A commercial use authorization (CUA) is a permit to operate commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR). Public Law 105-391, Section 418, which was signed in 1998, provides for the issuance of Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) to a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide suitable commercial services for park area visitors. Commercial activities are generally prohibited in National Parks unless authorized by a CUA, concessions contract, or commercial fee entrance pass. GTNP issues CUAs to manage a range of commercial visitor services.
Who needs a CUA?
A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for park visitors that:
take place, at least in part, within the boundaries of GTNP and/or the JODR,
use park resources, and
result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit to you.
What is a commercial activity or service?
A commercial visitor service activity is defined as any or all goods, activities, services, agreements or anything offered to park visitors and/or the general public for recreational purposes, which uses the park resources, is undertaken for or results in compensation, monetary gain, benefit or profit to an individual, organization or corporation, whether or not such entity is organized for purposes recognized as non-profit under Local, State, or Federal law. Commercial activities or operations not authorized under a CUA, concession contract, lease, Special Use Permit, or through the use of the Commercial Entrance Fee, are generally prohibited in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. The links below include information to get you started if you want to apply for a CUA as well as tools to help current CUA holders.
What are the Terms and Conditions of Commercially Operating in Grand Teton National Park?
Operating Conditions: The holder will abide by the applicable GRTE activity-specific operating plan conditions. Failure to operate in a manner satisfactory to the area Superintendent may result in the suspension, revocation, or denial of the current or future CUA.
CUA: Guides and/or group leaders must carry a copy of the fully executed Commercial Use Authorization while operating in the park and present it to GRTE entrance gate staff or to park staff upon request. This will identify the guide as an on-duty employee of an authorized business. Guides and/or group leaders must also present one form of identification, number of clients, and payment/passes for clients’ entrance fees at park entrance stations upon each entry.
Damages: The holder will leave the area(s) authorized for use under this permit in substantially the same condition as it was prior to the activities authorized herein and shall pay the United States for any damage resulting from this use which would not reasonably be inherent in the authorized use.
Exclusive Use: This authorization does not confer exclusive use of any area in the park. All groups must honor the rights of others and conduct themselves in an orderly manner. See additional requirements within activity-specific operating plans.
Operating Areas: CUA holders are prohibited from conducting activities in or from entering areas that could be considered residential in nature to include administrative areas, service areas, employee housing areas, lodging/cabin areas, in campgrounds and along campground entrance roads. In-park pickups are allowed at concession lodging areas with prior written permission from the concessioner. CUA holders will not conduct any form of guided activity that conflicts with National Park Service ranger-led interpretive programs or conducted activities.
Incidents: All incidents involving vehicle property damage or personal injury must be reported to park Teton Interagency Dispatch Center (307-739-3301) or a park ranger as soon as possible or within 24 hours. These incidents must also be relayed to the Business Resources Branch of GRTE within 24 hours: e-mail us.
COVID-19: The holder certifies ability to meet and uphold all guidance provided by the CDC and NPS for the authorized activity and adjust operations as necessary when guidance changes.
Firearms: CUA holders and employees (except for Hunt Outfitters) are prohibited from possessing firearms while on duty within the park. CUA holders are responsible for determining whether WY state or local laws allow the possession of firearms by their clients.
Advertising: The holder will not advertise, solicit business, collect any fees, or sell any goods or services on lands owned and controlled by the United States Government. All advertisements, including brochures, rack cards and websites must include a statement that the holder is an “authorized permittee of Grand Teton National Park.” CUA holders are not allowed to use the NPS arrowhead or Authorized Concessioner Mark.
Entrance Fees: Clients of CUA holders age 16 and older entering the park area must pay applicable entrance fees ($20 per person/individual pass, valid for 7 days entry to GTNP.) See CUA Fee Schedule in CUA Handbook for more details. Guides and employees of commercial operators entering the park area to recreate personally must pay applicable entrance fees.
Monitoring: The CUA holder’s operation may be monitored by NPS personnel to assess CUA holder performance. Monitoring may be announced or unannounced. The CUA holder must work with CUA Program Lead to address deficiencies identified through monitoring.
Food Services: All food service and sanitary procedures are subject to and CUA holders must abide by U.S. Public Health Standards, FDA Food Code, and inspections.
All food brought into the park must be obtained from a state licensed and inspected food service facility.
Water provided for clients must be treated or come from a chlorinated source. Clients must be advised about the risks of drinking untreated water and informed about methods of water purification if they are instructed to treat on their own.
All cold foods must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below. All hot foods must be held at 145 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The CUA must use a food thermometer to monitor temperatures.
