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Business Permits and Commercial Use Authorizations
What is a commercial use authorization (CUA)?
A commercial use authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that:
are determined to be an appropriate use of Yosemite National Park;
will have minimal impact on Yosemite National Park’s resources and values; and
are consistent with Yosemite National Park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
Road-Based Commercial Tours (RBCT)
An RBCT is one or more persons traveling within a single 16+ passenger capacity vehicle on an improved roadway on an itinerary sold for leisure/recreational/educational purposes. RBCT CUA holders provide no other services except those that are incidental to road-based travel in an area unit of the National Park System (on-board interpretation and incidental stops at visitor centers, restaurants, wayside exhibits, etc.). At the discretion of the area superintendent, CUAs issued for RBCTs may cover minor additional services such as guided day hiking
Motorcoach operators providing chartered transportation services only are not required to apply for and secure a RBCT CUA. The tour provider must obtain the RBCT CUA.
Transportation-only services such as charter bus companies, taxis, shuttles, and on demand ridesharing services do not meet the definition of RBCTs unless those services are sold for leisure/recreational/educational purposes.
The business entity who assumes the responsibility and liability of the clients travelling in the park is responsible. This entity is most commonly the tour company who accompanies paying clients to the NPS unit(s). It may also be the tour packager who develops and packages the RBCT and sells the RBCT to a third-party (e.g., international tour operator), but does not accompany the clients to the NPS unit(s). In this case, the RBCT CUA conditions require the CUA holder (the tour packager) to assume responsibility for the third-party while that third-party is operating in the NPS unit(s) under the RBCT CUA.
Guided Interpretive Tours (New CUA in 2026)
This CUA is for a guided tour, the main purpose of which is transporting clients throughout the park and allows stops at facilities, services, boardwalks, and developed areas. Guided interpretive tours may not exceed a manufactured capacity of 15 passengers. These activities take visitors through the park's road system and developed areas open to the public and may use established trails to conduct short walks (no more than two miles roundtrip) with a focus on interpreting the park history, landscapes, and wildlife. Guided interpretive tours allow for photography opportunities that do not include instruction.
No management fee is required until 2027 season.
Transportation (Point-to-Point)
This CUA is for when a transportation company provides, at the client's request, service to and from the park. These services are not sold for leisure/recreational/educational purposes. Passengers must only be picked up or dropped off at established trailheads, parking areas, pullouts, and developed areas.
CUA holders operating vehicles over 21 feet in length must use designated passenger loading/unloading zones and bus parking areas.
For charter companies that in previous years obtained a road-based commercial tour CUA, and who strictly intend to drop off and/or pick up at a predetermined location and the sole purpose of the trip is transportation, a transportation CUA is required.
If a transportation company is hired by a tour operator and the tour operator has a road-based commercial tour CUA, it is not necessary to have a transportation CUA as well.
If a charter bus is dropping clients in the park, the group must have a prearranged means to exit the park.
Do I Need a CUA?
A CUA is required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
take place at least in part in Yosemite National Park,
use park resources, and
result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
Businesses and individuals may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA. You must be in possession of a valid CUA to conduct business in Yosemite National Park.
What services require a CUA at Yosemite National Park for 2026?
Chain installation (application window: November 1–June 15)
Chain sales (application window: November 1–June 15)
Fishing—spin or fly (application window: January 1–October 15)
Hang gliding (application window: June 1–October 15)
Hiking—backcountry (application window: January 1–October 15)
Horseback/mule/other livestock rides or services (application window: April 1–October 15)
Motorcycle tours (application window: December 1–October 15)
Photography instruction (application window: January 1–October 15)
Road-based commercial tours (application window: December 1–October 15)
Step-on interpretive guide service (application window: January 1–October 15)
Transport (non-tour) (application window: December 1–October 15)
How much does a CUA cost?
2026 Annual Application Fee (application fees are NON-REFUNDABLE)
$350 for first application, $250 for subsequent applications to same park in same calendar year.
Management Fee
In addition to the application fee, NPS must charge CUA holders a management fee that, at a minimum, recovers the costs of all CUA management after application approval. CUA management includes, but is not limited to, correspondence with the CUA holder, in-the-field monitoring, and the mitigation of resource impacts caused by the commercial activity. Yosemite National Park uses a market price calculation to assess a management fee based on the in-park gross receipts earned as a result of doing business authorized by the CUA. Application fees are credited to the CUA holder upon payment of market price fee. Fees are based on the following:
Market Price Fee (% of gross receipts earned from park-based operations)
<$250,000.00 - 3% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
$250,000.00 to $500,000.00 - 4% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
>$500,000.00 - 5% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
Once the annual report is accepted, payment is due two-weeks after acceptance.
If your annual report or management fee payment is late, your current CUA will be suspended until the management fee payment is received.
Application and management fees are through the online CUA Application and Reporting System.
Do CUA holders have to pay park entrance fees?
Yes. Commercial tour operators must pay the appropriate entrance fee each time they enter the park with a valid debit or credit card.
Yosemite National Park requires a minimum of 45 days to process a complete CUA application. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
What are the reporting requirements?
The holder must provide the area superintendent upon request a statement of its gross receipts from its activities under this authorization and any other specific information related to the holder’s operations that the area superintendent may request, including but not limited to, visitor use statistics, and resource impact assessments. The holder must submit annually the CUA Annual Report (NPS Form 10-660) and upon request the CUA monthly itineraries and activity report.
CUA holders must submit an annual report each year by February 28 for the previous calendar year. If your annual report is late, your current CUA will be suspended until the annual report is received. Failure to return required reports or misrepresentation of statistics or earnings may result in denial of your next CUA application or suspension of your current CUA.
Descriptions and Conditions of Activities and Services Authorized under a CUA
Yosemite National Park Only Issues CUAs for the Following Authorized Commercial Activities
Chain Installation
Authorizes the operator to install and/or remove Caltrans-approved tire chains at the point of need along roadways or within parking lots as authorized or assigned. The holder is authorized to install and remove tire traction devices on private and commercial vehicles within Yosemite National Park for a fee.
Chain Sales
Authorizes the operator to sell Caltrans-approved tire chains at the point of need along park roadways or within parking lots.
Fishing – Spin or Fly
Authorizes guided fishing. Activities in back country areas may require an additional wilderness permit. No other water activities are covered; no water vessels are authorized.
Guided Interpretive Tours
This CUA is for a guided tour, the main purpose of which is transporting clients throughout the park and allows stops at facilities, services, boardwalks, and developed areas. Guided interpretive tours may not exceed a manufactured capacity of 15 passengers. These activities take visitors through the park's road system and developed areas open to the public and may use established trails to conduct short guided walks (no more than two miles roundtrip), and allows guides to act as a step-on guide. Step-on Interpretive Guide Service: Authorizes the guide to be transported by the client in the client’s vehicle (bus, auto, private or commercial). The guide MAY NOT drive the client’s vehicle. The focus of a guided interpretive tour is interpreting the park history, landscapes, and wildlife. Guided interpretive tours allow for photography opportunities that do not include instruction. No management fee is required until 2027 season.
Hang Gliding
Authorizes hang gliding activities conducted with class 1 and class 2 non-powered hang gliders and expressly excludes class 3 (paragliders) and parachutes used in BASE-jumping activities.
Hiking – Backcountry
Authorizes guided day hiking and overnight backpacking trips. A separate wilderness permit is required for overnight backpacking. Winter activities are included in this CUA. Half Dome hikes require additional permits. Activities conducted in wilderness areas may require additional permits.
Horseback/Mule/Other Livestock Rides or Services
Authorizes guided day rides, full-service pack trips, spot pack trips, continuous hire trips, and NPS administrative trips.
Motorcycle Tours
Authorizes guided motorcycle tours traveling on paved roadways.
Photography Instruction
Authorizes photography and art instruction that focus on the scenic, cultural, and/or natural resources of Yosemite National Park to create an instructional based experience designed to improve a photographer's or artist's skills and/or techniques.
Road-Based Commercial Tours (RBCT)
Authorizes one or more persons traveling within a single 16+ passenger capacity vehicle on an improved roadway on an itinerary sold for leisure/recreational/educational purposes. Providing no other services except those that are incidental to road-based travel in an area unit of the National Park System (on-board interpretation and incidental stops at visitor centers, restaurants, wayside exhibits, etc.). At the discretion of the area superintendent, CUAs issued for RBCTs may cover minor additional services such as guided day hiking.
Motorcoach operators providing chartered transportation services only are not required to apply for and secure a RBCT CUA. The tour provider must obtain the RBCT CUA.
Transportation-only services such as charter bus companies, taxis, shuttles, and on demand ridesharing services do not meet the definition of RBCTs unless those services are sold for leisure/recreational/educational purposes.
The business entity who assumes the responsibility and liability of the clients travelling in the park is responsible. This entity is most commonly the tour company who accompanies paying clients to the NPS unit(s). It may also be the tour packager who develops and packages the RBCT and sells the RBCT to a third-party (e.g., international tour operator), but does not accompany the clients to the NPS unit(s). In this case, the RBCT CUA conditions require the CUA holder (the tour packager) to assume responsibility for the third-party while that third-party is operating in the NPS unit(s) under the RBCT CUA
Transport (non-tour)
Authorizes transportation companies, at the client’s request, to provide passengers transportation into the park and drop off at a prearranged location or pick up from a specified park location and transported back to their start point from a location inside or outside of the park. These services are not sold for leisure/recreational/educational purposes. Buses are not authorized under this CUA.
Conditions of this Authorization
These Conditions are Applicable to all Authorized Activities or Areas Listed on this Authorization
Updated May 23, 2025
False Information
The holder is prohibited from knowingly giving false information. To do so will be considered a breach of conditions and be grounds for revocation: [RE: 36 CFR 2.32(a) (3)].
Legal Compliance
The holder shall exercise this privilege subject to the supervision of the area Superintendent. The holder shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the area and terms and conditions of the authorization. The holder must acquire all permits or licenses of State or local government, as applicable, necessary to provide the services described above, and, must operate in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including, without limitation, all applicable park area policies, procedures and regulations. All vehicles/vessels/aircraft are required to be registered and the operators are required to have the proper licenses to operate them commercially, as required by law or regulation.
Employee Conduct
The holder must ensure that its employees are hospitable and exercise courtesy and consideration in their relations with the public. The holder must establish appropriate screening, hiring, training, safety, employment, termination and other policies and procedures. The holder must review the conduct of any of its employees whose action or activities are considered by the holder or the Director to be inconsistent with the proper administration of the Area and enjoyment and protection of visitors and must take such actions as are necessary to correct the situation. The holder must maintain, to the greatest extent possible, a drug free work environment.
Rates
The holder shall provide commercial services under this authorization to visitors at reasonable rates satisfactory to the area Superintendent.
Operating Conditions
The holder shall provide the authorized commercial services to visitors under operating conditions satisfactory to the area Superintendent.
Liabilities and Claims
This authorization is issued upon the express condition that the United States, its agents and employees shall be free from all liabilities and claims for damages and/or suits for or by reason of any injury, injuries, or death to any person or persons or property of any kind whatsoever, whether to the person or property of the holder, its agents or employees, or third parties, from any cause or causes whatsoever while in or upon said premises or any part thereof during the term of this authorization or occasioned by any occupancy or use of said premises or any activity carried on by the holder in connection herewith, and the holder hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the United States, its agents, and employees from all liabilities, charges, expenses and costs on account of or by reason of any such injuries, deaths, liabilities, claims, suits or losses however occurring or damages growing out of the same.
Insurance
Holder agrees to carry general liability insurance against claims occasioned by the action or omissions of the holder, its agents and employees in carrying out activities and operations under this authorization. The policy shall name the United States of America as additional insured. Holder agrees to have on file with the park copies of the above insurance with the proper endorsements.
CUA Fees
At a minimum, the holder shall reimburse the park for all costs incurred by the park as a result of accepting and processing the application and managing and monitoring the authorized activity. Administrative costs for the application process must be paid when the application is submitted. Monitoring fees and any additional costs incurred by the park to support the commercial activity will be paid annually or on a more frequent basis as determined by mutual agreement between the Holder and the area Superintendent.
Benefit
No member of, or delegate to, Congress, or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any share or part of this authorization or to any benefit that may arise from this authorization. This restriction shall not be construed to extend to this Contract if made with a corporation or company for its general benefit.
Transfer
This authorization may not be transferred or assigned without the written consent of the area Superintendent.
Termination
This authorization may be terminated upon breach of any of the conditions herein or at the discretion of the area Superintendent.
Preference or Exclusivity
The holder is not entitled to any preference to renewal of this authorization except to the extent otherwise expressly provided by law. This authorization is not exclusive and is not a concession contract.
Construction
The holder shall not construct any structures, fixtures or improvements in the park area. The holder shall not engage in any groundbreaking activities without the express, written approval of the area Superintendent.
Reporting
The holder must submit annually the CUA Annual Report (NPS Form 10-660) by January 31 for the prior CUA season and also must submit upon request the CUA Monthly Report (NPS Form 10-660A). The holder is to provide the area Superintendent upon request any other specific information related to the holder’s operations that the area Superintendent may request, including but not limited to, visitor use statistics, and resource impact assessments.
Accounting
The holder is to maintain an accounting system under which its accounts can be readily identified within its system of accounts classification. This accounting system must be capable of providing the information required by this authorization. The holder grants the United States of America access to its books and records at any time for the purpose of determining compliance with the terms and conditions of this authorization.
Minimum Wage
The holder must comply with all provisions of Executive Order 14026 of April 27, 2021, (Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors) and its implementing regulations, including the applicable contract clause, codified at 29 C.F.R. part 23, all of which are incorporated by reference into this authorization as if fully set forth in this authorization.
Visitor Acknowledgment of Risks (VAR)
The holder is not permitted to require clients sign a waiver of liability statement or form, insurance disclaimer, and/or indemnification agreement waiving the client’s right to hold the CUA holder responsible for accidents or injury occurring on NPS property. The holder is permitted to request or require a client to sign a form or statement acknowledging risk and/or indicating that certain prerequisite skills may be needed to participate in the commercial activity. The holder must provide the park with the current copy of all forms and/or statements used for this purpose and obtain written approval by the park to use the form and/or statement. A sample Acknowledgment of Risk form may be obtained by contacting the CUA office at e-mail us or by going to the park CUA webpage.
Intellectual Property of the National Park Service
Except with the written authorization of the Director of the National Park Service, the Holder shall not assert any legal claim that the Holder or any related entity holds a trademark, tradename, servicemark or other ownership interest in the words "National Park Service", the initials "NPS", or official name of any unit or part thereof, including but not limited to any facility, logo, distinctive natural, archaeological, cultural, or historic site, within the National Park System, or any colorable likeness thereof, or the likeness of a National Park Service official uniform, badge, logo, or insignia.
Nondiscrimination
The holder must comply with Applicable Laws relating to nondiscrimination in providing visitor services to the public and with all equal employment opportunity provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended.
Notification of Employee Rights
The holder must comply with all provisions of Executive Order 13496 of January 30, 2009, (Notification of Employee Rights Under Federal Labor Laws) and its implementing regulations, including the applicable contract clause, codified at 29 CFR part 471, appendix A to subpart A, all of which are incorporated by reference into this authorization as if fully set forth in this authorization.
General Park Requirements
Updated November 19, 2025
Regulations: Reference copies of the Yosemite National Park Superintendent’s Compendium are available at https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm. The Wilderness Management Plan (approved 1989) is available upon request from the Research Library 209-372-0280. Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1 to 199 may be found at https://www.ecfr.gov/
The following Special Conditions (General Park Requirements) apply to all Commercial Use Authorizations issued in Yosemite National Park and must be attached to the preceding pages listing the terms and conditions of all National Park Service Commercial Use Authorizations.
Purpose
The holder may only conduct the activity or activities listed on this Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). In accepting this authorization, the holder acknowledges that the proposed activity, in order to qualify for a CUA, must bear a direct relationship to the purpose for which the park was established. Enabling Legislation - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Carry Permit
All authorized agent must show a printed/hard copy first page of this authorization to the entrance station ranger upon arrival to the park.
The holder, or employee, are required to carry a valid copy of this authorization while conducting the authorized activities within the park.
The permit must be displayed on the passenger-side windshield when transporting visitors.
The CUA may be downloaded onto a smart device, but a hard copy of the signature page must be immediately available to show and Park Ranger upon request.
When using a smart device to store a copy of the CUA, the Holder, Guide, or employee, must be willing to allow a parker ranger to hold and view the document on an unlocked device.
Third parties
That offer packages or sell trips for authorized outfitters must clearly state the name of the permitted business conducting trips within Yosemite National Park. Similarly, CUA holders who partner with other authorized outfitters must disclose in their advertising the name of the authorized business responsible for any services they are not authorized to provide.
Use Limits
The Superintendent may limit public use of Yosemite National Park under 36 CFR1.5. This authorization does not guarantee park entry or access to all areas, which may be restricted due to crowding, natural events, or administration needs. Future access may also be limited to protect resources, support visitor experience, or accommodate special projects.
Liability for Damages and Search & Rescue Costs
The holder is liable for damages beyond those inherent to authorized use, including mitigation costs for violations of park regulations. The holder is also responsible for all National Park Service expenses related to search and rescue efforts resulting from holder’s negligence.
Advertising
Advertising for the authorized activity shall not state or imply endorsement by the National Park Service or Yosemite National Park. Commercial photography or commercial filming within the park requires a separate filming permit and must be approved by the Superintendent. Contact the Office of Special Park Uses for more information.
Solicitation
This Authorization does not permit the holder to advertise, solicit business, collect any fees, or sell and goods or service on lands owned and controlled by the United States. The described commercial services must originate and terminate outside the boundaries of the Park.
Addition of Clients
Additional customers may not be added to the tour while the holder is in the park. All bookings and financial transactions must take place outside of the park.
Employee/Agent Responsibility
The holder and all participants authorized herein must comply with the conditions of this authorization including all exhibits, amendments and/or written directions of the Park Superintendent. The holder shall ensure that all employees and customers entering the park are informed of all conditions of this authorization. The holder may be cited for any violations of the authorization committed by their employee, agent and/or clients while acting under this authorization.
Obstruction of traffic- The holder shall ensure that clients and vehicles do not obstruct vehicle or pedestrian traffic on roads, trailheads or along trails.
Share the road/trail- The holder shall share the roads and trails with other groups including, but limited to, private/commercial hikers to private/commercial stock users.
Harassment- Harassment of and/or threats to park visitors or any National Park Service employee by the holder, or their employees, will result in the suspension and/or revocation of this authorization.
Protect people and resources: CUA holder are responsible for ensuring that all employees and clients obey all traffic laws, to avoid wildlife strikes.
Supervision and Compliance
Common regulations include, but are not limited to the following:
Protection of Natural Resources and Cultural Artifacts (historic and prehistoric)- The holder must ensure that employees and clients do not disturb or remove any natural, historic, or cultural artifacts from the park, including but not limited to items like arrowheads, rock mortars, live or died plants, bottles, or jars.
Groups or individuals must stay out of posted sensitive areas, such as restoration and construction zones, for resource protection and safety.
Leave No Trace- Guides must complete the Leave No Trace (LNT) Awareness training. Permit holders are responsible for educating clients on relevant LNT principles. Learn more at https://lnt.org.
Removal of Trash and Refuse- All articles that are transported by the Holder and clients during the authorized activity must be placed in an authorized receptacle or transported out of the area and disposed of properly, including all trash and refuse.
Feeding/Disturbing wildlife- Park regulations prohibit the feeding or disturbing off any wildlife in Yosemite National Park. Disturbing is defined as any action that causes a change in the behavior of wildlife. Viewing or photographing wildlife with the use of artificial light is prohibited.
Bear Damage reports-The Holder will report all bear contacts and/or bear damage incidents. Reports can be made by contacting the Wildlife Management Office (209-372-0322).
Smoking while traveling on trails is prohibited. People wishing to smoke must stop and remain in one location until they have extinguished their smoking material. Cigarette filters must be carried out and disposed of properly and safely. The Superintendent may restrict smoking in designated areas when extreme fire danger is a threat.
Audio disturbances- External speakers are prohibited on hikes or in wilderness areas. Personal headphones or ear plugs are permitted. Cell phone use should be discouraged when it could disturb others, unless of an emergency.
Visitor Information
The Holder will ensure that information provided to clients or potential visitors through tour leaders, brochures, literature, or advertising, is accurate and reflects the most current information available with respect to park flora, fauna, culture, and history. www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
Entrance Fees
The holder agrees to pay all applicable entrance fees in effect at the time of arrival at the park entrance station or designated fee collection site with a valid debit or credit card.
Holder is responsible for presenting the correct CUA for the calculation of entrance fees.
If the entrance station is closed at the time of entry, the fee will be paid at the entrance station upon exiting.
If unable to pay at the time of entry or exit, the holder must contact the CUA office to arrange payment.
Attempting to avoid payment of appropriate fees is a violation of federal law. Any attempt at avoiding payment of the appropriate entrance fee may result in the revocation of this authorization and the holder may be subject to possible criminal prosecution.
The holder is required to make a report of ANY serious personal injury/medical event (any injury/medical event requiring professional medical attention) and/or property damage incident involving the holder vehicles, clientele, and/or employees.
