after application approval, this includes correspondence with the CUA holder, in the field monitoring, the mitigation of resource impacts caused by the commercial activity, and annual reporting. The park will collect the management fee based on a Market Price system.
Market Price Fee: A type of Management Fee that is based on the percentage of gross receipts earned from in-park or Bryce Canyon NP park-dependent operations. Application fee is deducted from Market Price fee. The rate table is as follows:
<$250,000
3% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
$250,000 to $500,000
4% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
>$500,000
5% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
If you have any questions about these changes, please contact Commercial Services staff at brca_cua@nps.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants will pay a non-refundable fee of $350 for your initial CUA application, and $250 for each additional application type within Bryce Canyon. The fee must be paid through the online application system.
CUAs cannot be purchased at the park; applications and payments must be submitted in advance via the online portal. Applications are not accepted by email or mail.
At the end of the year CUA holders will pay a Market Rate Management Fee based on their gross income in the park, see above section. 100% of collected CUA fees stay within the collecting park and are used to recover CUA program costs.
Yes; Bryce Canyon National Park is a Federal Fee Are All visitors who use the park recreationally must pay an entrance fee, regardless of how and where they enter the park.
CUA Tour Leaders are required to pay entrance fees for their clients. If your CUA tour group plans to enter the park via a route that circumvents the entrance fee stations, the CUA Tour Leader/Guide must travel to the entrance fee station to pay for their group.
CUA Tour Leaders must have their entrance receipts with them at all times, as park rangers periodically perform fee audits/compliance checks.
Activity-based CUA categories (Bicycle Tours, Hiking/ Walking- Frontcountry, Motorcycle/ Scooter Tours, Photography Instruction, Transport (non-tour) and Guided Motorized Tour- 15 passengers or less) will pay a per-person fee of $20 for all participants 16 and older. Non-resident fees also apply, and passes can be used.
Road Based Commercial Tour CUAs will pay the commercial vehicle rate that corresponds to their vehicle size. Non-resident fees also apply, and passes can be used for non-resident fees.
In addition to the standard NPS CUA conditions, CUA holders within Bryce Canyon National Park must adhere to the following:
Special Park Conditions
The following conditions apply to all Commercial Use Authorizations issued by
Bryce Canyon National Park
Effective January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027
Definitions
Park refers to Bryce Canyon National Park.
CUA Holder refers to the company that is assigned the CUA and is responsible for organizing the activity covered under that CUA.
Trip/Tour Guide or Leader refers to the individual leading the activity and responsible for the group’s activities within the park covered by their employer’s CUA.
Driver refers to the individual driving a vehicle into the Park for a CUA Holder, but is not responsible for the group’s activities outside of the vehicle.
Authorized Uses
Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA) are issued for the following activities at Bryce Canyon National Park. Only activities expressly listed in the issued CUA are authorized.
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 while exploring the park by foot, above and below the rim of the canyon.
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. The driver is not required to accompany passengers after an authorized drop-off; this exception does not apply to guided activities.
Road Based Commercial Tour: This commercial service allows people to travel by vehicle (16+ capacity) on an improved roadway:
On an itinerary that someone has packaged and sold for leisure/recreational purposes, and which provides no other services except those incidental to road-based travel in an area unit of the National Park System (on-board interpretation and incidental stops at visitor centers, restaurants, wayside exhibits, etc.) and
This activity does not permit guided hiking below the rim of the canyon.
Guided Motorized Tour- 15 passengers or less: This category is for persons travelling in a vehicle with a capacity of 15 passengers or less and on an itinerary that someone has packaged and sold for leisure/recreational purposes, and which provides no other services except those incidental to road-based travel in an area unit of the National Park System.
This activity does not permit guided hiking below the rim of the canyon.
Unauthorized Use
Holders shall not block trails, overlooks, walkways, accessible routes, or public facilities, or reserve public space for exclusive use.
CUA holders may not post their own signage (including directional signs) and need to use park-posted directional signs and maps for clients to find their way to meeting points.
Public Use Limits:
Holders shall verify current Park closures before operations and comply with all posted closures and lawful directions of authorized park personnel.
Official Park areas, service roads, and access roads are closed to the public, including CUA holders.
Parking and stopping along park roads is prohibited except within designated parking areas, pull-offs, or within marked spaces.
