Commercial Use Authorizations: Certifications, Insurance, and Resources

 

Required Certifications

CUA applications must include specific documents, and once approved, CUA holders must keep their records up to date with the CUA office.

All guides need current First Aid and CPR certifications. Additional certifications are required for each permit type. Review the stipulations for details.

 

Guide List Template

Guide & Vehicle List Template
Please use this template when submitting a list of guide certifications with your CUA application or updating certifications with the CUA office. Use the tabs at the bottom of the document to navigate the information.

Mountaineering Documents

Guided mountaineering CUA's need to submit the Supplemental Application (also called the Operations Plan) with their CUA application. Prior to each trip they must submit a Guided Backcountry Registration form.

Insurance

Liability insurance is required of all CUA holders. Coverage requirements vary by service type, see the table below. Insurance providers must have at least an A- rating. Insurance companies must have a rating of at least A minus. The rating must be noted on the certifiicate of insurance or provided with the CUA application.

A certificate of insurance (COI) must be provided on the CUA application and updated with the CUA office when insurance is renewed. The COI must list the United States of America as additionally insured. For Denali CUA applications, you may use the following address on the COI:
United States of America, Denali National Park and Preserve
Attn: Commercial Services
P.O. Box 9
Denali National Park, AK 99755

 

Insurance Coverage Requirements

Service	Type of Insurance Coverage	Coverage Minimum (per occurrence unless otherwise stated)	NPS Must Be Additionally Insured?
Guided Winter Activities	Commercial General Liability	$500,000	Yes
	Commercial Auto Liability	$1,500,000 (1-15 pax) $5,000,000 (16+ pax)	Yes
Camping- Frontcountry	Commercial General Liability	$500,000	Yes
	Commercial Auto Liability	$1,500,000 (1-15 pax) $5,000,000 (16+ pax)	Yes
Hiking/ Walking- Kantishna	Commercial General Liability	$500,000	Yes
	Commercial Auto Liability	$1,500,000 (1-15 pax) $5,000,000 (16+ pax)	Yes
Hiking/ Walking- Backcountry	Commercial General Liability	$500,000	Yes
Camping- Backcountry	Commercial General Liability	$500,000	Yes
Hiking/ Walking- Frontcountry	Commercial General Liability	$500,000	Yes
Air Taxi	Commercial Aircraft Liability	$150,000 per passenger seat	Yes
Climbing/ Mountaineering	Commercial General Liability	$1,000,000	Yes

 

Important Dates

Item	Dates
Certificate of Insurance	Due with the CUA application and as it is updated/renewed
Guide Certifications	Due with the CUA application, updates are due by May 1st or prior to operating (whichever is earlier)
Activity Reports	Due January 31st for the prior calendar year
Annual Reports	2025 reports are due February 28th, 2026. Reports will open in February.
Applications	Applications are accepted November 1st- April 30th. Please allow 3-6 weeks for processing. You cannot operate until the application is approved.

 

Printable Stipulations

The stipulations for each service type and the stipulations applicable to all CUA's are accessible from the Denali CUA Home Page. You can also downloaded a PDF of each set of stipulations.

National and Interior Region 11 (Alaska) Stipulations Common to All CUAs
Denali National Park Stipulations Common to All CUAs
Hiking/ Walking - Frontcountry
Hiking/ Walking - Wonder Lake and Kantishna
Air Taxi and Incidental Hunt Transport
Group Camping at Savage River Campground
Day Hiking - Backcountry
Camping - Backcountry
Guided Winter Activities
Climbing/ Mountaineering

CUA holders are required to meet Common to All Stipulations for National, Interior Region 11, and Denali National Park as well as Activity Specific Stipulations. Please note, all Stipulations are provided and agreed upon during the application process. Please take the time to review the Stipulations and be certain guides understand operating expectations before guiding trips in Denali National Park.

 

Maps

Map of Authorized Areas for CUAs
Map of Authorized Frontcountry Guided Hiking Trails
Map of Authorized Trails- Guided Winter Activties
Map of Kantishna and Wonder Lake Guided Hiking Areas of Operation
Map of Visitor Use Areas for Activity Reporting

More Information

2026 Denali CUA Guide Handbook
Denali CUA Insurance Information
Wildlife Safety Information
Leave No Trace Messaging
Leave No Trace 101 Course
Revocation Policy

 

Resources for Education and Interpretation

Tools for guides to learn about the park and educate and inspire visitors.

 

 

More Information About CUAs

• 

  CUA Fees

  CUA holders pay an application fee and a market price annual fee.

• 

  Apply for a CUA

  Information on how to access the CUA Online Application System and submit an application.

• 

  Commercial Use Authorizations in Denali

  Review the CUAs available in Denali and the stipulations for each service type.

 

Contact the CUA Office

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907-683-9553

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