The report must be made at the first available opportunity before leaving the park and will consist of a verbal description of the incident given to:
A Park Ranger, at the nearest Ranger Station,
The Park Desk Officer located Yosemite Valley by phone 209-372-0608
Park Dispatch 209-379-1992
The holder must cooperate with any investigation of the incident by the National Park Service personnel.
Additionally, a written report must be sent to the Commercial Use Office within three business days of the incident.
Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections
Holder shall fully cooperate regarding the inspection of commercial passenger vehicles in Yosemite National Park, which includes vehicles owned, leased, or hired by the holder for transportation of clients.
For visitor safety the Superintendent has authorized a program for commercial vehicle safety inspections to be conducted, unannounced, each year in the park. Vehicles are checked for safety, mechanical deficiencies, and compliance with current state and federal regulations. Driver’s license, medical certificates, and logbooks are also checked as required by law or regulation.
Caravanning
Caravanningis defined as attempting to navigate through the park keeping multiple vehicles together as a group. Caravanning may impede the smooth flow of traffic, create hazards, and is prohibited in Yosemite National Park. Holders/guides may designate specific meeting times and locations.
Parking Commercial Vehicles
Possession of this authorization does not guarantee the availability of parking within Yosemite National Park.
The holder must abide by all park parking regulations and any special parking requirements as designated by the Superintendent.
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet are required to use designated bus parking.
Commercial passenger vehicles towing trailers should park in Yosemite Falls Day Use parking lot in the RV parking area; if parking is not available in that area, the vehicle may be parked in a bus parking space by backing into the space; do not park across bus parking spaces.
Commercial passenger vehicles 21 feet and under must use available auto parking spaces and may NOT park in bus spaces (with the exception of the Wawona Store/ Yosemite History Center bus parking area).
Commercial vehicles may not be parked in residential areas.
Parking is prohibited at any shuttle or bus stop.
Double parking is prohibited.
Idling
Drivers are prohibited from allowing their vehicle engine to idle more than five (5) minutes per stop. Vehicle engines must be shut off if the stop will be longer than five (5) minutes; this includes idling while waiting in parking areas or wayside turnouts. Vehicles in the park must be well-maintained and in compliance with California State and Federal laws regarding emissions.
Chain Installations
Updated December 17, 2025
Definitions
Permit/Authorization
For the purpose of this authorization these terms may be used interchangeably when referring to the Commercial Use Authorization.
CUA
Abbreviation for Commercial Use Authorization.
Holder
For the purpose of this authorization the word “holder” shall include employees and/or agents of the company issued this Authorization. The holder shall be the responsible party in matters agreed to in this authorization.
Chains
For the purpose of this authorization the word “chains” will denote any temporary traction control device, approved by Caltrans (California Dept. of Transportation) and Yosemite National Park to be used for winter driving conditions in Yosemite National Park. “Tire Traction Devices are devices or mechanisms having a composition and design capable of improving vehicle traction, braking and cornering ability upon snow or ice-covered surfaces. Tire traction devices shall be constructed and assembled to provide sufficient structural integrity and to prevent accidental detachment from vehicles. Tire traction devices shall, at the time of manufacture or final assembly, bear a permanent impression indicating the name, initials or trademark of the assembling company or primary manufacturer, and the country in which the devices were manufactured or assembled in final form.” (California vehicle code section 605)
Chain Services
For the purpose of this permit the term “Chain Services” or “Tire Chain Services” denotes the installation and/or removal of traction control tire devices onto or off-of vehicle tires.
Authorized Activity
The holder is authorized to install and/or remove Caltrans approved tire chains at the point of need along roadways or within parking lots as authorized or assigned. Only the authorized holder may conduct business under this permit. The holder is authorized to install and remove tire traction devices on private and commercial vehicles within Yosemite National Park for a fee. If the holder has a separate Commercial Use Authorization to sell traction control devices the two activities must be operated as separate businesses in the field. (E.g., offering discounted chain installation to a client for purchasing their chains from the holder would not be allowed.)
Chain Installer Requirements
The chain installer must be the authorized holder or an employee of the holder. The chain installer shall have completed and passed a Caltrans Chain Installation course. A copy of the Caltrans certificate or official letter of completion with a passing score shall be placed on file with the Commercial Use Authorization Office. The installer must wear the authorized bib number issued by Cal Trans while operating in the park.
Proof of Authorization
The chain installer must carry a copy of all pages of this CUA and be prepared to present it at park entrance stations and/or to any National Park Service (NPS) Ranger upon request.
Compliance
The Holder shall exercise this privilege subject to the supervision of the Superintendent and shall comply with all applicable regulations of the area. The holder will comply with any amendment to the CUA conditions or special instructions received from the Superintendent, or representative thereof, concerning commercial operations within Yosemite National Park.
Revenue Limit
Gross yearly earnings generated from sales of chain installation services within the park may not exceed $25,000.00.
Monthly Reports
The holder is required to submit a monthly use report to the Commercial Use Authorization Office for each month that they conduct business in the park. Information to be submitted will include the total number of customers serviced and the gross income from chain installations within the park for the month. (A monthly use form will be issued by the Commercial Use Authorization Office.) Monthly reports will be due by the 15th day of the following month (e.g., by January 15 for installations occurring in December).
Rate Notification
The holder must display a sign with the prices charged for the service. In addition, the holder must advise clients of the fee charged for the service prior to beginning the service. The sign must measure a minimum of 12" x 24" up to a maximum of 18" x 36". The letters shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum brush stroke or font size of 5/8 inch. The holder may not display any advertising other than this required signage. (When 2 or more chain installers set up their services at the same location, the installers may agree together to work under the same displayed rates.)
Entry Fees
Entrance fees are waived for the holder while conducting the authorized service. Attempting to avoid payment of appropriate fees is a violation of federal law. Misuse of the CUA to avoid paying required entrance fees will result in the revocation of the CUA and the holder will be subject to criminal prosecution.
Safety
The holder shall take every reasonable precaution to ensure that its operations do not impact the safety of park visitors, or park employees. Federal, State, local county, and NPS guidelines regarding public health and safety must be followed. For personal safety, the holder must wear high visibility colored clothing for greater visibility when working in traffic areas and during inclement weather.
Age Restriction
The chain installer must be at least 18 years of age.
Location
In all cases, the holder is required to adhere to the instructions of on-site NPS Rangers or road maintenance personnel, regarding needed location coverage for tire chain services. (The holder is expected to coordinate with the National Park Service (NPS) to determine where and when there is a need for tire chain services by contacting the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center at 209-379-1992.
Construction Zones
No chain installation activities are to take place within signed, active construction zones where flagging, pilot car or traffic light operations occur.
Road & Weather Condition Information
The holder is not to call the park entrance stations for current conditions. A recorded message about park road and weather conditions may be accessed by calling (209) 372-0200.
Zone Assignments
The Superintendent reserves the right to limit the number of CUA’s issued per Zone assignment. The holder may work only in the Zone(s) designated on page one of his/her Chain Installer CUA. No changes in assigned Zones will be allowed unless approved by the Superintendent or agent thereof. The holder may not work within any park concessioner’s land assignment without prior written approval from an authorized representative of the concessioner.
Invoice
Upon completing of the installation or removal of tire chains, the holder must offer the motorist a payment receipt showing the holder’s name, CUA holders bib number, the service rendered and the fee that was paid. Copies of the receipts with client’s name and contact information should be kept on file for at least one year.
Interference with Traffic
The holder is not allowed to work within the lanes maintained for through traffic. He/she must remain in the area designated for chain service. Interference with, stopping, or controlling traffic by unauthorized flagging, signs, arm movements, lights, etc. so as to interfere with the orderly movement of traffic is prohibited.
Vending or Renting of Tire Chains
This CUA does not authorize the rental of tire chains, or the sale of tire chain accessories or other items, with the exception of chain/cable tensioners, within the park boundary.
Complaints
The holder shall conduct business in a professional and courteous manner. Any chain installer working under this CUA who is found to have displayed poor workmanship in installing or removing chains, giving misleading statements concerning the necessity for altering chains, misrepresenting road conditions or requirements regarding chain regulations, or causing complaints relative to his/her conduct may have their authorization suspended or terminated.
Right of Refusal for Service
The holder has the right to refuse to install any tire traction device that, in their professional opinion, may be unsafe to use on public roadways. A brief report regarding the reason for refusal must be sent (emailed) to the Commercial Use Authorization Office. The report should include the installer’s name, client’s name, date of incident, reason for refusal and outcome.
Holder Vehicle
While engaged in the authorized activity the holder may park a single vehicle in a location designated by the National Park Service within a chain control area and only if safe to do so. Commercial vehicle insurance coverage is required for any holder vehicle used to drive on park roads to different park locations to perform emergency chain installations.
Professionalism
Due to the public image of persons conducting business in Yosemite National Park, the holder shall present a positive, professional image in both dress and demeanor while providing tire chain installation and removal services, commensurate with the tasks associated the activity, and considering the climatic conditions. The holder must wear a high visibility number bib over a professional looking outdoor weather jacket and pants set while providing snow chain installation service.
Clean up
All areas used by the holder to conduct the authorized activity must be left clean and all debris and garbage carried out of the park for disposal.
Natural, Cultural & Historic Resource Protection
To the degree that the permitted activity may impact the natural, cultural and/or historic resources of the park; the holder shall ensure that the Park’s geological, biological, historical and archaeological resources are not disturbed.
Protection of Natural Resources & Cultural Artifacts (Historic and Prehistoric)
The holder will not disturb or remove or allow clients to disturb or remove any natural and/or historic and/or cultural artifacts from the park including arrowheads, rock mortars, glass bottles/jars or similar artifacts. Rocks, flowers, plants and parts of plants (alive or dead) as well as other natural resources may not be removed.
Cigarette Butts
The holder must provide a container for disposal of cigarette butts/filters. Cigarette butts and filters are litter and must not be left on the ground.
Warming Fires
The holder may use an OSHA approved propane heater for personal warmth during inclement weather. The heater must be kept in an area away from the main chain service area. The use of an open flame fire is prohibited.
Drugs & Alcohol
Zero Tolerance. Federal drug enforcement laws apply within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park. The holder may not consume any alcoholic beverage while engaged in providing tire chain service, including driving on park roads to and from chain service locations. He/she may not provide tire chain services while under the influence of alcohol (BAC 0.01 or higher) and/or under the influence of a controlled substance. Possession and/or use of a controlled substance and/or evidence of being under the influence of alcohol (BAC 0.01 or higher) or drugs will result in the immediate termination of this CUA and request by the holder to receive future CUAs to operate in Yosemite National Park may be denied.
Appendix 1
Locations Available to Chain Installers
ZONE 1
Highway 41 beginning at South Entrance; terminating at Chinquapin/Badger Rd. junction. (Check with Rangers regarding where you may set up at the entrance area.)
ZONE 2
Highway 41 beginning at Chinquapin/Badger Rd. junction and terminating on Northside Drive at Bridalveil Straight.
ZONE 3
Badger Pass Rd. and ski area. (Check with Rangers regarding where you may set up.)
ZONE 4
Highway 120 beginning at Big Oak Flat Entrance; terminating at the Crane Flat. Jct.
ZONE 5
Highway 120 beginning at Crane Flat and terminating at the Tamarack Creek turnout. (1/2 mile below (east of) the Long Tunnel).
ZONE 6
Highway 140 beginning at Parkline ending Northside Drive at Bridalveil Straight.
ZONE 7
Southside Drive beginning at Bridalveil Straight extending to Sentinel Bridge parking area, and Northside Drive beginning at Superintendent’s Straight and ending at Valley View turnout. Sites include Bridalveil Straight, Chapel Straight, Sentinel parking lot, Superintendent’s Straight and the Camp 4 parking area, if available. Installers may only work within the concessioner land assignment if requested by an authorized concessions management representative with authority to give permission for that the land assignment.
All zones listed above may include additional areas assigned, as road & weather conditions dictate. This may include any roadway, street, parking lot or concessioner facility within the park area when coverage is requested by an authorized National Park Service Ranger, or concession manager if involving a concession land assignment area.
Note
No chain installation activities are to take place within active road construction zones where flagging, pilot car or traffic light operations occur. Remember, personal and visitor safety is your priority when selecting an area to set up your chain installation operation.
The Wilderness Management Plan (approved 1989) is available upon request from the Research Library 209-372-0280.
Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1 to 199 may be found at https://www.ecfr.gov/
Definitions
Permit/Authorization
For the purpose of this authorization these terms may be used interchangeably when referring to the Commercial Use Authorization.
CUA
Abbreviation for Commercial Use Authorization.
Holder
For the purpose of this authorization the word “holder” shall include employees and/or agents of the company issued this Authorization. The holder shall be the responsible party in matters agreed to in this authorization.
Chains
For the purpose of this authorization the word “chains” will denote any temporary traction control device, approved by Caltrans (California Dept. of Transportation) and Yosemite National Park to be used for winter driving conditions in Yosemite National Park. “Tire Traction Devices are devices or mechanisms having a composition and design capable of improving vehicle traction, braking and cornering ability upon snow or ice-covered surfaces. Tire traction devices shall be constructed and assembled to provide sufficient structural integrity and to prevent accidental detachment from vehicles. Tire traction devices shall, at the time of manufacture or final assembly, bear a permanent impression indicating the name, initials or trademark of the assembling company or primary manufacturer, and the country in which the devices were manufactured or assembled in final form.” (California vehicle code section 605)
Chain Sales
For the purpose of this authorization the term “Chain Sales” or “Tire Chain Sales” implies the sale of new Caltrans approved traction control devices and tire chain adjusters within Yosemite National Park. No other items may be sold.
Chain Services
For the purpose of this permit the term “Chain Services” or “Tire Chain Services” denotes the installation and/or removal of traction control tire devices onto or off-of vehicle tires.
Authorized Activity
The holder is authorized to sell Caltrans approved tire chains at the point of need along park roadways or within parking lots as authorized or assigned under this CUA. Only the authorized holder and their employee(s) may conduct business under this permit. If the holder has a separate Commercial Use Authorization to install/remove traction control devices the two activities must be operated as separate businesses in the field. (E.g. offering discounted chain installation for purchasing chains from the holder is would not be authorized.)
Proof of Authorization
The salesperson must carry a copy of this entire Commercial Use Authorization and be prepared to present it at all park entrances and to any National Park Service (NPS) Ranger upon request.
Compliance
The Holder shall exercise this privilege subject to the supervision of the Superintendent and shall comply with all applicable regulations of the area. The holder will comply with any amendment to the CUA conditions or special instructions received from the Superintendent, or representative thereof, concerning commercial operations within Yosemite National Park.
Business/Revenue Limits
It is understood that the holder of this CUA shall not develop a business based on revenues generated through sales within Yosemite National Park which exceed the gross yearly earnings of $25,000.00. Revenues exceeding the $25,000 limit may result in the non-renewal of future Chain Sales CUA’s. The holder is required to send monthly financial income reports during the permit period for months that the service is offered in the park. Once the CUA holder service has reached the $25,000 limit it must cease operation in the park for the remainder of the permit year. A report of gross receipts earned each month must be sent in by the 15th day of the following month. (A report form will be issued by the Commercial Use Office.)
Monthly Reports
The holder is required to submit a monthly use report to the Commercial Use Office for each month that they conduct s business in the park. Information submitted will include the total number of customers serviced and the gross income from chain sales within the park for the month. (A monthly use form will be issued by the Commercial Use Office.) Monthly reports will be due by the 15th day of the following month (e.g., by January 15 for sales occurring in December).
Sales Location
This authorization allows the holder to conduct sales of traction control devices at roadside chain control areas.
The El portal Road (Hwy 140) between Parkline and HWY 120/140 Junction
The Big Oak Flat Road between the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station and the Big Meadow Overlook. The holder may only set up service at a safe location near the Crane Flat Intersection, when chains are unavailable at the Crane Flat gas station store.
Along the Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120) from the Tamarack Creek chain control, west of the long tunnel, to the Big Meadow chain control area.
The Wawona Road (Hwy 41) between Grouse Creek chain control to the South Entrance.
The Wawona Road (Hwy 41) beginning at South Entrance; Terminating at Chinquapin/ Badger Rd. Junction (Check with rangers for entrance station area location)
Badger Pass Rd. and ski area, (check with Rangers for set up location).
Locations are designated as Sales outside of the authorized area may be made only on an emergency basis, and then only if requested by an authorized Park Protection Ranger. The Holder is not to initiate the request to move the operation to an area outside of the locations listed in this CUA. In all cases, the Holder is required to adhere to the instructions of on-site NPS protection Rangers or road maintenance personnel, regarding appropriate locations for tire chain sales.
Construction Zones
No chain sale activities are to take place within signed, active construction zones where flagging, pilot car or traffic light operations occur.
Road and Weather Condition Information
The holder is not to call the park entrance stations for current conditions. A recorded message about park road and weather conditions may be accessed by calling (209) 372-0200. The holder may contact the NPS Emergency Communications Office at (209) 379-1992 regarding the holder’s availability and to ask about locations where services may be needed.
Rate Notification
The holder must advise clients of the cost of the chains prior to the sale and inform the client that installation is not included in the sale. (Activities conducted under the chain installation CUA must be kept separate from the chain sales CUA activities.) Prices must be presented on a list to the customer or displayed on a sign. If a sign is used the sign must measure a minimum of 12" x 24" up to a maximum of 18" x 36". The letters shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum brush stroke of 5/8 inch. The holder may not display any advertising other than the company name, sales options and rates. See note in Condition #32, Emergency Delivery Rates.
Tire Chain Delivery
Tire chains may be delivered to a park location and sold outside of the assigned service area only when requested by an authorized Park Ranger or Dispatcher. The Park Ranger must deem that a situation exists, requiring chains to be delivered and then initiate the request for the holder to deliver the chains. (Road and weather conditions can change quickly. The Ranger’s ability to maintain open traffic lanes or quickly clear stranded vehicles can be aided by having the option to request the permit holder to deliver chains to their location.)
Entry Fees
Entrance fees are waived for the holder only while conducting the authorized activity. The CUA must be shown to the entrance station rangers when entering the park. Attempting to avoid payment of appropriate fees is a violation of federal law. Misuse of the CUA to avoid paying required entrance fees will result in the revocation of the CUA and the holder will be subject to criminal prosecution.
Safety
The holder shall take every reasonable precaution to ensure that its operations do not impact the safety of park visitors, or park employees. Federal, State, local county, and NPS guidelines regarding public health and safety must be followed. For personal safety, the holder must wear high visibility colored clothing for greater visibility when working in traffic areas and during inclement weather.
Age Restriction
Persons selling chains must be at least 18 years of age and have experience with the proper sizing of chains for the various vehicles that may be encountered.
Invoice
Upon completing the tire chains sale, the holder must offer the motorist a receipt showing the holder’s name, the service rendered, and the amount paid by the customer for the chains.
Interference with Traffic
The holder is not allowed to stand or work within the lanes maintained for through traffic. He/she must remain in the area designated for chain service and sales. Interference with, stopping, or controlling traffic by unauthorized flagging, signs, arm movements, lights, etc. so as to interfere with the orderly movement of traffic is prohibited.
Sizing
Tire chains may only be sold for the tire size specified by the manufacturer of the device.
Tire Chain Resale
The sale of used traction control devices is prohibited under this authorization.
Tire Chain Rentals
Rental of traction control devices is prohibited.
Tire Chain Installation
This permit does not authorize the holder to install tire chains, with the exception of emergency chain delivery, if installation is requested by the client and the holder has a valid chain installation CUA, the holder may install the chains for the authorized installation rate and must give a separate receipt for the service listing the installer’s name, phone number, bib# and CUA#.
Sale of Miscellaneous Items
Unless specifically authorized in writing by the Superintendent, sale of items within the park boundary, other than traction control devices and tire chain adjusters, is prohibited.
Complaints
Any person issued a CUA who is found to have displayed poor customer service, giving misleading statements concerning the necessity for the purchase of chains, misrepresenting road conditions or requirements regarding chain regulations, or causing complaints relative to his/her conduct may have their authorization suspended or terminated.
Holder Vehicle
The holder may park a single vehicle in a location designated by the National Park Service, within a chain control area while engaged in the activities authorized by this CUA, and if safe to do so. Commercial vehicle insurance coverage is required for any holder vehicle used to drive on park roads to different park locations to make emergency delivery of chains and/or emergency chain installations.
Professionalism
Due to the public image of persons conducting business in Yosemite National Park, the holder shall present a positive, professional image in both dress and demeanor while providing tire chain installation and removal services, commensurate with the tasks associated the activity, and considering the climatic conditions.
Clean up
All areas used by the holder to conduct the authorized activity must be left clean and all debris and garbage carried out of the Park for disposal.
Natural, Cultural & Historic Resource Protection
To the degree that the permitted activity may impact the natural, cultural and/or historic resources of the park; the holder shall ensure that the park’s geological, biological, historical and archeological resources are not disturbed.
Protection of Natural Resources & Cultural Artifacts (Historic and Prehistoric)
The holder will not disturb, remove, or allow clients to disturb or remove any natural and/or historic and/or cultural artifacts from the Park including arrowheads, rock mortars, glass bottles/jars or similar artifacts. Rocks, flowers, plants and parts of plants (alive or dead) as well as other natural resources may not be removed.
Cigarette Butts/Filters
The holder must provide a container for disposal of cigarette butts/filters. Cigarette butts/filters are considered to be litter and must not be left on the ground.