The CUA holder, guides, group leaders, and clients must prevent all types of wildlife from accessing human food sources and adhere to the park’s food storage regulations. In developed camping, picnic, Jackson Lake lakeshore campsites, lodging, residential, trailhead and day use front country areas all food, garbage, and equipment used to cook or store food must be attended at all times, stored inside bear resistant food storage lockers, or inside a hard sided vehicle with doors locked and windows closed.
Specimens: The CUA holder may use legally obtained plant, animal, geological and cultural specimens for guest educational purposes only. Clients must be advised that possessing, destroying, removing or disturbing specimens in a National Park is strictly prohibited. To comply with park policy, all such specimens or parts thereof must remain inside the vehicle while operating in Grand Teton National Park. All wildlife parts such as antlers, pelts or feathers, must remain out of sight of all other (non-client) visitors while within park boundaries. While in the park, holders of a CUA must have documentation or knowledge of the legal means by which all specimens in possession were obtained.
What Activities and Services are Authorized under a CUA?
Guided Interpretive Tour
A Guided Interpretive Tour (previously Guided Vehicle Tour) is a single vehicle tour, traveling on an itinerary which has been packaged, priced, or sold as an interpretive tour accessing areas of Grand Teton National Park for up to 14 clients. Vehicle size for Guided Interpretive Tours may not exceed a manufactured capacity of 15 passengers. These activities take visitors through the park’s road system, including primitive roads, gravel roads, and developed areas open to the public and may utilize established trails to conduct short ½ mile walks with a focus on interpreting the park history, landmarks, and wildlife. Guides provide an educational forum for the preservation and protection of park resources in conjunction with the management objectives of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE), the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR), and the mission of the National Park Service. Guided Interpretive Tours allow for photography opportunities that do not include instruction.
Single vehicle tours (no multiple vehicle caravans from the same company) packaged, priced, or sold as an interpretive tour that may include sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and short nature walks for groups of 14 clients or less.
Vehicle size limit is a maximum manufactured capacity of 15 passengers.
Guided Interpretive Tours may use primitive and gravel roads in addition to all primary and secondary roads open to the public for the purpose of touring, sightseeing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
All tours must provide accurate and unbiased park information, safety messaging, and bear food storage education.
CUA holders are prohibited from conducting activities in or from entering areas that could be considered residential in nature to include administrative areas, service areas, employee housing areas, lodging/cabin areas, in campgrounds and along campground entrance roads.
In park pickups are allowed at concessions lodging areas with prior written permission by concessions operations. CUA holders must contact the Business Resources office for contact information.
All representatives and employees of CUA holders must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
The name and employing company of all CUA representatives and employees, must be identifiable through the use of uniforms, name tags and logos while conducting tours. Commercially owned, leased and rented vehicles must be identifiable on the outside of the vehicle with a company name.
Walks of ½ mile or less are authorized on official trails originating from official trailheads and designated turnouts and parking lots. Walking to Hidden Falls is not permitted. Use of snowshoes or skis is prohibited in lieu of walking in winter. Winter walks are prohibited at Taggart Lake trail and on the groomed Teton Park Road.
Operating a vehicle more than 100 inches wide, measured at its widest point and more than 280 inches long, measured at its longest point, is prohibited on the Moose-Wilson Road.
Commercial use of the RKO/River Road is not authorized north of the Bar BC Ranch.
Tours must be conducted in a way that allows for the free flow of traffic on roads, in parking lots, and must not conflict with the public’s normal use of park areas. Tours parking along the roadside must park beyond the white line and may only use existing road-side pullouts and gravel or hardened surfaces. Creating new road-side pullouts or pulling into undisturbed vegetation is prohibited.
Vehicles shall not be left idling in parking areas or park across multiple parking spaces. Loading zones must not be occupied longer than necessary to load and unload passengers.
Erecting tents, canopies or tables is prohibited.
Operators and clients must comply as directed by NPS staff engaged in administering wildlife management operations or managing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tours authorized by this permit must be conducted so as not to attract, harass, or disturb wildlife. Operators and clients are prohibited from using or possessing elk bugles, varmint calls, audio attractants or other artificial means or natural methods of attracting or disturbing wildlife as described in Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway Superintendent’s Compendium.
Carrying or storing a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal is broken or the contents of which have been partially removed, within any motor vehicle in park areas or within park boundaries is prohibited.
Winter Travel: When a road or road segment inside of Grand Teton National Park is deemed No Unnecessary Travel, the stated road will be closed to CUA vehicular travel to allow for clearing and maintenance of the road. CUA holders must contact guides operating tours inside the park to inform them of the change in road status in a timely manner.
