Special Use Permit

 

Filming in Glen Canyon

NPS

 

How to Apply

All permit applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

The Special Use Permit (SUP) program authorizes activities that provide benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large; and that require written authorization and some degree of management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest. Examples include fishing tournaments, weddings and other large group gatherings, 1st Amendment activities, and rights-of-way/easements.

Special Use Permits are granted for specific periods of time and specific locations. Certain fees and insurance requirements may apply.

Please allow time for applications to be processed. Applications must be submitted 45 business days (excluding weekends and holdiays) prior to your event for the park to process your request. Every effort will be made to accommodate permit applications sooner if allowed by processes. Please contact the Special Park Uses Coordinator to inquire about permitting timelines.

Complete this application form: SUP General Application (pdf file).
For Filming and Still Photography use this form: SUP FILMING Application (pdf file)
For First Amendment Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials SUP Demonstrations Application (pdf file)
Please submit all inquiries to link ([e-mail])

Or by mail by sending the completed form to:
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
ATTN: Special Park Use Office
P.O. Box 1507
Page, AZ 86040

 

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

The National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.

Key elements of the new law include:

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
  • Occurs in areas open to the public;
  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;
  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;
  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.
• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

 

Filming and Photography Questions

Do I need a permit to film, take still photographs, or record audio in a park?

No, provided the filming, still photography, or audio recording activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets all of the following conditions: 

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 

• Uses hand-carried equipment only; 

• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  

• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and 

• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information. 

Who needs a permit for filming, still photography, or audio recording in parks?

You may need a permit if your group is more than eight individuals, or the activity does not meet any of the following conditions:  

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 

• Uses hand-carried equipment only; 

• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  

• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and 

• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information. 

I have a permit for an activity. Do I need another permit to film, photograph, or record audio?

No. A separate permit and fee payment is not required for filming, photography, or audio recording that is associated with a permitted event, such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity. 

I’m a content creator, student, or with a news media organization, do I need a permit?

All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.   You do not need a permit if the activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets all of the following conditions: 

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 

• Uses hand-carried equipment only; 

• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  

• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, and other visitors; and 

• Will not result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming or photography activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting for more information.

What fees will I have to pay for a permit?

When a permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees. 

Even though I’m not required to get a permit, can I still request one?

Yes, you may request and the National Park Service may issue a permit even when one is not required. 

How do I apply for a permit?

Permit applications are available at the top of this page. If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact us for more information. 

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop as a business, you may need a commercial use authorization. Contact us for more information. 

 

FAA graphic

No Drone Zone

Launching, landing or operating unmanned or remote controlled aircraft in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument is prohibited unless authorized in an official capacity. Authorization would require a Special Use Permit.

Unmanned Aircraft defined: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Read more about unmanned aircraft in the national parks.