During Park Shuttle operating season (typically April- October), vehicles and vehicle combinations exceeding 23 feet in overall length are subject to the following restrictions and are prohibited from parking, dropping off, or picking up at the following locations unless within a designated oversize vehicle parking space:
Parking areas adjacent to the Bryce Canyon Lodge, Sunrise and Sunset Motels
Historic Service Station
Sunset Point
Inspiration Point
Bryce Point
Paria Viewpoint
All Park Shuttle Stops
Large-capacity vehicle permits authorize parking only in specifically designated spaces and do not authorize use of park shuttle stops.
Oversized vehicles (23+ feet) can be parked in the overflow parking lot at the entrance to North Campground, or outside the park at the Bryce Canyon Shuttle Station in Bryce Canyon City
Picnicking
Group picnicking is limited to designated areas:
North Campground Group Picnic Area
Adjacent to Sunset Point comfort station
Picnic areas located along scenic drive to Rainbow Point
Holders shall leave all picnic sites clean and keep access routes open.
Use of the park’s dump station is prohibited for all CUA holders.
Driving, Parking, and Speed Limits:
Parking within the park boundaries is allowed only in appropriate designated parking areas.
Vehicles may not idle; engines shall be shut off when parked or stopped except when necessary for emergency response, lawful traffic control, or essential safety equipment.
The holder shall not monopolize public areas. All pullouts, restrooms, picnic areas, etc. must be available to the public and cannot be used by the CUA holder exclusively.
Drivers shall comply with all posted speed limits and traffic control devices.
Wildlife and Resource Protection Message:
All CUA holders are required to communicate a resource protection message to clients receiving interpretive services.
Before each guided trip, the trip leader shall assess current weather, closures, trail conditions, and applicable advisories and modify or cancel operations when conditions cannot be managed safely.
Collecting or removing from the park any natural or cultural resource or damaging or defacing any natural or cultural resource is prohibited.
Stay on trails/walkways to protect delicate vegetation and soil.
Human waste shall be managed in accordance with applicable park regulations and posted requirements; pack-out systems are required in areas designated by the Superintendent.
All food scraps (fruit peels, nut shells, etc.) are considered trash and must be disposed of properly. It is a violation to feed ANY wildlife.
Do not approach, feed, disturb, or cause wildlife to alter natural behavior; comply with any posted species-specific separation distances.
Parking and stopping along park roads to view wildlife is prohibited except within public designated parking areas and pull-offs, or within marked spaces.
Smoking and ignition sources shall comply with current park fire restrictions; smoking materials shall be extinguished and disposed of lawfully.
Accidents/Injuries:
For an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911 promptly.
For non-emergency incidents requiring assistance, call park dispatch at 928-608-6301.
Report all incidents (emergency and non-emergency) to the Bryce Canyon CUA Office via email (e-mail us) as soon as practicable and within 24 hours, when feasible.
Do not transmit sensitive medical or personal information by unsecured email.
Employee/Agent Responsibility:
A complete current CUA, including applicable exhibits, shall be available to the trip leader or driver and presented to authorized park personnel upon request. (copy or digital)
The holder is responsible for ensuring that all persons conducting authorized operations meet applicable personnel, training, and supervision requirements.
The holder shall ensure that all company employees, vehicle operators, and clients entering the park are informed of the conditions of this authorization.
The holder shall provide adequate supervision of its employees and clients to ensure that the park’s geological, biological, historical, and archeological resources are not disturbed. The holder is responsible for informing its employees and clients of park regulations and assuring compliance.
The holder may be cited for any authorization violations committed by their employees and/or agents.
Holders shall maintain insurance, licensing, and vehicle qualifications required by the issued CUA and applicable law.
Behavior and Conduct:
The holder and its agents are required to exercise courtesy and consideration in their relations with the public and with NPS employees, volunteers, or other park agents.
The holder will review and correct the conduct of any of its employees whose actions or activities are considered by the Service to be inconsistent with the safety, experience, enjoyment, and protection of visitors and public lands.
If there is a conflict with a park ranger:
Follow the directions of the ranger.
Report incident to the Commercial Services Office at e-mail us. Include any documentation relating to the incident if applicable.
Entrance Fees:
Holders shall comply with the current park commercial entrance-fee collection procedures applicable to their authorized activity and retain evidence of payment when required.
CUA Tour Leaders must have their entrance receipt with them in the park and on trails, as Park Rangers periodically perform fee audits/compliance checks. All CUA tours will be charged according to the latest fee schedule and policies, which can be found on our webpage: Fees & Passes - Bryce Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
All CUA Tour Leaders must stop at the entrance fee station and identify their company and show their CUA. They will be required to pay for their CUA clients at that time.