All business transactions must take place outside of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) or the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR).
The Conservation Easement over the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (“the Preserve”) prohibits any commercial activities on the Preserve property. Guided Interpretive Tours may only provide drop offs and pickups to the Preserve. Guides may not accompany clients beyond the parking lot.
Photography/Videography/Painting Workshop
A Photography/Videography Workshop (COARS Service Type = Photography Instruction) is an instructional opportunity for one to ten visitors using an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold as a guided photography or videography instructional session. Photography/Videography Workshops embrace the scenic, cultural, and natural resources of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR) to create an instructional based experience designed to improve a photographer’s skills and/or photography techniques. A Painting Workshop is an instructional opportunity for one to ten visitors using an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold as a guided painting instructional session. During these sessions, visitors are given painting and related art instruction. Guides provide messages that encourage visitors to preserve and protect park resources in conjunction with the management objectives of GRTE, JODR, and the mission of the National Park Service (NPS).
An instructional opportunity for one to ten visitors that has been packaged, priced, or sold as a guided photography, painting, or videography instructional session.
Maximum group size is 10 participants plus a group leader.
Workshops may be conducted in caravans of up to five vehicles which may include up to one commercial vehicle and up to four private vehicles for each group. Five private vehicles are authorized if the workshop leader is acting in a step-on capacity.
Workshops are permitted in front country areas open to the public and on hiking trails within ½ mile of the road.
CUA holders are prohibited from conducting activities in or from entering areas that could be considered residential in nature to include administrative areas, service areas, employee housing areas, lodging/cabin areas, in campgrounds and along campground entrance road. In park pickups are allowed at concessions lodging areas with prior written permission by concessions operations.
All commercial activity on the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is prohibited.
Winter Travel: When a road or road segment inside of Grand Teton National Park is deemed No Unnecessary Travel, the stated road will be closed to CUA vehicular travel to allow for clearing and maintenance of the road. CUA holders must contact guides operating tours inside the park to inform them of the change in road status in a timely manner.
Workshops must be conducted in a way that allows for the free flow of traffic on roads, in parking lots, and on trails and must not conflict with the public’s normal use of park areas. Visitors may not be asked to move, and areas may not be closed to accommodate portrait sessions. Workshops may not encroach upon or disrupt scheduled special events, such as weddings, authorized by a Special Use Permit.
The use of models, props, sets, lighting, and other specialized equipment is not allowed under this authorization. Individuals wishing to utilize models, props, sets, lighting, and other specialized equipment may be required to obtain a still photography permit.
The following is prohibited: erecting tents, arches, arbors, canopies, tables, and chairs; using props or placing decorations that cannot be carried at all times such as rugs, vases, flower stands, and lights. Attaching or placing decorations or equipment (e.g., balloons, banners, flower stands, lights, objects, signs, streamers) to any natural or historic object or any National Park Service sign, bench, post, building, or facility. Only handheld items that can be carried at all times are permissible.
Artificial lighting beyond that which is handheld may not be used. Authorized lighting equipment includes but is not limited to on-camera flash/TTL flash, handheld light modifiers, handheld flash brackets, handheld flash heads, handheld reflectors, and handheld diffusers.
No onsite chemical development or processing of films is permitted.
Photography authorized by this permit must be conducted so as not to attract, harass, or disturb wildlife. Operators and clients are prohibited from using or possessing elk bugles, varmint calls, audio attractants or other artificial means or natural methods of attracting or disturbing wildlife as described in Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway Superintendent’s Compendium. Flash photography or use of artificial lighting to view wildlife is prohibited as described in Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway Superintendent’s Compendium.
Operators and clients must comply as directed by NPS staff engaged in administering wildlife management operations or managing wildlife viewing opportunities.
For nighttime photography, illuminating park features and landscapes in any way for the purpose of photography and light painting are not authorized due to the sensitivity of nighttime resources in Grand Teton National Park.
Workshops must provide accurate and unbiased information, safety messaging, and bear food storage education.
Carrying or storing a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal is broken or the contents of which have been partially removed, within any motor vehicle in park areas or within park boundaries is prohibited.
The name and employing company of all CUA representatives and employees, must be identifiable through the use of uniforms, name tags and logos while conducting tours. Commercially owned, leased, and rented vehicles must be identifiable on the outside of the vehicle with a company name.