Warming Fires
The holder may use an OSHA approved propane heater for personal warmth during inclement weather. The heater must be kept in an area away from the main chain service area. The use of an open flame fire is prohibited.
Drugs & Alcohol
Zero Tolerance. Federal drug enforcement laws apply within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park. The holder may not consume any alcoholic beverage while engaged in providing tire chain service, including driving on park roads to and from chain service locations. He/she may not provide tire chain services while under the influence of alcohol (BAC 0.01 or higher) and/or under the influence of a controlled substance. Possession and/or use of a controlled substance and/or evidence of being under the influence of alcohol (BAC 0.01 or higher) or drugs will result in the immediate termination of this CUA and request by the holder to receive future CUAs to operate in Yosemite National Park may be denied.
Fishing, Spin or Fly
Updated November 19, 2025
Purpose of this Authorization
The purpose of this authorizationis for guided fishing activities. Hiking is incidental to this activity. Overnight camping is not permitted under this Authorization.
Commercial Filming
Commercial film and commercial photography permits, as identified and required by 36 CFR 5.5, Section 8.6.6 of National Park Service Management Policies, and Director’s Order #53, will not be approved in wilderness areas unless determined to be necessary and proper for providing educational information about wilderness uses, resources or values, or necessary for other wilderness purposes. Contact the Office of Special Park Uses for more information e-mail us
Other Additional Permits
It is the responsibility of the Holder to obtain any additional permits for activities not covered under this CUA.
Guided commercial bicycle tours, guided commercial and/or organized rock climbing or rock-climbing lessons are not activities permitted by commercial use authorization in Yosemite National Park.
Signs and Banners
The Holder is prohibited from using signs, flags, sandwich boards, or banners to designate their group when conducting activities in public areas. This does not preclude the legal display of the company name and/or logo on company vehicles as required or allowed by law or regulation.
Non-commercial activities
In which clients are not being guided but support the authorized activity, including scouting and training.
Require at least 14 days prior notice.
Such activities will not be authorized during holiday periods or special events.
Email requests for authorization for such activities to e-mail us
Caches
Equipment or food caches shall not be established or maintained within Yosemite National Park. All food must be properly stored per park regulations regarding bear storage. Property left unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours will be considered abandoned and may be confiscated.
Laws, Regulations, Policies, and Guidelines
The following are applicable to all fishing activities conducted under this authorization and apply to all members of the group
A copy of the following must be on file in the Commercial Use office for each guide. It is the Holder’s responsibility to update Guide lists and certifications.
California Fishing and Wildlife Guiding License must be carried while fishing in Yosemite National Park.
CPR Certification
Basic First Aid (when guiding on easy to moderate trails)
Wilderness First Aid or higher (for day hikes on strenuous trails)
Food Handler’s Certificate (when food is prepared)
Leave No Trace Certification
Watercraft or Vessels
This CUA does not authorize the operation of any human-powered (e.g., paddle, peddle, flippers, etc.) or motorized (electric or combustion engine) watercraft or vessel (e.g., boat, canoe, kayak, float tube, paddleboard, etc., or similar devices that float on the surface) on any body of water within Yosemite National Park for the purpose of guided fishing activities.
Decontamination of Equipment
Before entering Yosemite National Park, Permit Holders will ensure that all gear and equipment in contact with water (e.g., waders, wading boots, shoes, nets, etc.) and used under the permit are thoroughly cleaned of mud and debris, decontaminated, and completely dried.
While in the park moving from one waterbody or drainage to another (e.g., lake to lake or Merced River to Tuolumne River), gear and equipment in contact with water shall be decontaminated.
Permit Holders may not use, nor allow the use of, felt soled wading boots in the park.
Open Season
Happy Isles footbridge downstream to the western boundary of Yosemite National Park at El Portal: Last Saturday in April through November 15
From the Western boundary of Yosemite National Park at El Portal downstream to Foresta Bridge: All year
From O’Shaughnessy Dam (Hetch Hetch Reservoir) downstream to early Intake Diversion Dam: Last Saturday in April through November 15.
Fishing Limits
When in possession of a daily bag limit, continued catch and release fishing for the same type of fish is prohibited.
Happy Isles Footbridge downstream to the western boundary of Yosemite National Park
Rainbow Trout -0 (zero)
Brown Trout per day – 5 (five)
Brown trout in possession 10 (ten)
From the western boundary of Yosemite National Park to Foresta Bridge
Rainbow Trout 0 (zero)
Brown Trout per day – 5 (five)
Brown Trout in possession – 10 (ten)
From O’Shaughnessy Dam (Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) downstream to early Intake Diversion Dam:
Maximum size limit 12” total length
Bag limit is 2 (two)
Commercial Fishing in Yosemite Valley
Guided fishing is not allowed east of the El Capitan Bridge
Limits for the area from the El Capitan Bridge to the Pohono Bridge
Rainbow Trout – 0 (zero) (catch and release only)
Brown Trout per day – 5 (five)
Brown trout in possession 10 (ten)
Catch and Release
Fish that do not meet the size or species restriction of that the person chooses not to keep must be returned carefully and immediately to the water from which it was taken.
Use of Hooks
Fishing in any manner other than by hook and line, with a rod or line being closely attended, is prohibited.
Only artificial lures, or flies, with barbless hooks may be used.
Use of Bait
No live or dead minnows, or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs, or fish roe may be used or possessed while in the park.
Chumming
Chumming, or placing preserved or fresh fish eggs, fish roe, food, fish parts, chemical, or other foreign substances sin fresh waters for the purposes of feeding or attracting fish for any purpose is prohibited.
Guiding Entrance Fees
Company guides will not be charged the entrance fee when entering for the purpose of conducting the activity authorized under this CUA.
Clients entering the park in their personal vehicles will be charged the applicable “private vehicle” fee.
Clients traveling in Holder operated vehicle will be charged the individual fee applicable at the time of entry.
Interagency passes:
Clients who own an interagency pass may use the pass to pay their individual or private vehicle entrance fee.
Interagency passes may NOT be used by commercial companies for entry into Yosemite National Park; this is a violation of the terms of the pass and may result in the pass being confiscated.
Refer to Entrance Fees #12 in General Park Conditions for additional information.
Transportation of Clients
The holder shall not transport clients by motor vehicles within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park unless proof of Federal and/or State of California Transportation Authority (when required by law of regulation) and a valid commercial vehicle Certificate of Insurance are on file with the Commercial Use Office.
All transportation of clients must begin and end outside of the park. New passengers may not be picked up in the park.
The Holder may not transport clients inside the park unless the transportation originated from outside of the park. When the Holder transports a client into the park who has a reservation at any park lodging or campground, the Holder may return to pick up the client to transport them to the trailhead.
The primary purpose of this permit is for the Holder to conduct guided fishing, spin or fly trips. The Holder may make stops at wayside viewing areas as an incidental activity to the authorized CUA activity, but companies planning to offer road-base sight-seeing tours or backpacking trips must obtain a separate CUA.
Company Identification
Guides/Tour Leaders
While operating in the park, all employees must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
Visibly identify the CUA holder’s company logo or name on a shirt hat and/or name tag.
Vehicle Markings
All vehicles, including rental vehicles, must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
CUA holder’s company name. If there are several names/signs on the vehicle, the CUA holder's name must be the prominent name/sign.
If the vehicle is chartered or rented, the sign may be taped to a window inside the vehicle.
Number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and California Public Utilities Commissions (CPUC) if applicable.
Markings must appear on the exterior of both sides of the vehicle.
The letters must contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
Markings must be legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet when the vehicle is stationary.
Markings must be kept in good condition and replaced when faded, damaged, etc.
Meeting Clients Within Yosemite National Park
The Holder may not enter the park to pick up and transport clients who enter the park on their own, whether by private auto or public transportation, without prior written permission from the Superintendent. Clients entering the park on their own must use their own vehicle(s) or public transportation to access trailheads.
The Holder should select public areas such as trailheads, shuttle stops, parking lots, or visitor centers to meet clients to begin the guided fishing experience.
The Holder may not use the concessioner areas as a meeting location for clients unless the clients are guests at the facility.
Client groups must not assemble in areas that block or hinder visitor access to concession facilities.
The Mountain Shop deck may not be used as a gathering location for groups.
This does not prohibit the group from using the concessioner food services, stores, or transportation services
Group size and Guide Ratios
Groups may not merge or combine in a way that exceeds the specified size limits.
Day Hikes
Non-Wilderness Day Hikes:May have a group size of 30 individuals but are required to divide them into groups of no more than 15 with a maximum guide-to-client ratio of 1:14.
Wilderness Day Hikes (Established Trails): Group size is limited to 15 individuals, including guides. A maximum guide-to-client ratio of 1:14 applies.
Moderate to Strenuous Trails: To enhance client safety, a recommended guide-to-client ratio of 1:7 should be used.
Off-Trail Travel
For any travel occurring more than ¼ mile from established trails or roads.
Whether during day or overnight use, group size is limited to a maximum of 8 individuals, including guides.
Locations such as Mt. Hoffman, Mt. Dana, Cathedral Peak, and similar areas are classified as off-trail routes and are not part of the designated National Park Service trail system.
Guide Responsibilities
Ensure all clients have valid park entry, permits, and are included in trail quotas.
Guides must:
Have the skills and experience to safely lead trips.
Be trained for park hazards and conditions.
If the Holder does not stay with the client(s) throughout their daily activities, that client, or at least one person in their group, must be in possession of a valid Yosemite Wilderness regulation form. The Holder is responsible for the actions of its client(s) when the group is dispersed or unmonitored unless the Holder can show proof that the client has signed an acknowledgement of having received, understood, and agreed to abide by, a copy of current wilderness regulations for the area.
Day Camp Conduct
Camping is prohibited within one hundred feet of a trail, flowing stream, river or any body of water unless specifically designated.
Fires- Wood fires are prohibited above 9600 feet elevation.
Use only established fire rings and it must be left clean.
Only dead and down wood may be used.
All fires must be completely extinguished with no burning or burnable materials remaining.
Human Waste- In undeveloped or wilderness areas
Disposal of human waste must be at a minimum distance of 100 feet aways from water sources, including dry creek beds, high water marks, campsites, and trails. In the Tuolumne Watershed the minimum distance increases to 300 feet.
Bury waste at least 6 inches deep in soil.
Toilet paper and personal hygiene products must be carried out.
Consent for Treatment of a Minor Client
When guiding minors who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, the guide must have in possession a Child Medical Consent Form to give consent for emergency medical examination, treatment, and transportation of the minor in case of illness or injury that may occur during activity in the park.
Fern Spring
Commercial passenger vans, minibuses, and motor coaches are prohibited from stopping at the Fern Spring turnout on Southside Drive.
Village Store Drop Off/Pick Up
Commercial passenger vans, minibuses, and motor coaches are prohibited from loading/unloading passengers, or parking, in the Village Store parking lots from May 1 through October 31.
Mariposa Grove Restrictions
Mariposa Grove Road Beyond the Welcome Plaza
Commercial vehicles may not drive beyond the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza without express written permission from the CUA Office. Such permission must be requested in writing and be received in the CUA office no less than 7 working days before the requested access. Approval of requests is not guaranteed.
When shuttles are in service (approximately April – November) guides and clients may use the ABA buses that depart from the Welcome Plaza
When shuttles are not operating (approximately December – March) the Mariposa Groves is accessed via a 4 mile round trip trail
Parking in the Main Lot
Commercial vehicles over 21’ in length MUST park in the reserved bus parking area. Parking reservations are available through Recreation.gov
Vehicles 21’ and under must park in the main lot. The gates to the main parking lot will be closed when the parking lot is full, and no vehicles will be allowed to enter until space is available.
Trailers
Commercial passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited from entering the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza unless they have a current bus parking reservation.
To park in the Welcome Plaza auto parking lot commercial passenger vehicles 21’ and under must drop off the trailer prior to entering the Welcome Plaza area.
Trailers may be dropped off in Wawona at the Bus/RV parking area located across the road from the Wawona Store or at the Wawona Rd/Glacier Point junction in the north parking lot across from the restrooms.
Glacier Point Road
Beyond Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead - Vehicles over 30 feet and/or vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited beyond the Sentinel Dome parking lot.
Buses exceeding 30’, or with a capacity of 26 passengers or more, are prohibited beyond the Badger Pass turnoff.
Hetch Hetchy Road Restrictions
Vehicles, or the combination of vehicle and trailer, exceeding 25’ and/or 96” in width (including side mirrors) are prohibited on the Hetch Hetchy Road unless the holder has first received permission from the area Sub District Ranger, and the holder has a CUA and an authorized pilot vehicle.
Trip itineraries
Operating fishing trips without first submitting an itinerary is a violation of this authorization.
Reserved or pre-booked itineraries must be submitted a minimum of 14 days prior to the beginning of the trip.
Itinerary may only be listed by month using a separate form for each month. Do NOT list multiple months on a form UNLESS the trip begins and ends in different months (i.e., May 29 – June 3 would be reported on the May report)
Notification of any trip booked without a minimum 14-day notice to the park must be submitted the day it is booked.
The itinerary must be submitted using the “Itinerary and Monthly Use Report” form included with this authorization. Complete the header of the form with the company name, month, type of report (itinerary or monthly report) and contact information for correct attribution.
The itinerary must provide a schedule of planned trips (both day use and overnight wilderness use). If no trips are planned, write “no trips” in the destination section.
Timely submission of these reports is a condition of this authorization to operate in Yosemite National Park; failure to submit reports, according to the conditions of the Authorization may result in administrative fines, suspension, revocation, or denial of future authorizations.
Companies operating trips in the park during periods of suspension of the CUA will be cited and their request for future permits may be denied.
Monthly Use Reports
At the end of each month, the Holder must complete the Yosemite Monthly Use form, provided with the authorization.
Reports are due by the 15th of the month following the activity (Activity in March, would be due by April 15).
The Monthly Report must be submitted using the form provided by Yosemite National Park. Complete the header of the form with the company name, month, and type of report (itinerary or monthly report) and contact information to ensure correct attribution.
The Holder will use this form to report previously reported trips (itinerary) that are cancelled by entering ‘cancelled” in the number of clients.
For months when a report is required, but no trips occurred, write “No Trips” in the destination section.
Timely submission of these reports is a condition of this authorization to operate within Yosemite National Park. Failure to submit monthly use reports according to the conditions of the authorization may result in administrative fines, suspension, revocation, or denial of a CUA in the upcoming year.
Companies operating trips in the park during periods of suspension will be cited and their request for future permits may be denied.
Guided Interpretive Tours
Updated November 19, 2025
The following Special Conditions (Guided Interpretive Tour Conditions) apply to all Guided Interpretive Tour Commercial Use Authorizations in Yosemite National Park and must be attached to the preceding pages listing the terms and conditions of all National Park Service Commercial Use Authorizations and all Yosemite National Park (General Conditions) Commercial Use Authorizations.
Definition
Road-Based Tours
These tours are in which a certified guide leads groups in educational and interpretive tours throughout the park, including stops at services, pullouts, developed areas, and boardwalks. Road-based tours allow for incidental photography. Photography Instruction requires a separate CUA.
Day HIking Tours
These include guided and interpretive walking tours where participants may use established trails to conduct short walks (no more than two miles roundtrip) with a focus on interpreting the park history, landscapes, and wildlife.
Step-on Guide Service
This is defined as a guide who rides in a visitor’s vehicle, tour bus, or other commercial vehicle with no more than 15 seat capacity (driver excluded) and acts as a guide for sightseeing tours. It is the CUA holder’s responsibility to check the clients’ proof of auto liability insurance before the trip. The Step-on Guide may not drive the client’s vehicle within the park.
Stewardship
All tours must provide accurate and unbiased park information, safety messaging, and bear food storage education.
Tours must comply as directed by NPS staff engaged in administering wildlife management operations or managing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Company Identification
Guides/Tour Leaders
While operating in the park, all employees must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
Visibly identify the CUA holder’s company logo or name on a shirt hat and/or name tag.
Vehicle Markings
All vehicles, including rental vehicles, must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
CUA holder’s company name. If there are several names/signs on the vehicle, the CUA holder's name must be the prominent name/sign.
If the vehicle is chartered or rented, the sign may be taped to a window inside the vehicle.
Number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and California Public Utilities Commissions (CPUC) if applicable.
Markings must appear on the exterior of both sides of the vehicle.
The letters must contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
Markings must be legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet when the vehicle is stationary.
Markings must be kept in good condition and replaced when faded, damaged, etc.
Prepared Food
The holder may provide food service as part of itinerary, only if the guide has a valid food handlers permit.
Guided Interpretive Fees
Interagency passes may not be used for commercial guided interpretive tours. Fees are based on seating capacity, not occupancy. The seating capacity is determined by the original vehicle capacity as designed by the manufacturer, not on the number of passengers or the passenger capacity after any subsequent retrofitting, such as the removal of seats. Passenger capacity excludes the driver. For a group making a multiple day visit to Yosemite the entrance fee entitles the same group in the same commercial passenger vehicle to enter for up to seven consecutive days for the one entrance fee.
Out-of-Park Business
All tours and passenger transportation service must begin and end outside of Yosemite National Park. A transportation service may enter the park to conduct guided interpretive sightseeing tours and drop off their passengers at park lodging, then exit and return to pick up the same group within the 7 days allowed by the entrance fee receipt. This CUA does not authorize the holder to pick up new clients inside of the park. (The park concessioner, Yosemite Hospitality, is the only company authorized to sell and/or begin road-based sightseeing tours within Yosemite National Park).
Winter Driving Tire Chains (tire traction device)
When entering active chain control areas within Yosemite National Park the following conditions must be met: the holder’s vehicle(s) must be equipped with Caltrans approved traction control devices; drivers must be trained in how to install tire traction devices and driving in winter conditions; chains must be installed at the first safe turnout nearest to the active chain control sign. When chain control signs are “Active” Vehicles with an unladen weight over 6,000 pounds (6,500 lbs. for four-wheel drive) must use approved tire traction devices when restriction level 1 (R-1, Chains or snow tires required) or greater exist. Note: In the event that conditions require the use of metal link chain traction control devices, cable chains will not be allowed. (For road conditions in Yosemite National Park call (209) 372-0200 press 1, and 1.)
Other Additional Permits
It is the responsibility of the Holder to obtain any additional permits for activities not covered under this CUA.
Guided commercial bicycle tours, guided commercial and/or organized rock climbing or rock-climbing lessons are not activities permitted by commercial use authorization in Yosemite National Park.
Signs and Banners
The Holder is prohibited from using signs, flags, sandwich boards, or banners to designate their group when conducting activities in public areas. This does not preclude the legal display of the company name and/or logo on company vehicles as required or allowed by law or regulation.
Passenger Unloading & Bus Parking Locations
CUA holders operating vehicles over 21 feet in length must use designated passenger loading/unloading zones and bus parking areas. The holder must follow instructions from Park Rangers and/or NPS Traffic Managers regarding loading/unloading passengers and bus parking. Loading or unloading or passengers onto roadways, in driveways or handicapped parking stalls is prohibited.
Big Oak Flat Information Station (Hwy 120, west entrance)
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Buses are prohibited in the Big Oak Flat Information Station parking area.
Parking: Buses transporting passengers with reservations at the Hodgdon Meadow Campground group campsites must contact the Commercial Use Office for written permission to park overnight in the large vehicle parking space located along the island on the right side of the Big Oak Flat Road, near the Visitor Information parking lot. Commercial vehicles parked in the large vehicle parking space without written permission may be cited. Buses may not enter or park in the auto-parking section.
Tuolumne Grove Parking Area
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may not park or unload passengers in the auto designated parking lots. Passengers must be unloaded in the designated passenger unloading area. Passengers must walk to the bus parking area to board the bus for departure. It is the responsibility of the holder to collect all passengers before leaving the area. Overdue passengers must not be left behind.
Parking: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may only park in the designated bus parking area.
Tuolumne Meadows Area
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may not drive on the Soda Springs Road or enter the Lembert Dome parking lot without prior written authorization from the CUA office.
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet may park and off-load passengers at the following locations when parking is available.
Tuolumne Visitor Center parking lot.
Tenaya Lake eastside parking lot.
Olmsted Point scenic vista.
Cascade Falls/Picnic Area Parking Lot (Located on the north side of Hwy 140, 3 miles east of the Arch Rock Entrance Station)
There is no designated bus parking at this location and may only be parked in the oversized parking space and may not block auto spaces. Parking for vehicles over 21 feet is limited to 20 minutes.
Yosemite Valley
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: all commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must drop off their passengers at the Yosemite Falls Day Use Bus Parking area located at the west side of the Yosemite Valley Lodge (This zone is shared with Shuttle Stop #7).
Parking: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must be parked in the Yosemite Falls bus parking lot. After unloading passengers, commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may not be used by drivers for personal transportation within the areas serviced by the Yosemite Valley Shuttlebus System.
Bridalveil Falls Parking Lot
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Bridalveil Fall parking lot. Bus passengers may access Bridalveil Fall from Bridalveil Straight. When transporting clients with a valid Special Use Permit, commercial passenger vehicles up to 30 feet in length may, prior to the trip, request written authorization from the Park Superintendent to unload or load clients in this lot. Contact the Office of Special Park Uses for information.
Swinging Bridge Parking Lot
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Swinging Bridge parking lot.
Village Store
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Village Store parking lots. Commercial passenger vans (vehicles with seating capacity of 7-15 seats) are prohibited from entering the Village Store parking lots from May 1st through October 31st.
Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
Exception to Condition #10.5 under the following conditions: The holder’s clients must have a confirmed reservation at any Valley Campground.
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: For commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length, prior to arrival in the park, the bus operator must contact the Park Campground Manager at 209-347-6813 for permission and instructions on where to off-load and/or load groups staying in Valley campgrounds. The following campground specific conditions apply:
Upper Pines Campground
The bus may drive the one-way Happy Isles Shuttle Bus Road. The driver must yield to park shuttle buses, and share the road with bicyclists, pedestrians, and horses. The bus must not block shuttle bus access. When loading or unloading only; the bus must be parked on the left side of the road, at a location close to the group’s campsites. The bus may not drive off the road or to the campsite. (The group must transport any gear on foot from the road to their sites.) After passengers have unloaded the driver must continue slowly (25 mph max) in the one-way direction around the shuttle bus loop exiting near the Valley Stables. The driver may not pass any shuttle bus, exiting the shuttle bus road. The driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
North Pines & Lower Pines Campgrounds
The bus driver is authorized to stop at the Pines Campground Shuttle Stop (#18), located near the entrance to the campground, to off-load passengers and equipment. The bus may not drive off the road or to the campsite. (The group must transport any gear on foot from the shuttle stop to their sites.) The bus may not stop for longer than 15 minutes and must not interfere with park shuttlebus operations. The bus may not block the entrance to the campground. After dropping off passengers and equipment the driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
Parking: Vehicles over 21 feet in length must park at the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area.
The Ahwahnee
Exception to Condition #10.5 under the following conditions: Reservations Required.
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length transporting groups that have room or meal reservations at The Ahwahnee Hotel may drive to the hotel shuttle bus stop to off-load or load their passengers. The driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park. Drivers may be cited if they block the hotel shuttle bus stop for longer than five (5) minutes. Pick up time and location for overnight hotel guests and their luggage should be arranged with the hotel bellman. Passengers should be instructed to be at the boarding area at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the bus’s scheduled arrival.
Curry Village
Exception to Condition #10.5 under the following conditions: Reservations Required.
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length transporting groups that have lodging or meal reservations at Curry Village may drive to the Curry Village Tour Deck bus stop to off-load passengers and their baggage. Because this location is shared by the concessioner tour vehicles and YARTS, the holder may be cited if their vehicle blocks the bus stop for longer than fifteen (15) minutes. Passengers with meal reservations only must be directed to take the park shuttle bus to shuttle stop #7 at the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area to board their bus. The holder is authorized to drive to Curry Village to pick up overnight lodging guests and their luggage. Passengers must be instructed to be at the Curry Village Tour Desk area at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the bus’s scheduled arrival.
Parking: Buses over 21 feet in length must either park at the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
Wawona Hotel
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Buses must not enter the Wawona Hotel driveway loop unless the group has meal or lodging reservations. Buses without reservations must unload passengers at the designated Bus/RV parking area across from the Wawona Store; the driver will direct passengers to walk to the hotel.
Parking: The driveway to the Wawona Hotel is designated for private auto parking only. Drivers must park in the Bus/RV parking lot across from the Wawona Store. Commercial passenger vehicles 21 feet in length or shorter are permitted to park and unload in the designated Bus/ RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41).
Wawona Store and Yosemite History Center
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: When visiting the Pioneer History Center or Wawona Store, drivers of commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may use the Wawona YARTS stop outside of the hours of 7:00 am to 11:00 am for loading and offloading passengers only. Passengers should be instructed to be at the boarding area at least fifteen prior to the buses arrival to pick up the group. Drivers may be cited if they block the Wawona YARTS bus stop for longer than five (5) minutes. Vehicles 21 feet in length or shorter may not enter the Wawona YARTS stop at any time. Between the hours of 7:00 am and 11:00 am vehicles over 21 feet in length must park and off load passengers in the designated Bus/RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41). Passengers must be directed to use the pedestrian crosswalk. When snow and ice hinder the use of the Bus/RV parking lot or Wawona YARTS bus stop, buses may off load/load passenger and park in the Wawona Store parking lot but must not be parked in travel lanes or along Forest Drive.
Parking: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from parking in the Pioneer History Center parking lot, the Wawona Store parking lot or Wawona YARTS stop. When visiting the Pioneer History Center, Wawona Store or staying at the Wawona Hotel, commercial passenger buses over 21 feet in length must be parked in the designated Bus/RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41). Parking along Forrest Drive is prohibited at all times. Commercial passenger vehicles 21 feet in length or shorter are permitted to park and unload in the designated Bus/ RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41).
Mariposa Grove Bus Parking Area
During peak visitation ABA shuttles are available from the Welcome Plaza to Mariposa Grove. Commercial guides and clients should use these shuttles. If the CUA holder believes a client’s needs require further accommodation, a written request to the CUA office. To allow sufficient time to process this request, it must be received no less than seven working days before the requested date of access. Approval of requests is not guaranteed.
When a request is submitted, the following information must be included:
Date and time of requested access
Size and type of vehicle
Private or commercial vehicle
Number of people in the group, and number of people needing further accommodation
Circumstances requiring further accommodation
Vehicles over 21 feet in length must have a reservation to enter the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, to drop off passengers and park. Reservations must be obtained at least 1 day prior to arrival through Recreation.gov and a copy of the reservation must be shown to Traffic Management prior to parking. Vehicles over 21 feet in length without a valid reservation will not be permitted to enter the plaza, unload passengers, or park. Reservations are not required for vehicles up to 21 feet in length.
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles up to 21 feet in length must unload passengers in the Welcome Plaza parking lot. Passengers must not be unloaded or loaded in the designated utility parking or striped zone near the restrooms. Passengers must not be loaded or unloaded along the Wawona Road.
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must use the designated commercial bus loading and unloading zone at the shuttle bus transit hub to unload passengers. After unloading passengers, the vehicle must proceed to the designated bus parking lot. The vehicle must return to the designated commercial bus loading and unloading zone at the shuttle bus transit hub to load passengers. Passengers may not be unloaded or loaded in the bus parking lot.
Parking: Drivers of larger vehicles up to 21 feet in length must back into the parking space when possible and must fold in view mirrors towards vehicle.
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length with a valid reservation, after unloading passengers, must park in the designated bus parking lot west of the shuttle bus transit hub. Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are restricted from parking in the Welcome Plaza parking lot.
Commercial passenger vehicles up to 21 feet in length, may park in the Welcome Plaza parking lot as directed by Traffic Management staff. Commercial vehicles must not park in RV/Oversized vehicle parking spaces. When parking is full the parking lot will be temporarily closed to all vehicles.
Commercial passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited from entering the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza unless they have a current bus parking reservation. To park in the Welcome Plaza auto parking lot commercial passenger vehicle up to 21 feet in length must drop off the trailer prior to entering the Welcome Plaza.
Trailers may be dropped off at the following locations:
In Wawona at the Bus/RV parking area located across the road from the Wawona Store.
At the Wawona Road/Glacier Point Road junction, in the north side parking lot across from the restrooms.
Scenic View Stops
Limited: The availability of parking in these areas is limited. Commercial passenger vehicles must not block traffic lanes or interfere with the free flow of traffic along roadways or in parking lots. Commercial passenger vehicles traveling through Yosemite Valley are limited to the use of the following locations:
Tunnel View
(Wawona Road/Hwy 41) Commercial passenger vehicles may only enter the Tunnel View parking lot if parking is available. Vehicles over 21 feet may only park in the designated bus parking spaces. Vehicles are prohibited from stopping, parking, or unloading passengers when parking spaces are unavailable.
Bridalveil Straight
(Bridalveil Fall and El Capitan viewing area). When space is available, passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must park on the right side of the one-way road (Southside Drive, eastbound). Parking over the white hash marks is prohibited. The holder shall not off-load or allow passengers to walk into traffic lanes. Passengers must use crosswalks when crossing the road.
Sentinel Bridge
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Sentinel Bridge parking lot. (Vehicles over 30 feet are prohibited from driving on Sentinel Bridge.)
Devil’s Elbow
(Westbound, Northside Drive) The holder is authorized to park only one bus at a time at this location. Park in dirt parking area on the right side of the road leaving Yosemite Valley and ¼ mile before El Capitan Meadow. Commercial passenger vehicles must not park in, or block, the designated shuttle bus stop area.
El Capitan (Meadow) Straight
(Westbound, Northside Drive) Park on left side of roadway in the designated parking area. Do not park on or over white hash marks. Do not allow passengers to be off-loaded into or walk into traffic lanes. Passengers must not be allowed to walk in fenced off areas.
Bridalveil View
(Westbound, Northside Drive) The holder is authorized to park only one bus at a time at this location. When space is available, mini-buses and motorcoaches should try to use the parking lane on the left side of the one-way road. Do not park on or over the white hash marks. Do not allow passengers to be off-loaded into or walk in traffic lanes.
Valley View
(Westbound, Northside Drive in the paved parking area on the left side of the road, exiting Yosemite Valley, and prior to the Hwy 41/140 split). Only one commercial bus is allowed to stop at this location at a time. Commercial passenger vehicles may not block automobile parking spaces.
Fern Spring
Is prohibited from stopping at the Fern Spring turnout located on Southside drive.
Length, Size & Weight Limits
Commercial passenger carrying vehicles exceeding forty-five (45) feet in length or 102 inches in width are prohibited within Yosemite National Park. During periods when the road base of specific park roads is saturated, a weight restriction for vehicles will be signed and enforced. Additional size or weight restrictions may be added for any park roadway when deemed necessary by the Superintendent Road specific restrictions are as follows:
Hwy 140, El Portal Road
On Highway 140, within Yosemite NP: commercial passenger carrying vehicles exceeding twelve (12) feet six (6) inches in height are prohibited.
Hetch Hetchy Road
Vehicles, or the combination of vehicle and trailer, exceeding 25’ and/or 96” in width (including side mirrors) are prohibited on the Hetch Hetchy Road unless the holder has first received permission from the area Sub District Ranger, and the holder has a CUA and an authorized pilot vehicle.
Mariposa Grove Road
Commercial vehicles may not drive beyond the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza without express written permission from the Superintendent. During the shuttle season (approx. April-November) guides and clients may use the ABA buses that depart from the Welcome Center. During the shoulder seasons (approx. December- March) the Mariposa Grove is accessed via a 4-mile trail. (For vehicles over 21 feet in length Refer to Condition #10.16 in Guided Interpretive Tours Conditions)
Glacier Point Road
Due to the narrow road conditions, vehicles over 30 feet in length are prohibited from driving on the Glacier Point Road unless authorized by the Superintendent in writing or during the Winter Exception period (Refer to Condition #8 in Guided Interpretative Tour Conditions).
Vehicles towing trailers are prohibited beyond Sentinel Dome/ Taft Point trailhead. Trailers may not be left at Sentinel Dome. Trailers may be parked in the Glacier Point/Wawona Road Junction in the north side of the parking lot.
Winter exception: Buses may drive to the Badger Pass Ski Area when the facility is open to the public for winter operations. Drivers must adhere to winter driving regulations including any active chain control restrictions.
Glacier Point Parking Area
Due to the limited parking the following exceptions apply:
Commercial passenger vehicles are prohibited from using the designated passenger unloading area except for loading or off-loading persons with mobility impairments. This area is reserved for concessioner buses and emergency vehicles. Commercial vehicles may be cited for stopping in this area for longer than 5 minutes or obstructing concessioner or emergency vehicles.
Overflow Parking: In the event that there is no available parking at the Glacier Point parking lot, commercial passenger vehicles must park at Washburn Point while drivers wait for their group. Passengers must be picked up in the upper Glacier Point parking lot in the bus parking area. Traffic may be diverted to a satellite parking area at Badger Pass Ski and Snowboard Area during periods of heavy traffic at Glacier Point.
Restroom Facilities
Under no circumstances will the holder allow clients to dispose of human bodily waste anywhere except in approved restroom facilities. Violators will be held responsible for all costs associated with pumping septic tanks, cleaning restroom facilities, and resource damage mitigation. Due to limited facilities, parking and health and safety regulations the following restrictions apply:
Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza restrooms are available only for commercial passenger vehicles that are authorized to park here. Vehicles over 21 feet in length must have a reservation to enter the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (Refer to Condition # 10.16 in Guided Interpretive Tours Conditions)
Swinging Bridge picnic area restrooms Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from using the Swinging Bridge picnic area restrooms.
The El Portal Market (no public restrooms available)
The El Portal Chevron Station (restrooms are too small to accommodate large groups)
Groups may use the following restroom facilities:
Wawona Rd-Hwy 41
Chinquapin/Glacier Point Rd. Junction
Mariposa Grove parking lot (vehicles over 21 feet must have reservation)
Tioga Road-Hwy 120 East
Tenaya Lake, East Beach parking area
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area
Yosemite Falls Picnic area
Yosemite Exploration Center
Yosemite Village/Degnan’s Kitchen
Yosemite Valley Welcome Center
Picnic Area Restrictions
The holder must not allow passengers to use the shuttle bus bench areas for picnicking. These areas are for shuttle bus passenger loading and unloading only.
Unless authorized by the Superintendent in writing, commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from using the following picnic areas:
Swinging Bridge (Yosemite Valley, along Southside Drive near the Yosemite Chapel)
Cathedral Beach (Yosemite Valley, along Southside Drive, near El Capitan Crossover)
Sentinel Beach (Yosemite Valley, along Southside Drive, near the 4 Mile Trailhead)
Yosemite Creek (Tioga Road)
Murphy Creek (Tenaya Lake)
Contact Information
The holder will notify the Commercial Use Office of any changes to contact information including: contact name, email, mail, phone during the term of the CUA (through January 31, 2027).
Hang Gliding
Updated November 19, 2025
Regulations: Reference copies of the Yosemite National Park Superintendent’s Compendium are available at https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm. The Wilderness Management Plan (approved 1989) is available upon request from the Research Library 209-372-0280. Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1 to 199 may be found at https://www.ecfr.gov/
Definitions
Site Management Manual (Site Manual)
Procedural and operational manual prepared and approved by the Yosemite Hang Gliding Association.)
Site Monitor
Qualified Yosemite Hang Gliding Association (YHGA) pilot assigned to monitor and oversee permitted hang-gliding operations. Monitor must be currently authorized by the YHGA.
Participant
For the purpose of this permit the term “Participant” shall be defined as a person or persons who assist with glider set up and breakdown.
Launch Site
Designated use areas located at Glacier Point approved and assigned for the purpose of setting up and, launching hang gliders.
Landing Site
Designated use areas located at Leidig Meadow approved and assigned for the purpose of landing hang gliders.
Activity (Hang Glider Classification)
This permit is issued specifically for hang gliding activities conducted with Class 1 and Class 2 non-powered hang gliders and expressly excludes Class 3 (paragliders) and parachutes used in base-jumping activities. (See Attachment A)
Designated Use Area
The holder will adhere to the designated use area locations (Refer to Attachment B). No alternate launch or landing sites may be used unless first approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Addition of Pilots
Additional pilots may not be added to the activity while the holder is in the park. All bookings and financial transactions must take place outside of the park.
Additional Permits
The commercial tour operator is required to obtain a separate Commercial Use Authorization to conduct any of the following activities: road-based commercial tours, guided hiking, guided fishing, guided backpacking, guided snow shoeing, guided cross-country skiing, photography workshops, art workshops or step on guiding. Note: Commercial bicycle tours, guided climbing are not authorized within Yosemite National Park. For information regarding additional authorized tour activities in Yosemite National Park email the Commercial Use Office at Yose_CUA@nps.gov.
Meeting Clients Within Yosemite National Park
All transportation of clients must begin and end outside of the park. The primary purpose of this permit is for the holder to conduct hang gliding launches.
The holder may make stops at wayside viewing areas as an incidental activity to the authorized CUA activity, but companies planning to offer road-based sightseeing tours must obtain a Road-based Commercial Tour CUA.
The holder may not transport clients inside the park unless the transportation originated from outside of the park. When the holder transports a client into the park, who has a reservation at any park lodging or campground, the holder may return to pick up the client to transport them to the trailhead.
The holder may not enter the park to pick up and transport clients who enter the park on their own, whether by private auto or public transportation without prior written permission from the Superintendent. Clients entering the park on their own must use their own vehicle(s) or public transportation to access trailheads.
The holder may not use the concessioner areas as a meeting location for clients unless the clients are guests at the facility. These groups must not assemble in areas that block or hinder visitor access to concession facilities. The Mountain Shop deck may not be used as a gathering location for groups. This does not prohibit the group from using the concessioner food services, stores or transportation services. The holder should select public areas such as trailheads, shuttle stops, parking lots, or visitor centers to meet clients.
Entrance Fees
Company guides will not be charged the entrance fee when entering for purposes of conducting the activity authorized under this CUA.
Clients entering the park in their personal vehicles will be charged the applicable “private vehicle "entrance fee rate.
Clients who own an Interagency Annual Pass may use the pass to cover their individual fee or their private vehicle entrance fee.
Interagency Annual Passes may not be used by commercial companies for entry into Yosemite National Park. Further information about the America the Beautiful pass program is available at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.
Hang Gliding Employee / Agent Responsibility
The CUA holder is responsible to ensure that all clients entering the park obtain valid entry and permits and are included in appropriate trail quotas as required.
The holder shall insure that all employees and clients entering the park are informed of all applicable Park Conditions of this Authorization. The company may be cited for any violations committed by their employee(s). The holder is responsible for the actions of its client(s) when the group is dispersed or unmonitored unless the holder can show proof that the client has signed an acknowledgement of having received, understood and agreed to abide by a copy of current wilderness regulations for the area.
Monitors/Guides are required to wear attire displaying easily visible company identification (a hat, shirt, vest, of similar items are acceptable.
Review
The holder will review the Yosemite Hang Gliding Association Site Management Manual annually and will submit, in writing any revisions for review by the Superintendent. If no revisions are made a written statement signed by the board representative(s) will be submitted to the Commercial Use Office stating that fact. The notice must show the date of board review and a statement of acceptance of the current document. This document must be received no later than March first of the permit year.
Glacier Point Road
Due to the narrow road conditions, vehicles over 30 feet in length are prohibited from driving on the Glacier Point Road unless authorized by the Superintendent in writing.
Vehicles towing trailers are prohibited beyond Sentinel Dome/ Taft Point trailhead. Trailers may not be left at Sentinel Dome. Trailers may be parked in the Glacier Point/Wawona Road Junction in the north side of the parking lot.
Leidig Meadow Resources Protection
The start date for hang glider launches must be approved by the Superintendent. Landing hang gliders in Leidig Meadow will not be authorized until Resources Management determines meadow moisture levels are dry enough to allow for minimal impacts to vegetation.
Glider pilots are authorized to be in the restricted area of Leidig Meadow to land their gliders. Pilots must immediately move their gliders out of the meadow after landing to minimize impacts to the area.
Gliders must be moved to the area on the east side of the bike path, river side, to be broken down and packed for removal.
While the holder is not responsible for the actions of park visitors, all observers associated with the hang-gliding activity must remain outside of the designated resources management area. (The area is designated by tree limbs currently used as temporary fencing.)
Glider pilots should try to avoid landing on the same spot each day. It is recommended that landings be spread out around the designated landing zone so as to minimize impacts to the area.
The holder must notify the CUA Office regarding planned launch dates at least 7 days in advance of the launch date. (This is required for the safety of both glider pilots and Resources Management restoration crews who will be working in Leidig Meadow during the summer season.)
Site Monitors
No launch will be permitted without an official Yosemite Hang Gliding Association site monitor present.
Site monitors must be authorized by Yosemite
Hang Gliding Association to oversee launch activities in accordance with the YHGA
Site Manual (signed in the current year) and be listed on the site monitor list. A list of authorized site monitors must be sent to the Commercial Use Office prior to the first day of launching for the season. If monitors are added later, an updated list must be sent to the Commercial Use Office prior to the new monitor’s arrival in the park.
Site Monitor Certifications
A list of the following certifications must be sent to the Commercial Use Office, prior to the first day of launching for the season, for each site monitor overseeing launch activities in the park. Updated lists should be sent as additional site monitors are signed up during the permit year.
CPR Certification
Basic First Aid
USHGA certification level
Leave No Trace Certification
Launch Window
Hang gliders are authorized to be launched from the Glacier Point launch site between 8:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. each day. Launches are not allowed outside of this time. All gliders must be on the ground by 10:00 A.M.
Flight Clearance
The monitor must contact the Yosemite Emergency Communication Center (Yosemite Dispatch 209-379-1992) for flight clearance prior to the first launch. The monitor must also notify Yosemite Dispatch when the last hang glider has launched for the day. The monitor must notify Yosemite Dispatch when all gliders have landed, and the activity has concluded for the day.
Maximum Gliders to be Launched
A maximum of sixteen (16) flights per day will be allowed from Glacier Point. A 17th flight will be allowed if the site monitor chooses to launch their glider at the end of the session and it occurs within the time of the launch window. The Site Monitor will remain responsible for ensuring that all launches are completed by 9:00 A.M. and that all pilots are on the ground by 10:00 A.M. Pilot
Proficiency
Pilots must have at least a valid advanced rating issued by the United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA). All pilots must be current members of the United States Hang Gliding Association and must have their laminated USHGA membership card in their possession to fly.
Tandem Flights
Tandem flights are not permitted.
