Commercial Use Authorization

 

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that:

• are determined to be an appropriate use of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area;

• will have minimal impact on Glen Canyon’s resources and values; and

• are consistent with Glen Canyon’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

A CUA is required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:

• take place at least in part in Glen Canyon,

• use park resources, and

• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

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

 

Program Updates

The National Park Service (NPS) has developed an online CUA system designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process for NPS staff and applicants. The opening of the online system was launched and tested by parks who opted in during Phase I; the application was a success!

All NPS units will be using the online system for the 2025 CUA season. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area will begin accepting applications for the 2025 CUA season in the fall of 2024.

Additionally, the online system has implemented a standard CUA application fee. For the 2025 CUA season the application fees will increase to $350 for the first CUA service type, any additional service types submitted to Glen Canyon during the same CUA season will be $250 each. The application fees are non-refundable and due at time of application submission via the online system.

How to Apply for a CUA

Apply for a CUA by accessing the online application portal. Companies will be required to set up an account and upload all the required documents and pay the application fee through the CUA Portal.

Watch this Video on how to apply for a CUA

CUA Applications will be accepted year-round, all permits will expire on December 31^st, regardless of when they were issued. Complete applications should be submitted a minimum of 45 days in advance of first trip to allow time for processing.

Applications will no longer be accepted through the Glen Canyon CUA Office. Beginning in 2025, applications must be submitted through the online portal. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

CUAs are issued by the NPS pursuant to authorities contained in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 5.3 and the 16 U.S.C. 5966 (P.L. 105-391, Section 418).

 

Visit the Online CUA System

 

Authorized Services Available in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

1. Land Based Tours

2. Guided EFoils

3. Guided Fishing Service – Colorado River

4. Guided Fishing Service – Lake Powell

5. Guided Hiking/Backcountry Service

6. Guided Canyoneering Service

7. Guided Hiking with Packstock Service

8. Guided Hunting

9. Guided Off-Road Vehicle Tours

10. Guided Photography Workshop & Instruction – Land Based

11. Guided Photography Workshop & Instruction – Water Based

12. Guided Waterski/Wakeboard & Instruction Service

13. Marine Salvage Service

14. Mobile Food and Beverage Service – Lone Rock

15. Mobile Food and Beverage Service – Lees Ferry

16. Scuba Instruction

17. Vessel Caretaking

18. Minor Vessel Repair

19. Launch & Retrieve – Houseboats (Privately Owned Only)

20. Launch & Retrieve – Motorized Vessels (Commercially Owned Only)

21. Launch & Retrieve – Human Powered Vessels (Commercially Owned Only)

22. Guided Kayak/Canoe Service

23. Guided Standup Paddleboard Service

24. Vehicle Towing

25. Rental Anchoring Service

26. Alternative Anchoring with Piloting

27. Spa and Massage Service

 

 

For Current CUA holders - Annual Reports

All CUA Holders must fill out one ofthe following forms for each business they provide:
Guided Services: Fishing-Lake Powell, Land Tours, Hiking, Photography, Hunting, Kayak/Canoe, Kayak/SUP, Scuba Instruction, Waterski Wakeboard Instruction: Guided Service Annual Report
Guided Colorado River Fishing and Backhaul: Guided Colorado River Services Annual Report
Private Vessel Services - Caretaking, Minor Repair, Launch and Retrieve, Marine Salvage: Vessel Service Annual Report
Commercial Vessel Services - Launch and Retrieve-Motorized Vessels, Launch and Retrieve - Human Powered Vessels: Commercial Vessel Service Annual Report
Retail Services - Mobile Food & Beverage Service: Retail Service Annual Report

Information for Commercial Tour Groups Entrance Fees in Glen Canyon.

Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk (VAR): CUA holders may not request or require visitors/clients to sign a waiver of liability, insurance disclaimer, or indemnification agreement. You may advise visitors of risks associated with the activity through the use of a VAR Form; NPS Template is available for businesses to use. If you wish to modify the VAR, you may not include “waiver of liability” language and must have park approval before using the modified form.

Additional Information

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Revocation And Suspension Policy

The NPS may terminate a CUA upon violation of any of the CUA conditions or at the discretion of the Superintendent, at his or her discretion, may take actions other than those identified and retains the authority to immediately suspend, restrict or revoke a CUA or deny a future CUA application for reasons not covered in this policy memorandum. This policy memorandum is intended to provide guidance regarding the actions taken in the event of a permittee violation (as defined in this policy).

 

Learn more about CUAs

Commercial Use Authorizations in the National Park Service

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