Doing Business with the Park

 

This page is primarily for people interested in, or currently conducting business in the park. If you are interested in visiting the park, please see the section on the website for planning a visit.

Denali Commercial Services Strategy

This strategy document seeks to provide clarity and consistency for park management when making decisions regarding commercial services at Denali National Park and Preserve, and for the broader public when interpreting these decisions.

A variety of stakeholders inside and outside the park provided input throughout the development of this strategy. Incorporating feedback from park staff, businesses, visitors, and community organizations ensures that the document represents the perspective of the park’s diverse stakeholders. This strategy does not act as a compliance document nor does it assess environmental impact.

Download the Denali Commercial Services Strategy

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Businesses in Denali

Approximately 80 companies provide a wide variety of commercial visitor services in Denali National Park and Preserve. These services are limited to those companies having specific authorization, usually in the form of a Concession Contract or Permit or Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) (previously called Incidental Business Permit). In Denali National Park and Preserve, as in all national parks, commercial business activities are limited and require specific authorization and approval from the National Park Service before any guided activity or business can occur.

You will find that some businesses can conduct activities in only specific areas of Denali. There are references to Wilderness areas, park areas, and preserve areas. These distinct sections of Denali can be seen on various park maps.

Check out a list of authorized guiding services in Denali, as well as a listing of summer park ranger programs available.

 

Doing Business in National Parks Throughout Alaska

• Own a business? Check out a guide to obtaining commercial visitor services permits and licenses on public and native owned lands of Alaska.
  
• Commercial visitor services in Alaska Parks have specific rights and regulations provided under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Section 1307. The Federal Register notice of regulations regarding commercial visitor services related to this section of the act are 36 CFR subpart D final regs.
• National Park Service Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998—The Senate passed a Park Concessions Bill, S. 1693, Public Law: 105-391 (11/13/98), also known as the "Thomas Bill," improving the management of national parks. This bill is the first major change in more than three decades in the way concessions contracts are awarded and ensures that all important future contracts will be awarded through competitive bidding, which will provide better service to the visiting public and a better return to the taxpayers. New concession regulations needed as a result of this bill are in the works.
  

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Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA)

A CUA authorizes incidental commercial visitor services that begin and end outside the park. The number of businesses authorized is currently not limited.

• Commercial operators interested in obtaining a CUA should read the park CUA Handbook and complete the Commercial Use Application Form, which then is mailed to the address on the form.
• Non-profits interested in acquiring a CUA should contact us.
• Learn more about CUAs in Denali.

 

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Do Your Guides Have All the Info They Need?

If you guide clients in Denali, they'll likely ask you some of the same questions they ask our rangers. Dig into our suggested reading for guides, which includes topics like how to conduct meaningful guided programs (hikes, talks, etc); primary resources for learning about park history; general natural historiy information; and more!