Aerobatics
Aerobatic flying is not permitted. For the purpose of this authorization, aerobatic flying is defined as any maneuver that exceeds a bank angle of 90 degrees or nose up or down pitch angle of 30 degrees, or spins.
Paragliders
Paragliding is not permitted
Experimental Gliders
Pilots are prohibited from using the flight for testing experimental gliders, unnecessary parachute deployments, or any hazardous operations.
Pilot Personal Protective Equipment
All pilots are required to wear a helmet and fly with a locking type carabiner and a backup hang loop. Pilots must also wear a parachute with safeties installed to prevent accidental deployments. It is further recommended that all pilots wear protective clothing covering arms and legs, enclosed footwear, gloves, and eyeglass retainers.
Safety
Holder shall ensure equipment used in the authorized activity shall be inspected to ensure that it is mechanically sound and in safe operating condition before each flight. Gliders must be maintained in satisfactory airworthy condition in full accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. (Periodic inspection and maintenance are the responsibility of the pilot.)
When weather condition exist that are deemed unsafe by the site monitor, on the basis of adverse flying conditions, the monitor will close the site to all flying for the duration of the adverse conditions.
Preflight Check - Following glider assembly, the pilot will conduct a thorough preflight check in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Site Monitors will perform a preflight check of each glider.
All launches must be witnessed and assisted by the on duty Site Monitor and must occur at the designated launch area just east of the Glacier Point Geology Exhibit hut.
Pre-launch Check - Prior to each launch, the pilot will follow standard check of harness hook-in and assure clear airspace before beginning the run to launch. The pilot will check for sufficient clearance after launch to assure positive control of the glider before entering and securing the flight harness.
All hang glider landings are restricted to the designated landing area in Leidig Meadow, except for emergency landings dictated by obvious safety considerations. (Any Emergency landing must be reported to Yosemite Dispatch immediately after the landing with a confirmation of the status of the pilot. A written notification must be sent to the Commercial Use Office within 48 hours regarding the cause and outcome of the emergency landing, report submitted by email is acceptable.)
Caches
Equipment or food caches shall not be established or maintained within Yosemite National Park. Property left unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours will be considered abandoned and may be confiscated.
Hiking - Backcountry
Updated September 17, 2025
Commercial Filming
Commercial film and commercial photography permits, as identified and required by 36 CFR 5.5, Section 8.6.6 of National Park Service Management Policies, and Director’s Order #53, will not be approved in wilderness areas unless determined to be necessary and proper for providing educational information about wilderness uses, resources or values, or necessary for other wilderness purposes. Contact the Office of Special Park Uses for more information e-mail us
Other Additional Permits
It is the responsibility of the Holder to obtain any additional permits for activities not covered under this CUA.
Guided commercial bicycle tours, guided commercial and/or organized rock climbing or rock-climbing lessons are not activities permitted by commercial use authorization in Yosemite National Park.
Signs and Banners
The Holder is prohibited from using signs, flags, sandwich boards, or banners to designate their group when conducting activities in public areas. This does not preclude the legal display of the company name and/or logo on company vehicles as required or allowed by law or regulation.
Non-Commercial Activities
In which clients are not being guided but support the authorized activity, including scouting and training.
Require at least 14 days prior notice.
Such activities will not be authorized during holiday periods or special events.
Email requests for authorization for such activities to e-mail us
Wilderness Resupply Trips
The Holder is authorized to resupply their group in the wilderness.
The resupply agent(s) must be direct employees of the Holder, covered by workers compensation if a California business.
The Holder must notify the CUA office by email at least three business days in advance of the resupply trip listing the date, trailhead, an estimated group contact location, number of employees and whether the trip will be completed in a single day or overnight.
Single day turnaround trip: One or two employees may carry supplies to a designated location in the wilderness without a wilderness permit. Equipment designated for overnight use is not authorized to be carried. The employees much possess a copy of this CUA to show as proof of their employment with the Holder. Carrying minimal equipment for emergency overnight needs is allowed. The purpose of this trip is resupply, not portage of guest(s) personal equipment.
Overnight wilderness trip: The resupply employee(s) must have a wilderness permit in hand. The employee(s) must camp in a separate location at least ½ mile from the group if their presence will cause the group size to exceed the maximum group size of 15. The purpose of this trip is resupply, not portage of guest(s) personal equipment.
Caches
Equipment or food caches shall not be established or maintained within Yosemite National Park. All food must be properly stored per park regulations regarding bear storage. Property left unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours will be considered abandoned and may be confiscated.
Equipment inspections
Holder shall ensure company equipment used for or by guides and/or clients in the authorized activity, including hiking and camping equipment, company operated vehicles and trailers, shall be inspected to ensure that it is mechanically sound and in safe operating condition before each trip.
Inspection documents, records of when equipment was placed in service, when equipment was inspected and/or repaired, and who inspected/repaired it, will be maintained by the Holder, and will be made available for perk inspection upon request.
Wilderness Use Permits
Are required year-round for all overnight stays in the back country. Possession of a CUA does not guarantee a Wilderness permit.
Commercial groups can apply to the weekly wilderness permit lottery up to five times. Commercial groups cannot apply to the daily lottery.
When picking up a wilderness permit at Yosemite National Park the CUA Holder (guide) must identify themselves by providing the company name and showing a copy of the signed CUA to the permit issuing staff. The wilderness permit will also require an itinerary for the trip which must be provided before the permit can be issued (this is in addition to the proposed itinerary submitted during the CUA permitting process or the monthly itinerary submitted)
Wilderness permits are subject to Yosemite’s trailhead quota system. Groups entering the park from US Forest Service (USFS) trailheads, and spend one or more nights in the Yosemite wilderness, must obtain their permit from the USFS district office overseeing that trailhead.
Permits to climb Half Dome Cables must be obtained separately from this CUA. Possession of a CUA does not guarantee a Half Dome permit.
Pre-Season Lottery
Conducted from March 1st to March 31st Annually.
Commercial groups must apply for day hiking Half Dome permit during the preseason lottery. Commercial groups cannot apply to the daily lottery.
Commercial groups are not limited in pre-season lottery applications.
Applicants are notified of results by mid- April, prior to campground reservation openings.
Selected applicants must accept the permit before the daily lottery begins.
Commercial Access and Guided Trips
Half Dome permits for day hikes are limited and must be obtained through the preseason lottery. To participate in the lottery, the CUA Holder must request a company profile be created in Recreation.gov. contact e-mail us for the form. It is the responsibility of the Holder to verify the Recreation.gov account for access before preseason window.
The Half Dome permit, with the appropriate date, must be in possession of the guide or hikers, when climbing Half Dome. The permit must be presented to the Ranger stations at the base of Sub-Dome.
Permits will only be available to groups whose trips realize the education or scenic purposes based on the Wilderness Act criteria for the authorization of commercial activities in wilderness.
The maximum commercial daily quota for half dome;
30 participants per day for educational trips.
15 participants per day for scenic trips.
Accompanying Clients with Half Dome Permits
Commercial guides may accompany clients who already hold a valid Half Dome permit. To register a guide.
Submit a request to e-mail us at least 48 hours before the trip.
Approved guides will not count toward the daily hiker quota and are added to an administrative list.
No fee will be charged for registering guides under these conditions.
Misuse of Wilderness Permits
Attempting to hike up Half Dome without a permit is a violation of park regulations and may result in the suspension or revocation of this CUA.
Half Dome permits associated with wilderness permits are not valid for day hikes to Half Dome. Obtaining a wilderness permit for the purpose of only using it for a day hike to Half Dome is a misuse of the wilderness permit and a violation of this CUA, subject to suspension or revocation.
Wilderness permits issued outside of Yosemite National Park are not valid for hiking Half Dome. If the backpacking trip begins outside of Yosemite national Park, you must apply for Half Dome Permit through the Half Dome Permit lottery.
Guide Certifications
A list of the following certifications must be sent to the Commercial Use Office for each guide leading trips in the park. The Holder is responsible for submitting updated lists as additional guides are hired or removed during the permit year.
CPR certification, with expiration date, at least one guide per group trained and currently certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR certification by either Red Cross or American Heart Association)
Basic Frist Aid, with expiration date, for day hikes on easy to moderate rated trails at least one guide must have a minimum basic first aid certificate
Wilderness First Aid, with expiration date, for strenuous day hikes or overnight trips, at least one guide is recommended to have a valid Wilderness First Responder Certification, and a minimum of a Wilderness First Aid is required.
Food Handler’s certificate, with expiration date, if food is prepared in camp.
Leave No Trace certification, with certification date.
Emergency Medical Response Requirements
Guides must carry a copy of their current certifications (CPR, WFA/WFR, etc.) and present them to any Park Ranger upon request.
The tour leader will carry and maintain a readily accessible emergency medical care kit with sufficient depth of medical supplies and equipment to meet the basic first aid needs of the group.
Guiding Entrance Fees
Company guides will not be charged the entrance fee when entering for the purpose of conducting the activity authorized under this CUA.
Clients entering the park in their personal vehicles will be charged the applicable “private vehicle” fee.
Clients traveling in Holder operated vehicle will be charged the individual fee applicable at the time of entry.
Interagency passes:
Clients who own an interagency pass may use the pass to pay their individual or private vehicle entrance fee.
Interagency passes may NOT be used by commercial companies for entry into Yosemite National Park; this is a violation of the terms of the pass and may result in the pass being confiscated.
Refer to Entrance Fees #14 in General Park Conditions for additional information.
Transportation of Clients
The holder shall not transport clients by motor vehicles within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park unless proof of Federal and/or State of California Transportation Authority (when required by law of regulation) and a valid commercial vehicle Certificate of Insurance are on file with the Commercial Use Office.
All transportation of clients must begin and end outside of the park. New passengers may not be picked up in the park.
The Holder may not transport clients inside the park unless the transportation originated from outside of the park. When the Holder transports a client into the park who has a reservation at any park lodging or campground, the Holder may return to pick up the client to transport them to the trailhead.
The primary purpose of this permit is for the Holder to conduct guided day hikes on park trails and/or to conduct overnight backpacking trips. The Holder may make stops at wayside viewing areas as an incidental activity to the authorized CUA activity, but companies planning to offer road-base sight-seeing tours must obtain a separate CUA.
Company Identification
Guides/Tour Leaders
While operating in the park, all employees must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
Visibly identify the CUA holder’s company logo or name on a shirt hat and/or name tag.
Vehicle Markings
All vehicles, including rental vehicles, must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
CUA holder’s company name. If there are several names/signs on the vehicle, the CUA holder's name must be the prominent name/sign.
If the vehicle is chartered or rented, the sign may be taped to a window inside the vehicle.
Number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and California Public Utilities Commissions (CPUC) if applicable.
Markings must appear on the exterior of both sides of the vehicle.
The letters must contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
Markings must be legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet when the vehicle is stationary.
Markings must be kept in good condition and replaced when faded, damaged, etc.
Meeting Clients Within Yosemite National Park
The Holder may not enter the park to pick up and transport clients who enter the park on their own, whether by private auto or public transportation, without prior written permission from the Superintendent. Clients entering the park on their own must use their own vehicle(s) or public transportation to access trailheads.
The Holder should select public areas such as trailheads, shuttle stops, parking lots, or visitor centers to meet clients to begin hikes.
The Holder may not use the concessioner areas as a meeting location for clients unless the clients are guests at the facility.
Client groups must not assemble in areas that block or hinder visitor access to concession facilities.
The Mountain Shop deck may not be used as a gathering location for groups.
This does not prohibit the group from using the concessioner food services, stores, or transportation services
Yosemite Valley Day Use
Organized day hike groups should avoid conducting group hiking tours in the Yosemite Valley area from El Capitan Crossover to the east end of the Valley Floor during the peak visitation period of Memorial Day Weekend through September 15
Horsetail Fall Event
Holders should visit the park website for current updates, conditions, and restrictions for Horsetail Fall Event.
The Holder is required to obey all event regulations, including traffic control and parking signs. Any vehicle that is parked illegally will be subject to being towed at the operator’s expense.
For protection of the resources in and around the viewing area, group size for this event is limited to a maximum of 8 people, including the instructor/guide when traveling off paved areas or established trails.
With the exception of the El Capitan Picnic area, no restroom facilities will be available at any of the roadside viewing areas.
All photography trips during the Horsetail Fall Event must have a Photography CUA
Group size and Guide Ratios
Groups may not merge or combine in a way that exceeds the specified size limits.
Day Hikes
Non-Wilderness Day Hikes: May have a group size of 30 individuals but are required to divide them into groups of no more than 15 with a maximum guide-to-client ratio of 1:14.
Wilderness Day Hikes (Established Trails): Group size is limited to 15 individuals, including guides. A maximum guide-to-client ratio of 1:14 applies.
Moderate to Strenuous Trails: To enhance client safety, a recommended guide-to-client ratio of 1:7 should be used.
Half Dome: A guide-to-client ratio of 1:5 applies, with a maximum group size of 6 individuals, including guides. This aligns with the Half Dome day permit lottery group size limit.
Overnight Wilderness Trips
Group size must not exceed 15 individuals, including guides. The Holder will maintain a guide-to-client ratio of 1:7 during overnight wilderness trips. E.g., A group of 15 would include 2 guides with 13 clients.
Groups exceeding permitted group size limits must separate into allowable sizes and use separate trail heads and must travel and camp a minimum of ½ mile from each other at all times.
Off-Trail Travel
For any travel occurring more than ¼ mile from established trails or roads.
Whether during day or overnight use, group size is limited to a maximum of 8 individuals, including guides.
Locations such as Mt. Hoffman, Mt. Dana, Cathedral Peak, and similar areas are classified as off-trail routes and are not part of the designated National Park Service trail system.
Trailheads
Hiking and backpacking trips will alternate use of trailheads.
Groups should avoid trailheads with high public use, such as the Mist Trail, during the peak visitation months of July and August. Alternative access to and from Yosemite Valley may be made via snow Creek Trail, Yosemite Falls Trail, and the Panorama Trail, in addition to others not listed here.
Ensure all clients have valid park entry, permits, and are included in trail quotas.
Guides must:
Have the skills and experience to safely lead trips.
Be trained for park hazards and conditions.
If the Holder does not stay with the client(s) throughout their daily activities, that client, or at least one person in their group, must be in possession of a valid Yosemite Wilderness regulation form. The Holder is responsible for the actions of its client(s) when the group is dispersed or unmonitored unless the Holder can show proof that the client has signed an acknowledgement of having received, understood, and agreed to abide by, a copy of current wilderness regulations for the area.
Camp Conduct
Camping is prohibited- within one hundred feet of a trail, flowing stream, river or any body of water unless specifically designated.
Fires- Wood fires are prohibited above 9600 feet elevation.
Use only established fire rings and it must be left clean.
Only dead and down wood may be used.
All fires must be completely extinguished with no burning or burnable materials remaining.
Human Waste- In undeveloped or wilderness areas
Disposal of human waste must be at a minimum distance of 100 feet aways from water sources, including dry creek beds, high water marks, campsites, and trails. In the Tuolumne Watershed the minimum distance increases to 300 feet.
Bury waste at least 6 inches deep in soil.
Toilet paper and personal hygiene products must be carried out.
Consent for Treatment of a Minor Client
When guiding minors who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, the guide must have in possession a Child Medical Consent Form to give consent for emergency medical examination, treatment, and transportation of the minor in case of illness or injury that may occur during activity in the park.
Fern Spring
Commercial passenger vans, minibuses, and motor coaches are prohibited from stopping at the Fern Spring turnout on Southside Drive.
Village Store Drop Off/Pick Up
Commercial passenger vans, minibuses, and motor coaches are prohibited from loading/unloading passengers, or parking, in the Village Store parking lots from May 1 through October 31.
Mariposa Grove Restrictions
Mariposa Grove Road Beyond the Welcome Plaza
Commercial vehicles may not drive beyond the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza without express written permission from the CUA Office. Such permission must be requested in writing and be received in the CUA office no less than 7 working days before the requested access. Approval of requests is not guaranteed.
When shuttles are in service (approximately April – November) guides and clients may use the ABA buses that depart from the Welcome Plaza
When shuttles are not operating (approximately December – March) the Mariposa Groves is accessed via a 4 mile round trip trail
Parking in the Main Lot
Commercial vehicles over 21’ in length MUST park in the reserved bus parking area. Parking reservations are available through Recreation.gov
Vehicles 21’ and under must park in the main lot. The gates to the main parking lot will be closed when the parking lot is full, and no vehicles will be allowed to enter until space is available.
Trailers
Commercial passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited from entering the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza unless they have a current bus parking reservation.
To park in the Welcome Plaza auto parking lot commercial passenger vehicles 21’ and under must drop off the trailer prior to entering the Welcome Plaza area.
Trailers may be dropped off in Wawona at the Bus/RV parking area located across the road from the Wawona Store or at the Wawona Rd/Glacier Point junction in the north parking lot across from the restrooms.
Glacier Point Road
Beyond Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead - Vehicles over 30 feet and/or vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited beyond the Sentinel Dome parking lot.
Buses exceeding 30’, or with a capacity of 26 passengers or more, are prohibited beyond the Badger Pass turnoff.
Hetch Hetchy Road Restrictions
Vehicles, or the combination of vehicle and trailer, exceeding 25’ and/or 96” in width (including side mirrors) are prohibited on the Hetch Hetchy Road unless the holder has first received permission from the area Sub District Ranger, and the holder has a CUA and an authorized pilot vehicle.
Trip itineraries
Operating day hikes or overnight wilderness trips without first submitting an itinerary is a violation of this authorization.
Reserved or pre-booked itineraries must be submitted a minimum of 14 days prior to the beginning of the trip.
Itinerary may only be listed by month using a separate form for each month. Do NOT list multiple months on a form UNLESS the trip begins and ends in different months (i.e., May 29 – June 3 would be reported on the May report)
Notification of any trip booked without a minimum 14-day notice to the park must be submitted the day it is booked.
The itinerary must be submitted using the “Itinerary and Monthly Use Report” form included with this authorization. Complete the header of the form with the company name, month, type of report (itinerary or monthly report) and contact information for correct attribution.
Submit reports to yose_cua@nps.gov.
The itinerary must provide a schedule of planned trips (both day use and overnight wilderness use). If no trips are planned, write “no trips” in the destination section.
Timely submission of these reports is a condition of this authorization to operate in Yosemite National Park; failure to submit reports, according to the conditions of the Authorization may result in administrative fines, suspension, revocation, or denial of future authorizations.
Companies operating trips in the park during periods of suspension of the CUA will be cited and their request for future permits may be denied.
Monthly Use Reports
At the end of each month, the Holder must complete the Yosemite Monthly Use form, provided with the authorization.
Submit reports to yose_cua@nps.gov.
Reports are due by the 15th of the month following the activity (Activity in March, would be due by April 15).
The Monthly Report must be submitted using the form provided by Yosemite National Park. Complete the header of the form with the company name, month, and type of report (itinerary or monthly report) and contact information to ensure correct attribution.
Groups hiking to the top of Half Dome will note that use in the Half Dome section of the report form.
The Holder will use this form to report previously reported trips (itinerary) that are cancelled by entering ‘cancelled” in the number of clients.
For months when a report is required, but no trips occurred, write “No Trips” in the destination section.
Companies conducting hiking or backpacking trips only in Spring and Summer must submit reports for the months of May through October. Companies conducting only Fall and Winter trips must submit reports November through April. This is required whether or not trips occur in every month of those seasons. If trips are conducted in both seasons, then reports are required each month of the year.
Timely submission of these reports is a condition of this authorization to operate within Yosemite National Park. Failure to submit monthly use reports according to the conditions of the authorization may result in administrative fines, suspension, revocation, or denial of a CUA in the upcoming year.
Companies operating trips in the park during periods of suspension will be cited and their request for future permits may be denied.
Stock Support Trips
Any pack stock company hired by a valid Yosemite National Park CUA Holder to support a trip must also have a valid Yosemite CUA. A list of valid Stock CUA companies is available from the Commercial Use Office.
The CUA Holder initiating the trip will be considered the “Primary CUA Holder” for the trip.
The Primary CUA Holder will report the name of the pack stock company used and number of stock handlers (packers) as part of the total group size on the monthly use report.
Group size may not exceed 15 people, including the stock handlers (packers).
The pack stock company will be responsible for reporting the number of pack stock used and the name of the company supported on their monthly use report.
Nordic Activities/Winter Activities
Definitions
Nordic/Traditional Winter Use Activity
For the purpose of this Authorization the term “Nordic”, “Traditional Winter Use,” or “Winter Use,” activity shall refer to cross country skiing, snow shoeing, winter backpacking, and snow camping activities.
Nordic Guide
For the purposes of this authorization the term Nordic Guide refers to a guide certified to lead day tours and/or overnight trips using cross country ski and/or snowshoe apparatus in winter conditions, Meeting all of the qualifications outlined in this authorization.
Trans-Sierra
For the purposes of these Authorization the term “Trans-Sierra” shall mean any trip through Yosemite National Park that begins on the east side of the Sierra and ends on the west side of the Sierra, or that begins on the west side of the Sierra and ends on the east side of the Sierra.
Traditional Winter Use
Only winter activities traditionally allowed in the Yosemite Wilderness Ares are to be conducted under the terms of this authorization, these activities include snow showing, cross country skiing, winter backpacking, and snow camping.
