Guided Interpretive Tours CUA

 

Overview

This CUA authorizes guided interpretive tours and non-instructional photography tours for up to 25 clients. CUA holders may use vehicles manufactured to carry up to 26 passengers or less to transport clients under this CUA. In-park shuttle service and step-on guide service are also authorized under this CUA and there is no maximum group size for step-on guiding services. Please see definitions of each activity listed below.

Please Note: Tour groups with over 25 participants and/or motorcoaches with a manufactured capacity of 26 passengers or more do not qualify for this CUA and must enter the park by paying the commercial tour fee at the entrance station. For more information on the Commercial Tour Fee Program, please visit Fees & Passes

Definitions:

• Guided Interpretive Tours is defined as a guided tour where the main purpose is transporting clients throughout the park with stops at facilities, services, boardwalks, and developed areas. Stops for non-instructional painting or photography opportunities is authorized under this CUA. Workshops designed as facilitated and instructional photography and painting opportunities must apply for a Painting and Photography Workshop CUA.
• Step-on Guide Service is defined as a guide who rides in a visitor’s vehicle/tour bus and performs guide services for sightseeing tours within the park. It is the CUA holder’s responsibility to check the clients’ proof of auto liability insurance before the trip to ensure coverage meets the minimum required under Yellowstone’s CUA program. There is no maximum group size for step-on guide service.
• Shuttle Service is defined as point-to-point pick-up and drop-off of passengers within Yellowstone National Park at designated parking areas, pullouts, trailheads, and developed areas.
  1. CUA holders must obtain prior approval from a concessioner to meet clients on their land assignment.
  2. CUA holders establishing a set shuttle schedule must submit their schedule to the Concessions Management Office for review and approval prior to implementation.

 

General Provisions

1. CUA holders are authorized to operate on paved park roads with visits to facilities, services, walks on trails less than a ½ mile from trailheads or roadways, and on boardwalks and developed areas, including:

• Old Faithful Geyser Basin
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (North and South Rims including overlooks)
• Biscuit Basin
• Black Sand Basin
• Norris Geyser Basin
• Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
• West Thumb Geyser Basin
• Fountain Paint Pots
• Firehole Lake Drive – limited to vehicles weighing less than 6 tons GVW*
• Firehole Canyon Drive – up to passenger vans only*
• Midway Geyser Basin
• Mud Volcano
• Blacktail Plateau Drive – up to passenger vans only*
• Old Gardiner Road – up to passenger vans only*
• Old Yellowstone Trail*
• Virginia Cascades – up to passenger vans only*
• Lake Butte Overlook – up to passenger vans only*

*dependent on road conditions and seasonal closures

Operational Requirements

2. There is no limitation on the number of groups a CUA holder can bring into the park per day as long as group sizes are adhered to.
   1. Separate groups must be dispersed and may not congregate on boardwalks, pullouts, trails or trailheads.
3. Impeding traffic or causing unnecessary delays in traffic is prohibited.
   1. Slow moving vehicles must use roadside turnouts and parking areas to allow for the free flow of other traffic.
   2. Vehicles may not stop in the roadway to allow clients to take pictures or to load and unload passengers.
4. Parking spaces are available on a first-come first-served basis and may not be blocked or saved.
5. Vehicles may 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.

Staff Requirements

6. Guides must meet the following requirements:
   1. Attend one Resource Education Training given by Yellowstone National Park in the spring, watch a recording of the most recent Resource Education Training, or provide an outline of your Yellowstone specific training given to employees, and
   2. Complete and pass a test regarding Yellowstone National Park’s natural and cultural resources, as well as park regulations. All answers can be located in the Yellowstone National Park Resource and Issues Book located at Resources for Commercial Guides. The test is available at Yellowstone Environmental Education Guide Test.

 

How to Apply for This Activity

1. Apply for a 2025 CUA through the CUA Online Application and Reporting System (COARS).
2. To view tutorials on how to apply for a CUA using COARS please visit: How to Apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit.
3. 2024 permit holders, please visit Annual Reports and Management Fees to complete and submit reports and pay fees (due by January 31, 2025).
4. For proposed commercial operations taking place prior to December 31, 2024, please contact the Commercial Services Office at [e-mail] for application materials.

 

Resources

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)
Main CUA page Apply for a CUA FAQs CUA Annual Reports Guide Info Registration and Park Entry Protocol	CUA Law and Policy CUA Denial and Revocation Policy Special Use Permits Backcountry Permits Special Park Conditions
Plan Your Tour	Learn About the Park
Park roads Accessibility Bear Management Areas Fishing Regulations Boating Regulations	Superintendent's Compendium Vital Signs Reports Resources for Commercial Guides Resources and Issues Handbook Foundation Document