All business transactions must take place outside of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) or the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR)
All representatives and employees of CUA holders must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
Auto-Shuttle Service
An Auto-Shuttle Service (COARS Service Type = Transport (non-tour)) is the point-to-point ground transportation of vehicles by at least two employees of an authorized operator to specific parking areas or turnouts. Visitors and commercial users in need of a shuttle begin their activity in one location with the activity terminating in a separate location. Shuttle operators manage the logistics of transporting vehicles from a starting location to the location where the activity terminates. This allows visitors or commercial operators to regain access to the original vehicle when their activity has been completed. Transportation of people is not permitted. Activities supported by this category include private backcountry hiking, commercial/private fly fishing, and commercial/private float trip.
Insurance Requirements: The CUA holder must possess commercial auto insurance with either symbol 1, “Any Auto”; or symbols 2, “Owned Autos” and 9, “Non-Owned Autos”. Additionally, if the CUA holder does not possess symbol 1, “Any Auto” and uses leased, rented, hired, or borrowed vehicles in performance of the service, they must obtain symbol 8, “Hired Autos”. The CUA holder must have a “garage keeper” endorsement with excess coverage at a minimum.
Transportation of people is not permitted.
Hiking and backcountry camping is not permitted.
Vehicles shuttled by the operator must be parked legally.
CUA holders are prohibited from conducting activities in or from entering areas that could be considered residential in nature to include administrative areas, service areas, employee housing areas, lodging/cabin areas, in campgrounds and along campground entrance road. In park pickups are allowed at concessions lodging areas with prior written permission by concessions operations.
All Commercial Activity on the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve is prohibited.
All representatives and employees of CUA holders must conduct themselves in a professional manner.
All drivers must be legally licensed to drive.
The name and employing company of all CUA representatives and employees must be identifiable using uniforms and name tags.
All services must provide accurate and unbiased information, safety messaging, and bear food storage education.
All business transactions must take place outside of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR).
Guided Bicycle Tours
Guided Bicycle Tours are human pedaled and pedal assist vehicle tours for up to ten total participants on approved routes and roads within Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR). Tour groups consist of guides/tour leaders, participants, and may include one support vehicle. Tours provide single day trips in GRTE and JODR that may or may not span multiple days. Bicyclists are required to follow all applicable traffic regulations and safety guidelines. Guides provide messages that encourage visitors to preserve and protect park resources in conjunction with the management objectives of Grand Teton National Park and the mission of the National Park Service.
Bicycles shall be defined as human pedaled, non-motorized vehicles and two- or three-wheeled vehicles with fully operational pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).
Group sizes will include no more than 10 visitors with at least one guide (two guides max with a total group size limit of 12). This limit does not include a support vehicle. One support vehicle per group is permitted but must not obstruct traffic.
Groups from the same operator must be spaced at least 30 minutes apart from the end of one group to the beginning of another.
Operators must conduct a basic safety briefing before tours begin.
Bicyclists must ride single file (at all times) and as close to the right edge of the road as possible.
All participants and guides of commercial bicycle tours must wear helmets.
Bicyclists and support vehicles must follow all applicable traffic regulations.
Commercial bicycling operations are prohibited from ½-hour after sunset to ½-hour before sunrise.
All bicycle riding, parking and staging operations must only be conducted at an approved location. Refer to the Authorized Summer Commercial Bike Route and Staging Map.
The only approved area for commercial bicycle tours to cross HWY 89/191 is through the Moose Tunnel at Moose Junction.
The name and employing company of all CUA representatives and employees, must be identifiable through the use of uniforms, name tags and logos while conducting tours. Commercially owned, leased and rented vehicles must be identifiable on the outside of the vehicle with a company name.
Operators should be aware of and must abide by all public closures.
When traveling through unauthorized areas of the park’s road system, commercial bicycle tours will need to transport guests and equipment in support vehicles.
Vehicles shall not be left idling in parking areas or park across multiple parking spaces. Loading zones must not be occupied longer than necessary to load and unload passengers.
Erecting tents, canopies, or tables along the roadway or in overlooks/turnouts for the purpose of providing rest stations or refreshments is prohibited. Operators must follow all NPS food storage regulations.
Winter Travel: When a road inside of Grand Teton National Park is deemed No Unnecessary Travel, the stated road will be closed to CUA vehicular travel to allow for clearing and maintenance of the road. CUA holders must contact guides operating tours inside the park to inform them of the change in road status in a timely manner.
In park pickups are allowed at concessions lodging areas with prior written permission by concessions operations. Contact the Business Resources Office for concessioner contact information.
All Commercial Activity on the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve is prohibited.