CUA tours are NOT allowed to go through the shuttle/emergency lane.
Operation Requirements:
CUA holders are required to form groups of 15 or less hikers with adequate distance between groups to prevent a trail obstruction or interference with public use.
Instructional equipment shall not obstruct visitor circulation, damage resources, or involve activities requiring separate authorization without that authorization.
Changes to any park features (natural or man-made) are strictly prohibited.
The CUA holder will comply with applicable public health and sanitation standards and codes.
Solicitation, sales, and transactions within the park are prohibited except as expressly permitted by the CUA and applicable law.
Only activities expressly listed in the issued CUA are authorized; material changes require prior written park approval.
The area authorized for use under this CUA must be left in the same condition as it was prior to the activities authorized herein, with all refuse properly disposed of or otherwise as required by the Superintendent. The CUA holder shall be liable for any damages to any Government property resulting from these activities. The CUA holder shall pay the United States of America for any damages resulting from this use which would not reasonably be inherent in the use which the CUA holder is authorized.
Holders shall not block trails, overlooks, walkways, accessible routes, or public facilities, or reserve public space for exclusive use.
Holders shall submit annual reports and applicable fees by the deadlines stated in the current NPS CUA instructions; noncompliance may result in action consistent with applicable authorization terms and procedures.
Closures/Cancellations:
Before each guided trip, the trip leader shall assess current weather, closures, trail conditions, and applicable advisories and modify or cancel operations when conditions cannot be managed safely.
Holders shall verify current Park closures before operations and comply with all posted closures and lawful directions of authorized park personnel.
In the event of Park closures or temporary delays, this authorization does not grant the holder or clients any special privileges for entry into the park. The Service reserves the right to:
Limit the operation of authorization holders in specific areas or during specific time periods.
Schedule use of or close any trail, road, or other areas of attraction.
Bicycle Tour CUA Conditions:
Bicycle and e-bike operations shall comply with the current Superintendent’s Compendium and applicable 36 CFR requirements, including any route and group-size limitations.
Roadway bicycle groups shall comply with the park-established rider count, separation distance, and approved entry-route requirements.
Violation of permit conditions:
A known violation of permit conditions will be submitted in writing to the holder as soon as possible after an incident is witnessed. Multiple offenses may result in action being taken.
First Offense – Park CUA office will review the offense and submit an account of the offense in writing to CUA holder and outline any corrective actions that need to be taken.
Second Offense – Park CUA office will review the offense and submit an account of the offense in writing to CUA holder and outline any corrective actions that need to be taken, as well as notify Park Law Enforcement that CUA holder has committed a second offense.
Third Offense – Park CUA office will review the offense and submit a review to the Superintendent. An interview with the CUA holder may be conducted, and a meeting may be set up if needed. Depending on the outcome of the meeting, a suspension from operating in the park or a revocation of the permit may be implemented.
Major offenses or threats to visitor safety will result in the immediate loss of the CUA and may impact future CUA approval.
CUA holders must submit an annual report by the deadline each year. This report provides the park with visitation statistics, reportable injury data, and a record of annual gross receipts.
This report will only be accepted through the online system process.
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 due dates, but if the report and market price fee payment are not recieved by the deadline, your CUA may be suspended at that time.
The definition of a "Road-based Commercial Tour" is one or more persons traveling by vehicle (16+ capacity) on an improved roadway:
On an itinerary that someone has packaged and sold for leisure/recreational purposes, and which, provides no other services except those incidental to road-based travel in an area unit of the National Park System (on-board interpretation and incidental stops at visitor centers, restaurants, wayside exhibits, etc.)
This activity does not permit guided hiking below the rim of the canyon.
Transportation-only services such as taxis and shuttles do not meet the definition of Road-based Commercial Tours because those services are not prepackaged.
Road-based Commercial Tours must have a CUA to enter Bryce Canyon National Park (Effective 01/01/2026).
Point of Contact
Bryce Canyon Commercial Services Office
CUA Coordinator
Email: brca_cua@nps.gov
Office: (435) 834-5322, option #2
Mailing Address: Bryce Canyon National Park, Attn: CUA Coordinator, P.O. Box 640201, Bryce, UT 84764-0201
Last updated: October 26, 2026
Park footer
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.
