Water Access CUA

 

Overview

This CUA authorizes commercial access to Yellowstone River by traveling through National Park Service property for the purpose of providing guided tours and trips.

General Provisions

  1. Guides must unload equipment and clients in an expedient manner and vacate the access area as soon as possible (15 minutes). The unloading area for all river access will be the cul-de-sac of Park Street in Gardiner, Montana.
  2. Parking is only allowed for active loading and unloading (approximately 15 minutes). Vehicles may not block traffic in the process. Parking is not permitted along Front or Park Streets. Please see the attached map with shows park boundaries along the North Entrance.
  3. Traffic into and around the Gardiner Service Center and the Xanterra bunkhouse is restricted to authorized vehicles and personnel only. CUA holders are not authorized to use this area.
  4. Guides must not create a disturbance in residential and administrative areas.
  5. The CUA holder shall be liable for any damages to any property of the United States and Xanterra resulting from the use authorized hereunder.
  6. Photographic services that occur in areas along the Yellowstone River between the Gardner River and Reese Creek confluence, are authorized under this CUA and do not require additional authorization/permit if sold individually or as part of a tour package for visitors on trips associated with the water access CUA.
  7. CUA holders are not authorized to store vehicles or equipment in the parking areas highlighted in yellow on the attached map.
 
Three areas between the park boundary and Park Street are highlighted in yellow to indicate no parking
CUA holders are not authorized to store vehicles or equipment in the parking areas highlighted in yellow.
 

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 yell_cua_admins@nps.gov for application materials.
 

Last updated: October 30, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

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