All tours must provide accurate and unbiased information, safety messaging, and bear food storage education.
All business transactions must take place outside of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR)
All representatives and employees of CUA holders must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
The following pullouts are approved for staging use. The use of these pullouts is limited to two total vehicles including trailers per company: View Authorized Route Map
Pfeiffer Turnout - Large gravel pullout on the north side of the Antelope Flats Road between the Mormon Row historical site and the junction of the Kelly Road.
East Boundary Road Turnout - Large dirt pullout at the north end of the Kelly Road near the turnout to private homes.
Ditch Creek Turnout - Large pullout on the north side of the Ditch Creek Road, approximately ¼ mile west of the entrance to the Teton Science School Kelly Campus.
East Gros Ventre Junction Turnout - Large pullout northeast of the entrance to east Gros Ventre Road just off the roundabout.
South Mormon Row Parking Area – Parking area near a gate on the southeast side of the Mormon Row Road.
Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center – Use back of parking lot.
Chapel of the Transfiguration Parking Area – Parking lot is located just beyond the Moose Entrance Station.
Moran Junction Parking Area – Parking lot just to the north of the Moran Entrance Station on the east side of the road.
Colter Bay – Park at the Marina or Visitor Center parking areas.
Roads closed to commercial bikes:
Moose Wilson Road
Signal Mountain Road
RKO/River Road north of the Bar BC Ranch
Sage Brush Drive
Pacific Creek Road
Road to Two Ocean Lake
Grassy Lake Road
Guided Youth Day Hiking
Guided Youth Day Hiking (COARS Service Type = Hiking Backcountry) is an instructional and supervised non-overnight hiking activity provided to youths under the age of twenty-one. Day hike groups are limited to no more than 10 participants and two guides per group. Groups operate using specifically authorized trails in Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR). These services must provide information about the area and its resources, instill conservation ethics, and increase environmental awareness in participants. Operators must adhere to all required safety practices.
Youth is defined as people under the age of 21. Non-youth participants are prohibited.
Use limits – 120 youth participants per season, per operator, not including guides.
Use areas – All officially maintained park trails designated by the official Grand Teton National Park Summer Map.
Operating Season – June through September. Requests for trips outside the operating season must be submitted in writing to Grand Teton Business Resources or to grte_business_resources@nps.gov and reviewed. Snow travel is not allowed; therefore, the operating season will be shortened if conditions dictate.
Only day hiking is allowed, no overnight backpacking. All hiking activities must begin and end at an authorized trailhead inside GRTE or the JODR on the same day. This activity does not authorize commercial operators to use the lands of GRTE or the JODR as a crossing permit to backpack outside the park or parkway boundaries.
Groups are limited to 10 participants which may include up to two guides. Groups with 1-5 participants must have at least one guide, while groups of 6-10 must have at least two guides. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 12 total people. A guide is defined as a person over 21, serving in an official capacity as an employee or representative acting on behalf of an organization who shares responsibility for a group of youth.
All trips must be submitted to the Grand Teton Business Resources office by email to grte_business_resources@nps.gov at least 24 hours before trips begin.
Operators must conduct a basic safety briefing before tours begin.
Groups must yield right of way to other users. Groups must not shortcut switchbacks and must follow best practices for mitigating backcountry resource impacts. Guides and participants must stay on maintained trails, and hike in single file on the trail. Hiking off-trail or creating unofficial social trails is prohibited.
Guides and participants are prohibited from possessing or using alcohol and/or tobacco products and/or illegal substances while conducting trips.
The name and employing company of all CUA representatives and employees, must be identifiable through the use of uniforms, name tags and logos while conducting tours. Commercially owned, leased and rented vehicles must be identifiable on the outside of the vehicle with a company name.
A Risk Management Plan must be submitted by mail to the Grand Teton Business Resources office or email to grte_business_resources@nps.gov with all new and renewal applications. All Risk Management Plans must be reviewed before beginning operations in GRTE or the JODR. The Risk Management Plan must include the following elements (policy guidance is available upon request):
General information on the operator’s documented Risk Management Program and designated personnel.
Equipment and general inspection information and/or schedule.
The classification of hazards and documented hazard mitigation strategies.
Documented plan for reporting and investigating employee/visitor accidents/incidents.
Public safety and awareness program relating to the communication of activity and resource related hazards.
Employee safety training information.
Emergency procedures and NPS accident/incident reporting
Guides must be provided with adequate interpretative training.
Training sessions for guides must include at a minimum; general safety guidelines/procedures, expedition travel policies, weather (including lightning hazards), how to deal with illness, safe backcountry travel techniques, map reading, bear safety, human-wildlife interactions, equipment maintenance, information on the Wilderness Act, and Leave No Trace principles.