Winter Trailheads
Nordic use groups should avoid trailheads with high public use such as Dewey Point during holidays and weekends; alternative trails should be considered to minimize impacts in high use areas.
Winter Wilderness Use Permits
Yosemite Wilderness Permits are required for all commercial users camping overnight in Yosemite Wilderness and must be obtained separately from this authorization.
The Wilderness Use Permits are subject to Yosemite’s Trailhead Quota System.
During the winter season permits are not available by reservation; the permit must be obtained at the area permit station. If the station is closed for the season, permits are available through a self-registration process at the permit station.
Trips beginning at Badger Pass must obtain a permit at the Ranger A-frame.
When picking up a Wilderness Permit in Yosemite National Park the CUA group must
Identify itself by showing the CUA form to the permits issuing station.
Submit an itinerary for the trip (this is separate form the itinerary submitted to the CUA Office for monthly reporting).
Groups entering Yosemite National Park from a US Forest Service (USFS) trailhead, and spend the night within Yosemite National Park, must obtain their permit from the USFS District Office overseeing that entry trailhead.
Guides must carry their certification cards or electronic copies when guiding. If using a smart device, the guide must be willing to give the unlocked device to a Ranger, upon request, for viewing.
Nordic Guiding: Certification is required for those guides using areas beyond snow covered trails in Yosemite Valley or marked trails in the Crane Flats area, Glacier Point Road Area, and the Mariposa Grove.
Advanced Certification: Commercial Nordic guides leading overnight trips into Yosemite Wilderness must maintain current Advanced Ski Mountaineering and Advanced Avalanche certification from the Professional Ski Instructors of America, American Mountain Guide Association, or an equivalent nationally recognized certification program approved by the Superintendent.
Avalanche Training: Nordic guides conducting activities in areas where the potential for avalanche exists must be certified in avalanche training and follow the American Avalanche Association guideline, or other recognized industry guidelines.
Avalanche Equipment: All participants must carry, at a minimum, a working emergency avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel, and an avalanche probe. In addition, clients must be trained in avalanche awareness and rescue techniques using the avalanche rescue equipment.
Supervision and Compliance
The holder should consult the Superintendent’s Compendium for updates as they may occur. In addition to the conditions found in the Hiking and Backpacking Authorization, the following common regulations include, but are not limited to, the following, as apply to these activities.
Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing
Skiing or snowshoeing is prohibited on open park roads except to cross from one side of the road to the other.
Concessioner Operated Ski Areas: Skiing and Snow Shoeing tours are prohibited from using the concessioner operated Badger Pass Ski Area for tour activities unless the group is participating as a paying customer in a concession service activity or participating in a National Park Service visitor activity conducted at the ski area.
Glacier Point Road Corridor: Groups must be kept to no more than 15 individuals, including the guide when skiing or snowshoeing along the Glacier Point Road area or trails off the Glacier Point Road.
Dewey Point Trail Day Use: Nordic day use groups should avoid using Dewey Point Ski Trail during holidays and weekends; alternative trails should be considered to minimize impacts in high use areas. Groups using the Dewey Point trails are restricted to no more than 8 people including the guide.
Mariposa Grove: The Holder may ski or snowshoe on trails open to the public within the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Skiers and snowshoers must not enter the fenced off areas.
Crane Flat Area: The Holder may ski or snowshoe on the trails in the Crane Flat Area open to the public. These trails include the Crane Flat Campground, Crane Flat Lookout Road, Tuolumne Grove Road, the Tioga Road, and other marked trails in the area. Skiers and snowshoers must not enter fenced off areas.
Yosemite Valley: The Holder may ski or snowshoe on snow covered bike paths and trails in Yosemite Valley open to the public for similar use.
Winter Camping
Yosemite Winter Wilderness camping permits are required for all commercial users of the Yosemite Wilderness who begin backcountry overnight trips at Yosemite trailheads. Groups entering from a US Forest Service (USFS) trailhead and spend a night in the Yosemite backcountry must obtain their permit from the USFS District Office overseeing that trailhead.
Winter camping is prohibited in the following areas:
Within one (1) mile of a plowed road.
Within one hundred (100) feet of a trail, slowing stream, river, or any body of water.
Within four (4) trail miles of any trailhead in Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy, or Wawona.
Within 1.5 miles of the Badger Pass Ski Area boundary.
Camping is prohibited in/at Summit Meadow, Dewey Point, and the Glacier Point Area. Camping is permitted “near” both “Points,” but not “at” the points themselves. Refer to the most recent Superintendent’s Compendium for current maps Laws & Policies - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Dewey Point Area camping: Groups snow camping in the Dewey Point area are limited to 8 people maximum unless prior written approval is received from the Superintendent.
Mariposa Grove: Camping is permitted from December 1 to April 15
only above the Clothespin Tree,
and only if Mariposa Grove Road is closed to public vehicle access,
and when snow depth is sufficient for skiing.
Ostrander Lake Ski Hut: Use of the Ostrander Ski Hut is prohibited to commercial use unless first approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Snow Creek Cabin: CUA holders are not authorized to use the Snow Creek Cabin. When camping outside the perimeter of the Snow Creek Cabin at a distance designated in the Superintendent’s Compendium.
Tuolumne Meadows: Group size is limited to eight (8), including the guide. The Holder must notify the Tuolumne winter rangers of any overnight trip to the Tuolumne Meadows are prior to their arrival, by calling the ranger station at 209-372-0450, and provide the group name, name of the trip leader, trip itinerary, number of participants, and any emergency contact phone number.
Camp Conduct
Camping is prohibited- within one hundred feet of a trail, flowing stream, river or any body of water unless specifically designated.
Fires- Wood fires are prohibited above 9600 feet elevation.
Use only established fire rings and it must be left clean.
Only dead and down wood may be used.
All fires must be completely extinguished with no burning or burnable materials remaining.
Washing and Rinsing Water
Washing and rinsing water must be disposed off at least 100 feet form lakes and streams in the wilderness.
Human waste
In non-developed snow-covered areas human waste must be packed out, unless if can be disposed of in accordance with park regulations:
At least one hundred (100) feet from any water source, (including seasonal dry creek beds), high water mark of any body of water, campsite, or trail.
Buried in soil at least 6” deep.
Must not be buried in snow.
Toilet paper and hygiene items must be carried out with all trash.
Horse/Mule/Other Livestock Rides or Services
Updated November 19, 2025
The following Special Conditions (Stock Conditions) apply to all Stock Commercial Use Authorizations in Yosemite National Park and must be attached to the preceding pages listing the terms and conditions of all National Park Service Commercial Use Authorizations and all Yosemite National Park (General Conditions) Commercial Use Authorizations.
Definitions
Backpacking/Backpacker
For the purpose of this Authorization the term(s) “Backpacking” and or “Backpacker” refer to all persons who wish to sleep overnight, camp, bivouac, or are in possession of equipment designed for overnight use in the wilderness/backcountry for whom a wilderness permit is required.
Developed Area(s)
For the purpose of this Authorization the term “Developed Area(s)”is defined as those areas and trails outside of designated wilderness, such as roadside vistas, developed visitor facilities and/or walkways, e.g. the Tuolumne visitor services areas, parking lots, roadways etc. For the purpose of this Authorization the term “Developed Area(s)”is defined as those areas and trails outside of designated wilderness, such as roadside vistas, developed visitor facilities and/or walkways, e.g. the Tuolumne visitor services areas, parking lots, roadways etc.
Wilderness
For the purpose of this Authorization the term “Wilderness” is defined as those areas designated as Wilderness and/or areas where wilderness use permits are required.
Commercial Transportation
For the purpose of this Authorization the term “Commercial Transportation” shall mean the transportation by the Holder of any client, by any motor vehicle owned and/or operated by the Holder within areas of Yosemite National Park, whether, or not, it is incidental to the commercial operation.
Full Service Trip
For the purpose of this Authorization the term “Full Service Trip” is defined as a trip where the packer(s), stock, and cook if applicable stay with client(s), preparing and maintaining camp and offering client services such as day rides and meals.
Spot Trip:
For the purpose of this Authorization the term “Spot Trip” or “Spot Pack Trip” is defined as a trip where the client either hikes or is taken by horseback along with their gear to their campsite or trail and left there while the packer returns to their home station. The Holder does not stay with the client; the Holder may or may not return on a predetermined date to pick up the client.
Continuous Hire Trip
For the purpose of this Authorization the term “Continuous Hire” is defined as a trip where the packer(s), and stock, support a client by moving gear/equipment from point to point, but do not prepare/maintain the camp or offer any other client services other than moving gear/equipment.”
NPS Administrative Hire Trip:
For the purpose of this Authorization the term “NPS Administrative Hire” or “Administrative Trip” is defined as a trip initiated by Yosemite National Park and conducted for Park Service administrative purposes such as moving science research teams and equipment.
Stock
For the purpose of this authorization the term “Stock” shall mean horses, mules, burros and/or llamas.
Use of NPS Arrowhead Symbol
The NPS Arrowhead symbol is protected by the trademark laws of the United States as a registered service mark. The permittee is not authorized to use the NPS Arrowhead symbol in any manner unless first approved in writing by the Director of the National Park Service. (Refer to Title 36 CFR, part 11.)
Additional Permits
It is the responsibility of the Holder to obtain any additional permits for activities not covered under this CUA. For additional information or permits regarding additional tour activities contact the Commercial Use Office at (209) 379-1851.
Wilderness Permits
Valid Wilderness Permits must be obtained separately from this authorization and from the agency managing the starting trailhead location. The Holder must identify themselves as a commercial operator and provide the CUA Permit number.
Starting Outside of the Park
Those entering from U.S. Forest Service (USFS) areas, must have a Forest Service wilderness permit.
Starting inside Yosemite National Park on a Through or Turn Around Trip
Permits for backcountry camping must be obtained separately from this authorization. The holder must identify themselves as a commercial operator and provide the CUA permit number. A Yosemite wilderness permit must be obtained for a turn-around trip when new clients are picked up inside the park. (Example: A trip that enters the park on a U.S. Forest Service permit and drops their clients off in Tuolumne Meadows and picks up a new group (prearranged) for the return trip is allowed but must obtain Yosemite wilderness permits for all new clients and guides. The original U.S. Forest Service permit cannot be used for the new group.
Full-Service Trips
The Holder is responsible for obtaining a valid Wilderness Permit for both employees and clients.
Spot Trip
The client is responsible for obtaining a valid Wilderness Permit for their party however, if the Holder overnights in the Yosemite Wilderness they will need to have a separate valid Wilderness Permit or be included on the client’s permit. (To be included on the clients permit the guide must stay in camp with the client.)
Continuous Hire Trips
The Holder must have a valid Wilderness Permit, either being included on the client’s permit or separately depending on if they camp in the same area as the client. This includes groups who enter the park from a U.S. Forest Service trailhead on a USFS permit but spend a night in the Yosemite front-country and/or any trip that exchanges guests in a “turn-around” or “through-trip” situation at a Yosemite trailhead.
Beginning Trips in the Park
Commercial pack trips where stock is trucked or moved to Yosemite trailheads to begin a trip inside the park are prohibited, unless authorized by the Superintendent. Permit reservations may be made through the park website at Backpacking - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). The phone number to call for assistance with wilderness permits is 209-372-0826.
Outfitter Guide Permit
The Holder must obtain a valid “Outfitter Guide Permit” from the Forest Supervisor, United States Forest Service (USFS), in the jurisdiction all trips will begin and end. A copy of the valid “Outfitter Guide Permit” signature page must be sent to the Commercial Use Office to be kept on file.
Addition of Clients
Additional customers may not be added to the group while the Holder is in the park. (Exception: A hiker who is seriously ill or injured and requests evacuation by horseback may be added if the Holder deems it safe and appropriate to do so and contact with NPS for EMS assistance would be delayed. The Holder must notify the Commercial Use Office of the incident as soon as possible, by phone or email.) All bookings and financial transactions must take place outside of the park.
Entrance Fees
Company guides will not be charged the entrance fee when entering for purposes of conducting the activity authorized under this CUA. Clients entering the park in their personal vehicles will be charged the applicable “private vehicle” entrance fee rate. Clients travelling in a Holder operated vehicle will be charged the individual fee applicable at the time of entry. Clients who own an Interagency Pass may use the pass to cover their individual fee or their private vehicle entrance fee. Interagency Passes may not be used by commercial companies for entry into Yosemite. Further information about the America the Beautiful pass program may be found at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.
The holder shall insure that all employees and clients entering the park are informed of all conditions of this Authorization, which apply to their activity and usage of the park. The Holder will provide documentation of training upon request, for each guide regarding the terms and conditions of the CUA. Additional information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/stock-lnt.htm.
Guides must be a minimum of eighteen (18) year old. The Holder shall ensure that their guides possess the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to safely lead groups on day and/or overnight trips into the park. Guides will be trained in Leave No Trace principles and tactics. Guides leading clients into the park must understand the hazards involved and be properly trained and prepared for conditions and situations, which may be encountered.
The Holder will cooperate in Field Evaluations when contacted by Park Rangers. The packer/guide will identify themselves as a commercial operator and present the following documents when requested by the Ranger.
A copy of a current Yosemite Stock CUA under which they are operating. Guides may download the CUA onto their smart phone but must carry a hard copy of the signature page (page 1).
A copy of the Wilderness Stock Camp map for each campsite identified in the trip itinerary.
A copy of a valid Wilderness Permit, if applicable to trip itinerary.
At least one employee per group must have in possession a current/valid CPR & First Aid certification card. If during any trip the group splits, at least one employee per group must have in possession a current/valid CPR & First Aid certification card.
The Holder is responsible for showing proof that the client has signed an acknowledgement of having received, understood, and agreed to abide by the current wilderness regulations for the area.
Firearms
Those persons authorized to bring livestock into the wilderness areas are permitted to carry a firearm in accordance with National Park Service regulations and California State Law. Firearms must be kept unloaded when not being used. Firearms may only be discharged for the sole purpose of dispatching injured or ill livestock, when, in the judgment of the Holder, destruction of the animal is most humane. The Holder must contact the park emergency communications center (209-379-1992) at their earliest opportunity regarding the incident and location. Yosemite Dispatch will notify the area district ranger/wilderness duty officer (WDO) of the action, regarding the dispatching of an animal and the coordination of the disposal of the animal carcass. The Holder may be required, at its own expense, to dispose of an animal carcass.
Stock Management
In addition to park regulations, the following conditions apply to the commercial stock CUA holder:
Developed Areas
Through or Turnaround Trips – Overnight stays in the park for the purpose of permitted “through” or “turn-around” trips are allowed only in the concessioner stable facilities. Overnight grazing or holding stock in the wilderness without guests is prohibited, except as described in condition #39 “Caches”.
Tuolumne Meadows Stock Loading Area – Loading and unloading of stock is to be done in the parking lot adjacent to the concessioner stable.
Glacier Point Road Restriction – Vehicles over thirty (30) feet in length and/or vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited beyond the Sentinel Dome parking area, located along the Glacier Point Road. Trailers may not be left at Sentinel Dome or along the Glacier Point Road. Trailers may be dropped off and parked at the Badger Pass Ski Area parking lot in the first lot on the left, except during holiday weekends. During holiday weekends trailer must be parked in the north side parking lot at the Glacier Pt Rd/Hwy 41 Junction. (Contact the Commercial Use Office for additional information.)
Hetch Hetchy Road Restriction – Vehicles or the combination of a vehicle and trailer exceeding twenty-five (25) feet length and/or ninety-six (96) inches width are prohibited on the Hetch Hetchy Road unless the vehicle has a commercial use authorization and authorized pilot vehicle.
Holding Stock
In Camp – Utilize designed holding areas as identified in the pack stock framework report.
High Lines – A high line is a rope tied between trees for the purpose of holding stock. High lines may only be placed in established holding areas (when identified) at designated campsites or at least (100) feet from streams or lakeshores and all watercourses (running or dry) in other areas.Recommended holding area locations have been identified for each viable commercial stock camp and are available on NPS provided stock camp maps (https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/stock.htm).
Manure
All manure must be removed from the campsite and or holding areas. Manure must be broken down and scattered to promote rapid decomposition. Manure should be removed and spread at least 100 feet from water.
Snow Removal from Trails
The Holder may not interfere with the natural process of snow melting from trails by shoveling snow from the trail; placing or shoveling ashes and/or dirt on the snow to accelerate its melting or by any other means, other than the normal movement of people and/or stock over the trail.
Off-Trail Travel
Stock will be controlled to prevent off trail travel and to prevent “short-cutting”, widening and degrading of existing trails.
Open Grazing
Grazing is permitted except within four miles of trailheads and paved roads or immediately surrounding any of the High Sierra Camps. Exceptions to this rule (closures) are listed in the Superintendent's Compendium. Most meadows used by CUA holders have grazing capacities, which if exceeded mid-season could be cause for closing a meadow to grazing. Documented degradation of resources may also be cause for mid-season grazing closures. Grazing in these locations may not begin prior to the Meadow Opening Dates. Pack Stock operators are required to exclude stock from grazing in closed areas and consideration for grazing capacities must be made when planning itineraries.
Supplemental Feed
California-certified Weed Free Forage (baled or loose hay, hay cubes, or straw bedding) is required when hay products are used as supplemental forage or bedding in the park’s frontcountry zones. Non-certified forage sourced from a list of approved vendors may be permitted upon request.
Feed carried into the wilderness will be commercially processed pellets, rolled grains, or fermented hay (e.g., Chaffhaye™). Other feed products that have similarly high levels of mechanical milling, heat treatment, and/or anaerobic fermentation that destroys nearly all seeds may be permitted upon request. Baled or loose hay and compressed hay cubes, which have little to no processing, will not be used in wilderness.
Stock users are encouraged to purge their animals on pellets, rolled grains, fermented hay, or certified weed free forage for three days prior to entering the park.
Stock should be inspected and cleaned by handlers prior to entering the parks, and prior to moving from frontcountry to wilderness within the parks. Inspect for and remove any plant parts, seeds, or soil that may have adhered to animals, tack, clothing, or equipment. Bag these materials and dispose of in garbage if you are not at the point of origin of the material.
Handle loads and tack in such a way as to avoid picking up plant parts, soil, or mud. (Ongoing discussion between invasive plant staff and animal handlers will improve the feasibility of this practice.)
Feeding and Salting
Feeding or salting will only be allowed in holding areas. Salt shall be presented to stock in a container to prevent spillage and leaching into the soil or attracting other wildlife.
Free Hobbling:
Free hobbling is allowed; however, one leg hobbling is prohibited.
Caches
Equipment and/or food caches shall not be maintained within Yosemite National Park. Gear may be left in camp with an employee only if guests will be using the camp the following day. (e.g., “one group leaves the camp and a new group arrives the following day”.) The employee who remains in camp must have a valid wilderness permit in possession for the overnight stay in the wilderness. Food must be properly stored. Property left unattended for more than 24 hours will be considered abandoned and may be confiscated.
Mariposa Grove Restriction
The use of horses and pack animals is permitted on the Perimeter Trail between the Fish Camp Trail and the Wawona Trail in the Upper Grove. Horses and pack animals are permitted to access the Grizzly Giant from the Fish Camp Trail using the unpaved access road. Horses or pack animals are not allowed on the paved parking area. Horses and pack animals must be high-lined or held and may not be tied to trees. Horses and pack animals are permitted to access Wawona Point from the Perimeter Trail using the unpaved access road. The use of horse or pack animals is not permitted on any other trails within the Mariposa Grove.
Half Dome Permits
A permit is required to climb Half Dome. Permits to climb the Half Dome cables must be obtained separately from this CUA.
Wilderness permits issued outside of Yosemite National Park are not valid for hiking Half Dome. If your pack stock trip begins outside of Yosemite, you or your client must apply for a Half Dome permit through the Half Dome permit lottery. A client who has obtained a Half Dome permit through the Day-Use Lottery on their own may use it to hike Half Dome only on the authorized date printed on the permit. For information on how to reserve permits, along with the rules and regulations regarding hiking Half Dome visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm or contact the Commercial Use Office for information.
The Holder may only offer Half Dome trips that meet the Wilderness Act criteria of educational or scenic purposes for the authorization of commercial activity conducted in Wilderness. Contact the Commercial Use Office for a list of examples of activities that meet the definition or “Educational” and “Scenic”.
Commercial Transportation
The Holder shall not transport clients in motor vehicles within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park unless proof of Federal and/or State Transportation Authority and a valid commercial vehicle insurance certificate is on file with the Commercial Use Office.
Vehicle Markings
Vehicle markings, transportation authority number and company name or logo, must be displayed on both right and left side of all company operated vehicles used to transport passengers. Minimum size lettering for logos will be four inches and must be visible from fifty (50) feet in daylight.
Equipment Inspection
The Holder shall ensure equipment, tack and gear used in the authorized activity, including vehicles, shall be inspected to ensure that it is sound and in safe operating condition before each trip. Inspection documents, showing when equipment was placed into service, when equipment was inspected and/or repaired and who inspected it, will be maintained by the Holder and will be made available for inspection upon request.
