CUA activities must be appropriate to the mission of the park; compliment resource protection, visitor protection, and interpretation goals; and not pose any potential for derogation of values or purposes for which the park was established. They must be consistent with the park's future plans as well as present operations. They should be compatible with the planning documents for the park. The park will not normally limit the number of organizations that offer similar services or activities.
CUA holders have their base of operation outside the park. All commercial aspects of the activity must occur outside of NPS land. This includes marketing, advertising, use of permeant or temporary structures, and negotiation with customers. Compensation or payment for services (evening tipping) may not occur on NPS lands.
Approved CUA Activities
The following activities are authorized in VCNP under a CUA permit for one year period.
Convenience item Sales (Cooperating Association only)
Road-Based Commercial Tours - are not required to obtain a CUA for 2025.
What fees are associated with an activity based CUA?
For the first application submitted during a CUA season, the applicant will pay a $350 application fee. The same applicant will pay a $250 application fee for subsequent application submitted to the same NPS unit during the same CUA season. This fee is not refundable. The application fee for each activity will be credited toward the management fee paid at the end of that operating year.
The management fee is due at the end of the operating year and is based on a percentage of the operating year’s gross receipts. The fee must be paid to the park after the park has reviewed and approved the annual report, which is submitted by January 31st after the operating year as ended.
Management fee is based on percentage of gross receipts ($350/$250 application fee for the operating year acts as a credit towards the following):
Less than $250,000.00 – 3% of gross receipts
Between $250,000.00 to $500,000.00 – 4% of gross receipts in addition to the prior amount
Over $500,000.00 – 5% of gross receipts in addition to the two prior amounts
“Gross receipts” means the total of all revenues received from services a CUA holder is authorized to provide within Valles Caldera NP.
The CUA holder is responsible for maintain accounting records that demonstrate evidence of gross receipts and required fee payment NPS may audit CUA holder financial reports at any time.
When are Annual Financial Reports and fees due?
Annual Reports, which cover the operating year and require reporting of gross receipts, trips, and visitors served for each month of that year, are due by January 31st following the end of the operating year. A separate Annual Report is required for each activity a CUA hold has a CUA for. Annual Reports will be hosted on the CUA Online Application and Reporting System (COARS). Annual Reporting will be available on the COARS website beginning January 1, 2026.
Do CUA holders have to pay entrance fees?
Yes. Road-based commercial groups are charged based upon vehicle’s manufacturer capacity. while not required to obtain a CUA in 2025. America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Passes may not be used.
Sedan (1-6 passengers) $25 + $15/client
Van (7-15 passengers) $40.00
Mini-bus (16-25 passengers) $40.00
Motorcoach(26+ pageanters) $100.00
All other commercial groups pay the park’s per person entrance fee of $15/person for their clients; Interagency and Valles Caldera National Preserve passes held by clients are accepted.
All CUAs are issued for up to one year. The CUA operating year is from January 1 to December 31.
Guided hunting CUAs are due by July 1st.
How do I apply for a CUA?
Valles Caldera National Preserve will be using the new Online CUA Application and Reporting System starting January 1, 2025. This system is designed to standardize, modernized, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process for National Park Service (NPS) staff and CUA applicants. The system allows potential CUA applicants and CUA holders to view available CUA opportunities, apply for CUAs, submit required CUA reports, and Pay CUA fees.
Companies applying for a CUA will be required to set up an account and upload all required paperwork and insurance and pay through the CUA Application Portal during that application period. If a company has not uploaded the required paperwork with the application, your application may not be approved for the season.
An approved CUA in only valid for the relevant calendar year. A new application is required annually, if the holder wishes to continue conduction business in the park.
Application packets must include insurance, CPR/First Aid, First Responder, Wilderness First Responder, or Wilderness First Aid, list of employees, valid drivers license and vehicle insignia, and NMDGF guide license for hunting guides.
A copy of the Visitor Acknowledgment of Risk that you have your clients sign before participating in the guided activity. If you require such a form to be signed by your clients, it must follow this format: (example)
How long does it take to get a CUA?
Valles Caldera National Preserve requires 30 days to process a CUA application. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
All required documents must be received, reviewed, and the permit signed by the Superintendent prior to operation in the park. Once executed, a signed original permit will e returned to you.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the CUA application process or requirements, please contact the Special Use Permits Coordinator office at (505) 412-0206 or e-mail us