All guides must be currently certified in standard first aid and CPR and carry a first aid kit.
All Commercial Activity on the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve is prohibited.
All representatives and employees of CUA holders must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
All business transactions must take place outside of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) or the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR)
Step-On Interpretive Guide
A Step-On Interpretive Guide provides interpretive services for individual or commercial groups traveling through Grand Teton National Park. A Step-On Guide may provide services from a visitor’s personal vehicle or from the vehicle of another commercial operator. There is no maximum group size for step-on guide services, except when engaging in ½ mile walks on backcountry trails (see conditions). These activities take visitors through the park’s road system, front country areas and ½ mile backcountry walks with a focus on interpreting the parks features and wildlife. Guides provide an educational forum for the preservation and protection of park resources in conjunction with the management objectives of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE), the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR), and the mission of the National Park Service.
Tours may provide interpretive services for groups utilizing maintained front country areas, such as Jenny Lake and Menor’s Ferry, but must ensure tours do not interrupt scheduled NPS Ranger Programs.
Walks of ½ mile or less are authorized on official trails originating from official trailheads and designated turnouts and parking lots with a group size limit of 14. Walking to Hidden Falls is not permitted.
All tours must provide accurate and unbiased park information, safety messaging, and bear food storage education.
Tours may not be conducted on roads or areas which are not open to the general public.
Tours must comply as directed by NPS staff engaged in administering wildlife management operations or managing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tours authorized by this permit must be conducted so as not to attract, harass, or disturb wildlife. Operators and clients are prohibited from using or possessing elk bugles, varmint calls, audio attractants or other artificial means or natural methods of attracting or disturbing wildlife as described in Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway Superintendent’s Compendium.
All representatives and employees of CUA holders must always conduct themselves in a professional manner.
Erecting tents, canopies or tables is prohibited.
All business transactions must take place outside of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) or the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR).
The Conservation Easement over the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (“the Preserve”) prohibits any commercial activities on the Preserve property. Guides may not accompany clients beyond the parking lot.
Towing and Automotive Service
A Towing and Automotive Service assists, repairs or removes a disabled or damaged vehicle from Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR). Vehicles that are removed via a tow truck and taken to a repair or storage facility, usually in the local area of Jackson, WY. Automotive Services including tire repair or replacement, RV/Auto repair, RV appliance repair, battery jumps and locksmith services to aid park visitors with vehicle repair needs while in Grand Teton National Park. Circumstances causing the need for a tow or repair generally include mechanical failure, unsafe vehicle operating conditions, and damage caused by contact with other objects. Towing or automotive companies are contacted directly by park visitors or by the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center as unique situations dictate. Visitors are required to pay all fees associated with towing or automotive services.
The Teton Interagency Dispatch Center (TIDC) will employ a towing or automotive services on a rotational system in which the TIDC will dispatch a request for towing or automotive services to the incident via a CUA holder rotation list. If the CUA holder does not answer the call or cannot respond in a timely manner, TIDC will contact the next CUA holder on the rotation list. This can be situational depending on type of assistance needed, traffic blockage and other factors. The TIDC may alter the rotation based on specific needs.
Operators shall notify park dispatch (307)-739-3301 of all towing or automotive repair requests received directly from visitors.
The law enforcement officer at the scene of the disabled vehicle can determine whether the TIDC shall call for a standard tow truck or a flatbed truck.
Operators will have vehicles marked with their company logo.
Operators will utilize traffic safety cones when the disabled vehicle and/or towing vehicle impedes traffic or follow the direction of any Law Enforcement Officer on scene.
Operators must clean and collect environmentally hazardous fluids and debris as a result of maintenance services and report fluid spillage to Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at (307)-739-3301.
Operators will submit their fee schedules to Business Resources with all applications.
Operators shall supply copies of DOT certifications, inspections, fees, and appropriate decals to the Grand Teton National Park upon request. Appropriate DOT decals will be prominently displayed on vehicles.
Operators shall provide Grand Teton National Park with a vehicle list describing the types of towing or repair vehicles prior to each operating season.
Operators must get written permission from concessioners prior to performing services at concessioner lodging areas or campgrounds. Please contact the Business Resources Office to obtain contact information for concessioners.
The name and employing company of all CUA representatives and employees must be identifiable using uniforms and name tags.
All business transactions must take place outside of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR)
All representatives and employees of CUA holders must always conduct themselves in a professional manner.