Emergency Medical Response
The Holder shall have at least one employee per group who is trained and currently certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR certification by either Red Cross or American Heart Association will be accepted). At least one employee per group must also hold a minimum certification of Standard First Aid. A copy of current certificates must be made available upon request of the National Park Service. The tour leader will carry and maintain a readily accessible kit for emergency medical care of sufficient size and use for the number of persons in the group. If during any trip the group splits at least one employee per group must possess a CPR and First Aid certification and have readily accessible a clearly identified first aid kit that at a “minimum” contains: a note pad and pen or pencil, a working headlamp or pen light, 2 pair medical examination gloves, twelve antimicrobial and/or antiseptic hand wipes, ten 4x4 sterile dressings, four 8x10 and/or 5x9 trauma pads, four rolls of 3” gauze bandage, four triangular bandages, one or two rolls of medical tape (1” or 2” adhesive tape 10 yards), and one pocket Mask for CPR.
Guide Certifications
The following certifications must be sent to the Commercial Use Office for each guide leading trips in the park. Updates should be sent as additional guides are hired or removed during the permit year.
CPR certification
Basic First Aid (Wilderness First Aid or higher is recommended)
Food handlers Certificate (when food is prepared in camp)
Leave No Trace Certification
Trip Itinerary
It is required that proposed trip itineraries are submitted in a timely manner and are accurate. Proposed itineraries will be reconciled against the actual monthly use reports submitted each month.
Submission Requirements
Reserved or pre-booked itineraries must be submitted a minimum of 14 days prior to the beginning of the trip. Notification of any trip booked without a minimum 14-days’ notice to the park, must be submitted on the day it is booked. Notice may be made to the Commercial Use Office by fax or email.
Itinerary reports
Itinerary reports must be received by the Commercial Use Office by the 15th of the previous month. (Example- June itinerary due by May 15th)
Monthly Use Reports
At the end of each month that the authorized activities occur the holder must complete the Yosemite Monthly Use Report form and send completed forms to e-mail us. Accurate and timely submission of these reports is a condition of this Authorization to operate within Yosemite National Park; failure to submit monthly use reports according to the conditions of the Authorization may result in administrative fines, suspension, revocation, or non-renewal for the upcoming year.
Reports are due by the 15th of the following the activity. (Example- June monthly is due by July 15th)
For months with no activity a report will still be required, write “No Trips” in the destination.
Permit Renewal
The Holder shall give written notice of his/her intent to renew the Authorization for the next calendar year. The notification must be received by the Yosemite Commercial Use Office by December 1 of the current permit year.
The following Special Conditions (Motorcycle Tour Conditions) apply to all Motorcycle Tour Commercial Use Authorizations in Yosemite National Park and must be attached to the preceding pages listing the terms and conditions of all National Park Service Commercial Use Authorizations and all Yosemite National Park (General Conditions) Commercial Use Authorizations.
Definitions
Commercial Motorcycle Tour
For the purpose of this authorization the term “commercial motorcycle tour” or “motorcycle tour group” shall mean any type of commercial road-based tour activity involving the use of motorcycles where a paid guide/leader and or support vehicle travels with the group.
Commercial Tour
For the purpose of this authorization the term “Commercial Tour” (road-base tour) shall consist of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by a private organization or commercial business that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. (Tours involving other types of non-road-based guided activities are required to obtain a separate CUA for those activities.) (Refer to Condition #30 in Motorcycle Tour Conditions.)
Non-commercial (Private) Tour
For the purpose of this authorization the term “non-commercial tour, and/or private tour” shall mean a group that is traveling together that has created its own itinerary and where no fees beyond cost sharing are derived. The tour must be initiated and be planned by a private individual and/or group and must be operated on a not-for-profit basis. The use of commercially rented or leased motorcycles alone does not necessarily constitute a “commercial tour”. (Nonprofit tours involving guided hiking, backpacking, photography workshops or other non-road-base guided activities may be required to obtain a separate Commercial Use Authorization for those activities.) (Refer to Condition #30 in Motorcycle Tour Conditions.)
Support Vehicle
For the purpose of this authorization the term “support vehicle” shall mean a vehicle or vehicles, other than a motorcycle, used by the holder to aid the motorcyclist in carrying gear, equipment or disabled motorcycles. If the support vehicle is used to transport passengers, the holder must adhere to all State and Federal passenger transportation regulations and must pay the appropriate entrance fee.
Tour Group
Unless otherwise specified, for the purpose of this authorization the term “tour group” shall mean any group of motorcycle operators and/or their passengers, private or commercial, using any mode of commercial transportation to travel in Yosemite National Park, including support vehicles.
Commercial Vehicle Liability- (Refer to Condition #7 in Standard CUA Conditions)
Vehicle Liability: The holder shall provide comprehensive vehicle liability insurance against claims occasioned by actions or omissions of the holder in carrying out the activities and operations authorized hereunder. The holder shall provide insurance coverage based upon the largest capacity vehicle it will operate in the park. Such insurance shall be in the amount commensurate with the degree of risk and the scope and size of such activities authorized herein. All leased motorcycles must have vehicle (motorcycle) insurance coverage. Commercial support vehicle(s) must have commercial vehicle coverage of $1 million occurrence listing the United States of America as additional insured.
The holder shall provide the Superintendent with a Statement of Insurance and Certificate of Insurance at the inception of this authorization and upon renewal of insurance thereafter and shall provide the Superintendent thirty (30) days advance written notice of any material change in the holder’s insurance program hereunder.
The Superintendent will not be responsible for any omissions or inadequacies of insurance coverage and amounts if such prove to be inadequate or otherwise insufficient for any reason whatsoever.
Additional Permits
It is the responsibility of the holder to obtain any additional permits for activities not covered under this CUA. Note: Commercial bicycle tours, guided climbing, or car caravanning tours are not authorized within Yosemite National Park. For information regarding additional permits or permitted tour activities contact yose_cua@nps.gov
Entrance Fees
Company guides will not be charged the entrance fee when entering for purposes of conducting the activity authorized under this CUA. Clients who own an Interagency Annual Pass may use the pass to cover their individual fee. Interagency Annual Passes owned by the holder or employees may not be used when operating under this CUA. Passes are non-transferrable and clients using passes must be prepared to show identification as proof of ownership. Further information about the America the Beautiful pass program can be found at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.
Group Sizes Limit
Group size is limited to a maximum of forty (40) people per group, this includes motorcyclist, passengers’ guides, and support vehicle team.
Client Information
Upon request, the holder must provide names, addresses, and phone numbers of tour clientele or any other reasonable statistical information regarding authorized, permitted activities conducted within Yosemite National Park.
Guide Requirements
Guides must be the direct employees of the holder. Guides must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years old. The holder shall ensure that their guides possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to safely lead groups on park roads. Guides must understand the hazards involved in the activity and be properly trained and prepared for conditions and situations they may encounter.
Proof of Operating Authority
If transporting clients in the support vehicle for other than emergency purposes, the holder shall provide the Superintendent with proof of current operating authority from the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), for companies providing intrastate trips within California, and/or from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all companies providing interstate trips. It is the responsibility of the holder to update this office regarding any changes, updates, or additions to their carrier authority. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of this authorization until the updated information is received in this office.
Motorcycle Operator Licensing and Operation
The holder will assure that all clients and guides operating motorcycles on park roads hold valid motorcycle operator licenses recognized by the State of California.
Motorcycle Operation
The holder will assure that all motorcycles operating on park roads meet all California Vehicle Code requirements including noise limits and vehicle modifications. Motorcycle operators and passengers must wear DOT approved helmets when operating or riding a motorcycle on park roads.
Vehicle Use
Motorcycles may travel on any roadway open to the public for vehicle use. Off-road travel is prohibited.
Sweep Vehicle
The holder shall employ a sweep vehicle, using either a motorcycle or support vehicle, to provide support to clients who may require assistance.
Parking
California vehicle code applies, in addition:
Developed areas: Motorcycles and/or support vehicles may not be parked in residential areas.
Parking Lots: Motorcycles must park one vehicle to a parking space, with the exception of parking at the Mariposa Grove or Glacier Point parking lot (Refer to exception in #40.6 below).
Double parking is prohibited.
Yosemite Village: Motorcycles may not be parked in the Village Store Parking lot. When the shuttle bus system is operating clients should use the free shuttle bus to travel to locations in and around Yosemite Village, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village and The Ahwahanee Hotel.
Wayside Vistas: The holder shall ensure that motorcycles do not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic at wayside vista stops.
EXCEPTION: Mariposa Grove & Glacier Point: When open, parking spaces at the Mariposa Grove South Entrance parking lot and Glacier Point parking lot is limited; therefore, the holder may park up to two (2) motorcycles per parking space, if safe to do so. Parking may not interfere with access to adjoining parking spaces or vehicles. The parking lot may be closed intermittently when parking is unavailable.
Horsetail Fall Event: Due to the popularity of the Horsetail Fall sunset event, special event parking lanes may be designated along the roadway near the viewing area and area closures may be implemented. The holder is required to obey all traffic control notices, parking signs and area closures. Any vehicle that is parked illegally will be subject to being cited or towed at the operators’ expense. For protection of the resources in and around the viewing areas, group size for this event is limited to a maximum of 8 people including the guide when walking off paved areas or established trails. Leave No Trace principles must be adhered to.
Group Communication
Cell phone coverage can be limited in various areas of the park; therefore, the holder should have a backup method of communication between clients and guides.
Vehicle Engine Noise
All vehicles will be properly maintained to ensure that the engine noise produced is not greater than 80 decibels, as allowed by the State of California for motorcycles manufactured after 1980. Excessive engine noise from vehicles will be immediately corrected.
Glacier Point Road Restriction
Vehicles over thirty (30) feet in length and/or vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited beyond the Sentinel Dome parking area. Trailers may not be left at Sentinel Dome or along the Glacier Point Road. Trailers may be parked at the Badger Pass parking area in the first lot on the left, except during holiday weekends. During holiday weekends trailers must be parked in the north side parking lot at the Glacier Pt Rd/Hwy 41 Junction.
Hetch Hetchy Road Restriction
Vehicles or the combination of a vehicle and trailer exceeding twenty-five (25) feet and/or ninety-six (96) inches in width (including side mirrors) are prohibited on the Hetch Hetchy Road unless the holder has first received permission from the area Sub district Ranger, and the holder has a CUA and an authorized pilot vehicle.
Mariposa Grove Restriction
Visitors to the Grove must park in the Welcome Center Parking Lot. The holder may park up to 2 motorcycle per parking space (Refer to Condition #40.6 in Motorcycle Tour Conditions). From there visitors may ride the free shuttle bus to the Grove when it is in operation or hike the 4-mile round trip on the Washburn Trail. Under no circumstances may a CUA holder or their clients drive past the Welcome Center to the Lower Mariposa Grove Parking Area without express written permission from the Superintendent.
Equipment Inspection
Holder shall ensure equipment used in the authorized activity, including vehicles, is inspected to ensure that it is mechanically sound and in safe operating condition before each trip. The holder will maintain inspection documents recording: date of inspection, name of inspector, date equipment was put into service, and date of repair. Inspection documents will be made available for park staff upon request.
Guiding Conditions
Updated September 17, 2025
Commercial Filming
Commercial film and commercial photography permits, as identified and required by 36 CFR 5.5, Section 8.6.6 of National Park Service Management Policies, and Director’s Order #53, will not be approved in wilderness areas unless determined to be necessary and proper for providing educational information about wilderness uses, resources or values, or necessary for other wilderness purposes. Contact the Office of Special Park Uses for more information e-mail us
Other Additional Permits
It is the responsibility of the Holder to obtain any additional permits for activities not covered under this CUA.
Guided commercial bicycle tours, guided commercial and/or organized rock climbing or rock-climbing lessons are not activities permitted by commercial use authorization in Yosemite National Park.
Signs and Banners
The Holder is prohibited from using signs, flags, sandwich boards, or banners to designate their group when conducting activities in public areas. This does not preclude the legal display of the company name and/or logo on company vehicles as required or allowed by law or regulation.
Non-Commercial Activities
These are activities in which clients are not being guided but support the authorized activity, including scouting and training.
Require at least 14 days prior notice.
Such activities will not be authorized during holiday periods or special events.
Email requests for authorization for such activities to e-mail us
Wilderness Resupply Trips
The Holder is authorized to resupply their group in the wilderness.
The resupply agent(s) must be direct employees of the Holder, covered by workers compensation if a California business.
The Holder must notify the CUA office by email at least three business days in advance of the resupply trip listing the date, trailhead, an estimated group contact location, number of employees and whether the trip will be completed in a single day or overnight.
Single day turnaround trip: One or two employees may carry supplies to a designated location in the wilderness without a wilderness permit. Equipment designated for overnight use is not authorized to be carried. The employees much possess a copy of this CUA to show as proof of their employment with the Holder. Carrying minimal equipment for emergency overnight needs is allowed. The purpose of this trip is resupply, not portage of guest(s) personal equipment.
Overnight wilderness trip: The resupply employee(s) must have a wilderness permit in hand. The employee(s) must camp in a separate location at least ½ mile from the group if their presence will cause the group size to exceed the maximum group size of 15. The purpose of this trip is resupply, not portage of guest(s) personal equipment.
Caches
Equipment or food caches shall not be established or maintained within Yosemite National Park. All food must be properly stored per park regulations regarding bear storage. Property left unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours will be considered abandoned and may be confiscated.
Equipment Inspections
Holder shall ensure company equipment used for or by guides and/or clients in the authorized activity, including hiking and camping equipment, company operated vehicles and trailers, shall be inspected to ensure that it is mechanically sound and in safe operating condition before each trip.
Inspection documents, records of when equipment was placed in service, when equipment was inspected and/or repaired, and who inspected/repaired it, will be maintained by the Holder, and will be made available for perk inspection upon request.
Wilderness Use Permits
Are required year-round for all overnight stays in the back country. Possession of a CUA does not guarantee a Wilderness permit.
Commercial groups can apply to the weekly wilderness permit lottery up to five times. Commercial groups cannot apply to the daily lottery.
When picking up a wilderness permit at Yosemite National Park the CUA Holder (guide) must identify themselves by providing the company name and showing a copy of the signed CUA to the permit issuing staff. The wilderness permit will also require an itinerary for the trip which must be provided before the permit can be issued (this is in addition to the proposed itinerary submitted during the CUA permitting process or the monthly itinerary submitted)
Wilderness permits are subject to Yosemite’s trailhead quota system. Groups entering the park from US Forest Service (USFS) trailheads, and spend one or more nights in the Yosemite wilderness, must obtain their permit from the USFS district office overseeing that trailhead.
Permits to climb Half Dome Cables must be obtained separately from this CUA. Possession of a CUA does not guarantee a Half Dome permit.
Pre-Season Lottery
Conducted from March 1st to March 31st Annually.
Commercial groups must apply for day hiking Half Dome permit during the preseason lottery. Commercial groups cannot apply to the daily lottery.
Commercial groups are not limited in pre-season lottery applications.
Applicants are notified of results by mid- April, prior to campground reservation openings.
Selected applicants must accept the permit before the daily lottery begins.
Commercial Access and Guided Trips
Half Dome permits for day hikes are limited and must be obtained through the preseason lottery. To participate in the lottery, the CUA Holder must request a company profile be created in Recreation.gov. contact e-mail us for the form. It is the responsibility of the Holder to verify the Recreation.gov account for access before preseason window.
The Half Dome permit, with the appropriate date, must be in possession of the guide or hikers, when climbing Half Dome. The permit must be presented to the Ranger stations at the base of Sub-Dome.
Permits will only be available to groups whose trips realize the education or scenic purposes based on the Wilderness Act criteria for the authorization of commercial activities in wilderness.
The maximum commercial daily quota for half dome;
30 participants per day for educational trips.
15 participants per day for scenic trips.
Accompanying Clients with Half Dome Permits
Commercial guides may accompany clients who already hold a valid Half Dome permit. To register a guide.
Submit a request to e-mail us at least 48 hours before the trip.
Approved guides will not count toward the daily hiker quota and are added to an administrative list.
No fee will be charged for registering guides under these conditions.
Misuse of Wilderness Permits
Attempting to hike up Half Dome without a permit is a violation of park regulations and may result in the suspension or revocation of this CUA.
Half Dome permits associated with wilderness permits are not valid for day hikes to Half Dome. Obtaining a wilderness permit for the purpose of only using it for a day hike to Half Dome is a misuse of the wilderness permit and a violation of this CUA, subject to suspension or revocation.
Wilderness permits issued outside of Yosemite National Park are not valid for hiking Half Dome. If the backpacking trip begins outside of Yosemite national Park, you must apply for Half Dome Permit through the Half Dome Permit lottery.
Guide Certifications
A list of the following certifications must be sent to the Commercial Use Office for each guide leading trips in the park. The Holder is responsible for submitting updated lists as additional guides are hired or removed during the permit year.
CPR certification, with expiration date, at least one guide per group trained and currently certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR certification by either Red Cross or American Heart Association)
Basic Frist Aid, with expiration date, for day hikes on easy to moderate rated trails at least one guide must have a minimum basic first aid certificate
Wilderness First Aid, with expiration date, for strenuous day hikes or overnight trips, at least one guide is recommended to have a valid Wilderness First Responder Certification, and a minimum of a Wilderness First Aid is required.
Food Handler’s certificate, with expiration date, if food is prepared in camp.
Leave No Trace certification, with certification date.
Emergency Medical Response Requirements
Guides must carry a copy of their current certifications (CPR, WFA/WFR, etc.) and present them to any Park Ranger upon request.
The tour leader will carry and maintain a readily accessible emergency medical care kit with sufficient depth of medical supplies and equipment to meet the basic first aid needs of the group.
Guiding Entrance Fees
Company guides will not be charged the entrance fee when entering for the purpose of conducting the activity authorized under this CUA.
Clients entering the park in their personal vehicles will be charged the applicable “private vehicle” fee.
Clients traveling in Holder operated vehicle will be charged the individual fee applicable at the time of entry.
Interagency Passes
Clients who own an interagency pass may use the pass to pay their individual or private vehicle entrance fee.
Interagency passes may NOT be used by commercial companies for entry into Yosemite National Park; this is a violation of the terms of the pass and may result in the pass being confiscated.
Refer to Entrance Fees #14 in General Park Conditions for additional information.
Transportation of Clients
The holder shall not transport clients by motor vehicles within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park unless proof of Federal and/or State of California Transportation Authority (when required by law of regulation) and a valid commercial vehicle Certificate of Insurance are on file with the Commercial Use Office.
All transportation of clients must begin and end outside of the park. New passengers may not be picked up in the park.
The Holder may not transport clients inside the park unless the transportation originated from outside of the park. When the Holder transports a client into the park who has a reservation at any park lodging or campground, the Holder may return to pick up the client to transport them to the trailhead.
The primary purpose of this permit is for the Holder to conduct guided day hikes on park trails and/or to conduct overnight backpacking trips. The Holder may make stops at wayside viewing areas as an incidental activity to the authorized CUA activity, but companies planning to offer road-base sight-seeing tours must obtain a separate CUA.
Company Identification
Guides/Tour Leaders
While operating in the park, all employees must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
Visibly identify the CUA holder’s company logo or name on a shirt hat and/or name tag.
Vehicle Markings
All vehicles, including rental vehicles, must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
CUA holder’s company name. If there are several names/signs on the vehicle, the CUA holder's name must be the prominent name/sign.
If the vehicle is chartered or rented, the sign may be taped to a window inside the vehicle.
Number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and California Public Utilities Commissions (CPUC) if applicable.
Markings must appear on the exterior of both sides of the vehicle.
The letters must contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
Markings must be legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet when the vehicle is stationary.
Markings must be kept in good condition and replaced when faded, damaged, etc.
Meeting Clients Within Yosemite National Park
The Holder may not enter the park to pick up and transport clients who enter the park on their own, whether by private auto or public transportation, without prior written permission from the Superintendent. Clients entering the park on their own must use their own vehicle(s) or public transportation to access trailheads.
The Holder should select public areas such as trailheads, shuttle stops, parking lots, or visitor centers to meet clients to begin hikes.
The Holder may not use the concessioner areas as a meeting location for clients unless the clients are guests at the facility.
Client groups must not assemble in areas that block or hinder visitor access to concession facilities.
The Mountain Shop deck may not be used as a gathering location for groups.
This does not prohibit the group from using the concessioner food services, stores, or transportation services
Yosemite Valley Day Use
Organized day hike groups should avoid conducting group hiking tours in the Yosemite Valley area from El Capitan Crossover to the east end of the Valley Floor during the peak visitation period of Memorial Day Weekend through September 15
Horsetail Fall Event- Holders should visit the park website for current updates, conditions, and restrictions for Horsetail Fall Event.
The Holder is required to obey all event regulations, including traffic control and parking signs. Any vehicle that is parked illegally will be subject to being towed at the operator’s expense.
For protection of the resources in and around the viewing area, group size for this event is limited to a maximum of 8 people, including the instructor/guide when traveling off paved areas or established trails.
With the exception of the El Capitan Picnic area, no restroom facilities will be available at any of the roadside viewing areas.
All photography trips during the Horsetail Fall Event must have a Photography CUA
Group size and Guide Ratios
Groups may not merge or combine in a way that exceeds the specified size limits.
Day Hikes
Non-Wilderness Day Hikes: May have a group size of 30 individuals but are required to divide them into groups of no more than 15 with a maximum guide-to-client ratio of 1:14.
Wilderness Day Hikes (Established Trails): Group size is limited to 15 individuals, including guides. A maximum guide-to-client ratio of 1:14 applies.
Moderate to Strenuous Trails: To enhance client safety, a recommended guide-to-client ratio of 1:7 should be used.