Definitions
Towing Services - Services to provide towing and rescue operations for motor vehicles.
Tire Repair Services - Services to provide tire repair or replacement.
Automobile Locksmith Services - Service to aid with car lockout and key services, including key replacement, key cutting, replacement keys/key fobs, and key extraction.
RV/Auto Repair - Repair service required to repair, maintain, and replace components required to safely operate vehicles.
RV Appliance Repair - Repair of RV appliances and equipment not essential to the safe operation of the vehicle, including but not limited to air conditioners, furnaces, plumbing, refrigeration, generators, and electrical systems.
Environmentally Hazardous Fluids – Including but are not limited to oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, gasoline, and sewage.
Vehicle Debris – Debris including tires and tire pieces as well as vehicle parts.
Transit Services
A Transit Service (COARS Service Type = Transport (non-tour)) is a logistics system for the picking-up and dropping-off of visitors to specifically authorized points along a regular route with a pre-announced schedule. Services and stops are continuous and specifically authorized. This service allows visitors to be transported to facilities and recreational opportunities who may otherwise be unable to get there by other means. A Transit Service allows visitors to utilize transportation for convenience. Interpretive touring is not part of this service, although operators must relay specifically approved messages to visitors, consistent with the management objectives of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE), the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR), and the mission of the National Park Service.
A written Park Shuttle schedule shall be submitted to the Business Resources Office and approved 30 days prior to the start of operations. Changes to this itinerary will not be authorized during the operational period.
The CUA holder will be allowed to use vans or buses ranging in size up to a maximum of 40 feet in length (Vehicles on the Moose Wilson Road vehicles are restricted to 8’4 feet wide and 23’4 inches long).
CUA holders are prohibited from providing drop off and pickups or routine stops in areas that could be considered residential in nature to include administrative areas, service areas, employee housing areas, lodging/cabin areas, in campgrounds and along campground entrance road. In park stop locations are allowed at concessions lodging areas with prior written permission by concessions operations. Contact Business Resources for contact with concessioners.
Winter Travel: When a road or road segment inside of Grand Teton National Park is deemed No Unnecessary Travel, the stated road will be closed to CUA vehicular travel to allow for clearing and maintenance of the road. CUA holder must abide by travel restrictions even it interrupts scheduled stops.
CUA holder is responsible for disseminating information to riders/visitors about transit interruptions or delays, such as road construction.
CUA holder must abide by all road delays and closures put in place by the National Park Service.
Transit services may not provide impromptu stops along designated routes.
All Commercial Activity on the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve is prohibited.
All representatives and employees of CUA holders must always conduct themselves in a professional manner.
The name and employing company of all CUA representatives and employees, must be identifiable using uniforms, name tags and logos while conducting tours. Commercially owned, leased and rented vehicles must be identifiable on the outside of the vehicle with a company name.
All tours must provide accurate and unbiased information, safety messaging, and bear food storage education.
All business transactions must take place outside of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR).
Dude Ranch Amenities
Dude Ranch Amenities accommodates visitors of all-inclusive dude ranches, owned by the operator, and directly adjacent to park lands of Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR). Activities must be conducted as part of a traditional dude ranch operation and meeting dude ranch industry standards. Please contact the Business Resources Office at e-mail us for information.
Hunt Outfitter
Hunt Outfitter assists in providing support services such as guiding, outfitting, and retrieval and/or harvesting for the elk reduction program in Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) and hunting in John D Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (JODR). Hunting activities occur within the JODR September through December. Specific dates, laws, and limits on hunted animals are specified in annual information released by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Hunting activities associated with the legislatively permitted elk reduction program within GRTE occur from October-December only for identified species; no regular hunting is permitted. Commercial operators may only provide services for visitors who have already obtained the appropriate state and park permits/licenses. Please contact the Business Resources Office at e-mail us for information.
Commercial Use Authorization Suspension, Restriction, Revocation and Application Denial Policy
Aurthority:
Public Law 105-391, Section 418; 16 United States Code (USC) 1 and 3 36 CFR Section 1.6 (g) and Section 5.3
Effective Date:
November 15, 2024
Purpose:
This policy memorandum is intended to provide guidance regarding the actions taken in the event of a permittee violation (as defined in this policy). 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.
Definitions:
Holder/Owner - a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, or corporation including corporate officers and those shareholders who have a controlling interest in a corporation which has applied for or received a CUA.
Employee - a person in the service of the Holder/Owner under any contract of hire, express or implied, oral or written, where the Holder/Owner has the power or right to control and direct the Employee in the work performed.
Violations - Payment of fine, an accepted plea of nolo contendere, or a conviction in Federal or State court where a nexus exists between the offense and the business activity authorized, regardless of whether the violation occurred in a unit of the National Park System; failure to comply with the provisions and conditions of the CUA; or failure to adequately address material and documented operational concerns expressed by the National Park Service.
Permit Conditions Related to Termination or Revocation:
Authority to terminate or revoke a permit is provided for via CUA application and authorization provision #101 and the signed statement on both. Failure on the part of the permittee to abide by the provisions of the permit is citable under 36 CFR Section 1.6 (g) and Section 5.3. and may result in CUA suspension, restriction, revocation or denial.
Suspension, Restriction and Revocation:
A CUA may be suspended, restricted, or revoked when the Holder/Owner or Employee commits a violation as defined above. The Superintendent will determine the appropriate administrative action regarding the violation based on the totality of the circumstances, including consideration of prior relevant violations. The following table provides a general guideline.
Violation
Action by Superintendent
First Violation
A written warning at a minimum. May include a period of CUA suspension or revocation depending upon the violation.
Second Violation
CUA restriction or suspension for a minimum of 30 operating days and up to a maximum of 120 operating days. The restriction may continue into the next operating season and CUA applications for the next season may be denied until the term of the suspension is met.
Third Violation
CUA revocation for the remaining operating season and subsequent application denial for the next three operating seasons.
A CUA may also be suspended or restricted when the Holder/Owner or Employee is under investigation or is charged for a felony criminal offense by state or federal authorities if a nexus exists between the offense and the authorized business activity, the safety of Park visitors, or the preservation and protection of Park resources and values, regardless of whether the offense occurred in a unit of the National Park System. The Superintendent reserves the right to suspend a CUA while charges are being adjudicated. A CUA may be reinstated or restriction lifted as a result of the final adjudication.
CUA Application Denial:
An application for a CUA may be denied if the Holder/Owner or any of the Holder/Owner’s current or proposed Employees committed a violation, as defined above, within three years of the date of application. Applicants denied a CUA due to previous violations may reapply at any time but are subject to an additional nonrefundable application fee.
Notification Process:
If a Holder/Owner or any of the Holder/Owner’s current Employees has committed a violation, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall:
Notify the Holder/Owner of the violation in writing as soon as appropriate. This notification may include immediate suspension or restriction of the CUA. It is in the best interest of the National Park Service and the Holder/Owner that the Holder/Owner be made aware of the violation and be given an opportunity to take corrective action to avoid future violations and provide an explanation of the circumstances leading to the violation.
Notify the Holder/Owner in writing of the final administrative action including, but not limited to, suspension, restriction, revocation or denial of a future CUA or other National Park Service-issued permits. The Holder/Owner will also be notified of their right to appeal.
Notify the Intermountain Region and Washington Office CUA Coordinators as appropriate.
Appeal Process:
An appeal of the action may be made to the Superintendent in writing within 30 days of the action. Appeals must set forth the facts and circumstances the Holder/Owner believes support the appeal. The Holder/Owner may request a meeting to discuss the appeal with the Superintendent or his/her representative. The Superintendent may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision appealed and will set forth in writing the basis of the decision after considering the materials submitted by the Holder/Owner and the National Park Service record of the matter, and after the meeting with the Holder/Owner if the Holder/Owner requested a meeting. A copy of the final decision will be forwarded to the Holder/Owner.
1Conditions of this Authorization Item #10: This authorization may be terminated upon breach of any of the conditions herein or at the discretion of the park area Superintendent.
What activities and services are not authorized under a CUA?
The park does not accept applications for activities not listed above such as lodging, campgrounds, food and beverage, retail, marina and boating services, scenic float trips, in-park equipment rentals, guided youth backpacking, climbing, fishing, guided kayak tours, climbing, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, etc. These activities are deemed both appropriate and necessary, therefore they are only authorized under competitive concession contracts, which are generally put out for bid every 10 to 20 years.
CUAs for Commercial Tour Buses
Road Based Commercial Tours must pay the Commercial Entrance fee upon arrival and do not need a CUA to gain entrance into Grand Teton National Park. For additional information and status of the National Park Service-wide standardized Road-based Commercial Tour (RBCT) Commercial Use Authorization (CUA), please visit the National CUA web page for the National Park Service.
Last updated: November 8, 2024
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 170
Moose,
WY
83012
Phone:
307-739-3399
Talk to a Ranger? To speak to a Grand Teton National Park ranger call 307–739–3399 for visitor information Monday-Friday during business hours.