Half Dome: A guide-to-client ratio of 1:5 applies, with a maximum group size of 6 individuals, including guides. This aligns with the Half Dome day permit lottery group size limit.
Overnight Wilderness Trips
Group size must not exceed 15 individuals, including guides. The Holder will maintain a guide-to-client ratio of 1:7 during overnight wilderness trips. E.g., A group of 15 would include 2 guides with 13 clients.
Groups exceeding permitted group size limits must separate into allowable sizes and use separate trail heads and must travel and camp a minimum of ½ mile from each other at all times.
Off-Trail Travel
For any travel occurring more than ¼ mile from established trails or roads.
Whether during day or overnight use, group size is limited to a maximum of 8 individuals, including guides.
Locations such as Mt. Hoffman, Mt. Dana, Cathedral Peak, and similar areas are classified as off-trail routes and are not part of the designated National Park Service trail system.
Trailheads
Hiking and backpacking trips will alternate use of trailheads.
Groups should avoid trailheads with high public use, such as the Mist Trail, during the peak visitation months of July and August. Alternative access to and from Yosemite Valley may be made via snow Creek Trail, Yosemite Falls Trail, and the Panorama Trail, in addition to others not listed here.
Ensure all clients have valid park entry, permits, and are included in trail quotas.
Guides must:
Have the skills and experience to safely lead trips.
Be trained for park hazards and conditions.
If the Holder does not stay with the client(s) throughout their daily activities, that client, or at least one person in their group, must be in possession of a valid Yosemite Wilderness regulation form. The Holder is responsible for the actions of its client(s) when the group is dispersed or unmonitored unless the Holder can show proof that the client has signed an acknowledgement of having received, understood, and agreed to abide by, a copy of current wilderness regulations for the area.
Camp Conduct
Camping
Camping is prohibited within one hundred feet of a trail, flowing stream, river or any body of water unless specifically designated.
Fires
Wood fires are prohibited above 9600 feet elevation.
Use only established fire rings and it must be left clean.
Only dead and down wood may be used.
All fires must be completely extinguished with no burning or burnable materials remaining.
Human Waste
In undeveloped or wilderness areas:
Disposal of human waste must be at a minimum distance of 100 feet aways from water sources, including dry creek beds, high water marks, campsites, and trails. In the Tuolumne Watershed the minimum distance increases to 300 feet.
Bury waste at least 6 inches deep in soil.
Toilet paper and personal hygiene products must be carried out.
Consent for Treatment of a Minor Client
When guiding minors who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, the guide must have in possession a Child Medical Consent Form to give consent for emergency medical examination, treatment, and transportation of the minor in case of illness or injury that may occur during activity in the park.
Fern Spring
Commercial passenger vans, minibuses, and motor coaches are prohibited from stopping at the Fern Spring turnout on Southside Drive.
Village Store Drop Off/Pick Up
Commercial passenger vans, minibuses, and motor coaches are prohibited from loading/unloading passengers, or parking, in the Village Store parking lots from May 1 through October 31.
Mariposa Grove Restrictions
Mariposa Grove Road Beyond the Welcome Plaza
Commercial vehicles may not drive beyond the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza without express written permission from the CUA Office. Such permission must be requested in writing and be received in the CUA office no less than 7 working days before the requested access. Approval of requests is not guaranteed.
When shuttles are in service (approximately April – November) guides and clients may use the ABA buses that depart from the Welcome Plaza
When shuttles are not operating (approximately December – March) the Mariposa Groves is accessed via a 4 mile round trip trail
Parking in the Main Lot
Commercial vehicles over 21’ in length MUST park in the reserved bus parking area. Parking reservations are available through Recreation.gov
Vehicles 21’ and under must park in the main lot. The gates to the main parking lot will be closed when the parking lot is full, and no vehicles will be allowed to enter until space is available.
Trailers
Commercial passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited from entering the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza unless they have a current bus parking reservation.
To park in the Welcome Plaza auto parking lot commercial passenger vehicles 21’ and under must drop off the trailer prior to entering the Welcome Plaza area.
Trailers may be dropped off in Wawona at the Bus/RV parking area located across the road from the Wawona Store or at the Wawona Rd/Glacier Point junction in the north parking lot across from the restrooms.
Glacier Point Road
Beyond Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead: Vehicles over 30 feet and/or vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited beyond the Sentinel Dome parking lot.
Buses exceeding 30’, or with a capacity of 26 passengers or more, are prohibited beyond the Badger Pass turnoff.
Hetch Hetchy Road Restrictions
Vehicles, or the combination of vehicle and trailer, exceeding 25’ and/or 96” in width (including side mirrors) are prohibited on the Hetch Hetchy Road unless the holder has first received permission from the area Sub District Ranger, and the holder has a CUA and an authorized pilot vehicle.
Trip itineraries
Operating day hikes or overnight wilderness trips without first submitting an itinerary is a violation of this authorization.
Reserved or pre-booked itineraries must be submitted a minimum of 14 days prior to the beginning of the trip.
Itinerary may only be listed by month using a separate form for each month. Do NOT list multiple months on a form UNLESS the trip begins and ends in different months (i.e., May 29 – June 3 would be reported on the May report)
Notification of any trip booked without a minimum 14-day notice to the park must be submitted the day it is booked.
The itinerary must be submitted using the “Itinerary and Monthly Use Report” form included with this authorization. Complete the header of the form with the company name, month, type of report (itinerary or monthly report) and contact information for correct attribution.
The itinerary must provide a schedule of planned trips (both day use and overnight wilderness use). If no trips are planned, write “no trips” in the destination section.
Timely submission of these reports is a condition of this authorization to operate in Yosemite National Park; failure to submit reports, according to the conditions of the Authorization may result in administrative fines, suspension, revocation, or denial of future authorizations.
Companies operating trips in the park during periods of suspension of the CUA will be cited and their request for future permits may be denied.
Monthly Use Reports
At the end of each month, the Holder must complete the Yosemite Monthly Use form, provided with the authorization.
Reports are due by the 15th of the month following the activity (Activity in March, would be due by April 15).
The Monthly Report must be submitted using the form provided by Yosemite National Park. Complete the header of the form with the company name, month, and type of report (itinerary or monthly report) and contact information to ensure correct attribution.
Groups hiking to the top of Half Dome will note that use in the Half Dome section of the report form.
The Holder will use this form to report previously reported trips (itinerary) that are cancelled by entering ‘cancelled” in the number of clients.
For months when a report is required, but no trips occurred, write “No Trips” in the destination section.
Companies conducting hiking or backpacking trips only in Spring and Summer must submit reports for the months of May through October. Companies conducting only Fall and Winter trips must submit reports November through April. This is required whether or not trips occur in every month of those seasons. If trips are conducted in both seasons, then reports are required each month of the year.
Timely submission of these reports is a condition of this authorization to operate within Yosemite National Park. Failure to submit monthly use reports according to the conditions of the authorization may result in administrative fines, suspension, revocation, or denial of a CUA in the upcoming year.
Companies operating trips in the park during periods of suspension will be cited and their request for future permits may be denied.
Stock Support Trips
Any pack stock company hired by a valid Yosemite National Park CUA Holder to support a trip must also have a valid Yosemite CUA. A list of valid Stock CUA companies is available from the Commercial Use Office.
The CUA Holder initiating the trip will be considered the “Primary CUA Holder” for the trip.
The Primary CUA Holder will report the name of the pack stock company used and number of stock handlers (packers) as part of the total group size on the monthly use report.
Group size may not exceed 15 people, including the stock handlers (packers).
The pack stock company will be responsible for reporting the number of pack stock used and the name of the company supported on their monthly use report.
Photography Instruction
Definitions
Art Activity
For the purposes of this Authorization the term “Art Activity” will refer to modes of painting, sketching, or drawing pictures using oil paints, watercolors, ink, pencil, chalk, or charcoal.
Front Country
For the purposes of this Authorization the term “front country” is defined as those areas and trails outside of developed areas and not in wilderness.
Photography Workshop
For the purposes of this authorization the term “Photography workshop” shall mean commercial photography instruction conducted for private, non-commercial clients. (Photography conducted for the purpose of commercial sales or advertisement may require a Special Use Permit.
Purpose of this Authorization
The purpose of this Authorization is art and photography instruction. Hiking is incidental to this activity. Overnight camping is not permitted under this Authorization.
Commercial Photography
The holder is prohibited from conducting commercial filming or photography activities for the purpose of commercial resale under this authorization. Commercial filming and photography are regulated under a separate permit which can be obtained by contacting Office of Special Park Uses at e-mail us
Use of Models
The primary purpose of this CUA is to authorize scenic photography and art instruction.
The holder may not use models in outdoor locations without prior written permission from the superintendent.
The use of non-costumed workshop participants as a model for the purpose of assisting in a lesson is authorized.
Minimum Impact
The holder must use minimum impact techniques when conducting photography or art activities along trails, in and around meadows, rivers, streams, and other sensitive areas.
The holder may only use hand-carried equipment (tripods, interchangeable lenses, or flash). Wheeled carts of any kind may not be used to carry supplies or equipment in wilderness areas.
The holder is prohibited from using generations, artificial lighting, commercial film equipment, props, sets, or audio devices in outdoor settings in the park.
Strobe lights and/or camera flash modules may not be used in outdoor, nighttime setting, or other conditions where park wildlife may be disturbed.
Collodion Photography
Transportation and Handling of Collodion Photo Plate Development Chemicals
The holder must carry a copy of the material Safety Data Sheets for all processing chemicals transported and used in the park for the authorized activity.
All chemicals must be contained within sealed containers when being transported within the park.
All chemicals, including rinse water, shall be contained and removed from the park. Rinse water may not be poured out on the ground, into creeks, creek beds, rivers, or lakes.
All chemicals must be kept out of park meadows. Processing may only occur in developed hard pack areas, such as dirt turnout and paved parking lots.
The holder must supply and use containers to catch and contain all chemicals.
The holder must use protective, spill proof drop cloths in areas where chemicals might be spilled.
The holder must carry absorbent material to use in the cleanup of a chemical spill that occurs onto soil or an area that might contaminate local water ways or sources.
Chemicals must be kept at least one hundred (100) yards from any natural water source or dry creek bed. This limit does not pertain to those areas located near public parking areas and roadways.
In the case of glass from a broken photo plate, the holder must take care to remove all glass pieces from the area to avoid injury to other park visitors or animals.
Removal of Contaminated Materials
All items and chemicals used by the holder in producing and developing the tin-type photo plates in the field must be transported out of the park by the holder. This includes trash and contaminated items.
Road-Based Tour Conditions
Updated November 19, 2025
The following Special Conditions (Road-Based Tour Conditions) apply to all Road- Based Tour Commercial Use Authorizations in Yosemite National Park and must be attached to the preceding pages listing the terms and conditions of all National Park Service Commercial Use Authorizations and all Yosemite National Park (General Conditions) Commercial Use Authorizations.
Vehicle Markings
All vehicles, including rental vehicles, must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
CUA holder’s company name. If there are several names/signs on the vehicle, the CUA holder's name must be the prominent name/sign.
If the vehicle is chartered or rented, the sign may be taped to a window inside the vehicle.
Number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and or/ California PUC, if applicable.
Markings must appear on the exterior of both sides of the vehicle.
The letters must contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
Markings must be legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet when the vehicle is stationary.
Markings must be kept in good condition and replaced when faded, damaged, etc.
Additional Permits
The commercial tour operator is required to obtain a separate Commercial Use Authorization to conduct any of the following activities: guided hiking, guided fishing, guided backpacking, guided snow shoeing, guided cross-country skiing, photography workshops, art workshops or step on guiding. Note: Commercial bicycle tours, guided climbing are not authorized within Yosemite National Park. For information regarding additional authorized tour activities in Yosemite National Park email the Commercial Use Office.
Road-Based Fees
Interagency passes may not be used for commercial road-based tours. Fees are based on seating capacity, not occupancy. The seating capacity is determined by the original vehicle capacity as designed by the manufacturer, not on the number of passengers or the passenger capacity after any subsequent retrofitting, such as the removal of seats. Passenger capacity excludes the driver. For a group making a multiple day visit to Yosemite the entrance fee entitles the same group in the same commercial passenger vehicle to enter for up to seven consecutive days for the one entrance fee.
Out-of-Park Business
All tours and passenger transportation service must begin and end outside of Yosemite National Park. A transportation service may enter the park to conduct road-based sightseeing tours and drop off their passengers at park lodging, then exit and return to pick up the same group within the 7 days allowed by the entrance fee receipt. This CUA does not authorize the holder to pick up new clients inside of the park. (The park concessioner, Yosemite Hospitality, is the only company authorized to sell and/or begin road-based sightseeing tours within Yosemite National Park).
Winter Driving Tire Chains (tire traction device)
When entering active chain control areas within Yosemite National Park the following conditions must be met: the holder’s vehicle(s) must be equipped with Caltrans approved traction control devices; drivers must be trained in how to install tire traction devices and driving in winter conditions; chains must be installed at the first safe turnout nearest to the active chain control sign. When chain control signs are “Active” Vehicles with an unladen weight over 6,000 pounds (6,500 lbs. for four-wheel drive) must use approved tire traction devices when restriction level 1 (R-1, Chains or snow tires required) or greater exist. Note: In the event that conditions require the use of metal link chain traction control devices, cable chains will not be allowed. (For road conditions in Yosemite National Park call (209) 372-0200 press 1, and 1.)
Passenger Unloading & Bus Parking Locations
CUA holders operating vehicles over 21 feet in length must use designated passenger loading/unloading zones and bus parking areas. The holder must follow instructions from Park Rangers and/or NPS Traffic Managers regarding loading/unloading passengers and bus parking. Loading or unloading or passengers onto roadways, in driveways or handicapped parking stalls is prohibited.
Big Oak Flat Information Station: (Hwy 120, west entrance)
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Buses are prohibited in the Big Oak Flat Information Station parking area.
Parking: Buses transporting passengers with reservations at the Hodgdon Meadow Campground group campsites must email the Commercial Use Office for written permission to park overnight in the large vehicle parking space located along the island on the right side of the Big Oak Flat Road, near the Visitor Information parking lot. Commercial vehicles parked in the large vehicle parking space without written permission may be cited. Buses may not enter or park in the auto-parking section.
Tuolumne Grove Parking Area
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may not park or unload passengers in the auto designated parking lots. Passengers must be unloaded in the designated passenger unloading area. Passengers must walk to the bus parking area to board the bus for departure. It is the responsibility of the holder to collect all passengers before leaving the area. Overdue passengers must not be left behind.
Parking: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may only park in the designated bus parking area.
Tuolumne Meadows Area
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may not drive on the Soda Springs Road or enter the Lembert Dome parking lot without prior written authorization from the CUA office
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet may park and off-load passengers at the following locations when parking is available:
Tuolumne Visitor Center parking lot
Olmsted Point scenic vista
Tenaya Lake eastside parking lot
Cascade Falls/Picnic Area Parking Lot: (Located on the north side of Hwy 140, 3 miles east of the Arch Rock Entrance Station)
There is no designated bus parking at this location and may only be parked in the oversized parking space and may not block auto spaces. Parking for vehicles over 21 feet is limited to 20 minutes.
Yosemite Valley
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: all commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must drop off their passengers at the Yosemite Falls Day Use Bus Parking area located at the west side of the Yosemite Valley Lodge (This zone is shared with Shuttle Stop #7)
Parking: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must be parked in the Yosemite Falls bus parking lot. After unloading passengers, commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may not be used by drivers for personal transportation within the areas serviced by the Yosemite Valley Shuttlebus System.
Bridalveil Falls Parking Lot
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Bridalveil Fall parking lot. Bus passengers may access Bridalveil Fall from Bridalveil Straight. When transporting clients with a valid Special Use Permit, commercial passenger vehicles up to 30 feet in length may, prior to the trip, request written authorization from the Park Superintendent to unload or load clients in this lot. Email the Commercial Use Office for information.
Swinging Bridge Parking Lot
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Swinging Bridge parking lot.
Village Store
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Village Store parking lots. Commercial passenger vans (vehicles with seating capacity of 7-15 seats) are prohibited from entering the Village Store parking lots from May 1st through October 31st
Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
Exception to Condition #6.5 under the following conditions: The holder’s clients must have a confirmed reservation at any Valley Campground.
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: For commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length, prior to arrival in the park, the bus operator must contact the Park Campground Manager at 209-347-6813 for permission and instructions on where to off-load and/or load groups staying in Valley campgrounds. The following campground specific conditions apply:
Upper Pines Campground: The bus may drive the one-way Happy Isles Shuttle Bus Road. The driver must yield to park shuttle buses, and share the road with bicyclists, pedestrians, and horses. The bus must not block shuttle bus access. When loading or unloading only; the bus must be parked on the left side of the road, at a location close to the group’s campsites. The bus may not drive off the road or to the campsite. (The group must transport any gear on foot from the road to their sites.) After passengers have unloaded the driver must continue slowly (25 mph max) in the one-way direction around the shuttle bus loop exiting near the Valley Stables. The driver may not pass any shuttle bus, exiting the shuttle bus road. The driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
North Pines & Lower Pines Campgrounds: The bus driver is authorized to stop at the Pines Campground Shuttle Stop (#18), located near the entrance to the campground, to off-load passengers and equipment. The bus may not drive off the road or to the campsite. (The group must transport any gear on foot from the shuttle stop to their sites.) The bus may not stop for longer than 15 minutes and must not interfere with park shuttlebus operations. The bus may not block the entrance to the campground. After dropping off passengers and equipment the driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
Parking: Vehicles over 21 feet in length must park at the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area.
The Ahwahnee
Exception to Condition #6.5 under the following conditions: Reservations Required.
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length transporting groups that have room or meal reservations at The Ahwahnee Hotel may drive to the hotel shuttle bus stop to off-load or load their passengers. The driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park. Drivers may be cited if they block the hotel shuttle bus stop for longer than five (5) minutes. Pick up time and location for overnight hotel guests and their luggage should be arranged with the hotel bellman. Passengers should be instructed to be at the boarding area at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the bus’s scheduled arrival.
Parking: Buses over 21 feet in length must either park at the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
Curry Village
Exception to Condition #6.5 under the following conditions: Reservations Required.
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length transporting groups that have lodging or meal reservations at Curry Village may drive to the Curry Village Tour Deck bus stop to off-load passengers and their baggage. Because this location is shared by the concessioner tour vehicles and YARTS, the holder may be cited if their vehicle blocks the bus stop for longer than fifteen (15) minutes. Passengers with meal reservations only must be directed to take the park shuttle bus to shuttle stop #7 at the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area to board their bus. The holder is authorized to drive to Curry Village to pick up overnight lodging guests and their luggage. Passengers must be instructed to be at the Curry Village Tour Desk area at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the bus’s scheduled arrival.
Parking: Buses over 21 feet in length must either park at the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
School Buses and Yosemite Nature Bridge School Groups: Buses transporting school groups and Yosemite Nature Bridge groups to their lodgings at Curry Village should contact the Traffic Management Office (209-372-0600) for information regarding passenger drop-off and bus parking.
Wawona Hotel
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Buses must not enter the Wawona Hotel driveway loop unless the group has meal or lodging reservations. Buses without reservations must unload passengers at the designated Bus/RV parking area across from the Wawona Store; the driver will direct passengers to walk to the hotel.
Parking: The driveway to the Wawona Hotel is designated for private auto parking only. Drivers must park in the Bus/RV parking lot across from the Wawona Store.
Commercial passenger vehicles 21 feet in length or shorter are permitted to park and unload in the designated Bus/ RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41).
Wawona Store and Yosemite History Center
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: When visiting the Pioneer History Center or Wawona Store, drivers of commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may use the Wawona YARTS stop outside of the hours of 7:00 am to 11:00 am for loading and offloading passengers only. Passengers should be instructed to be at the boarding area at least fifteen prior to the buses arrival to pick up the group. Drivers may be cited if they block the Wawona YARTS bus stop for longer than five (5) minutes. Vehicles 21 feet in length or shorter may not enter the Wawona YARTS stop at any time. Between the hours of 7:00 am and 11:00 am vehicles over 21 feet in length must park and off load passengers in the designated Bus/RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41). Passengers must be directed to use the pedestrian crosswalk. When snow and ice hinder the use of the Bus/RV parking lot or Wawona YARTS bus stop, buses may off load/load passenger and park in the Wawona Store parking lot but must not be parked in travel lanes or along Forest Drive.
Parking: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from parking in the Pioneer History Center parking lot, the Wawona Store parking lot or Wawona YARTS stop. When visiting the Pioneer History Center, Wawona Store or staying at the Wawona Hotel, commercial passenger buses over 21 feet in length must be parked in the designated Bus/RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41). Parking along Forrest Drive is prohibited at all times.
Commercial passenger vehicles 21 feet in length or shorter are permitted to park and unload in the designated Bus/ RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41).
Mariposa Grove Bus Parking Area
During peak visitation ABA shuttles are available from the Welcome Plaza to Mariposa Grove. Commercial guides and clients should use these shuttles. If the CUA holder believes a client’s needs require further accommodation, email the Commercial Use Office. To allow sufficient time to process this request, it must be received no less than seven working days before the requested date of access. Approval of requests is not guaranteed. When a request is submitted, the following information must be included:Date and time of requested access
Size and type of vehicle
Private or commercial vehicle
Number of people in the group, and number of people needing the further accommodation
Circumstances requiring the further accommodation.
Vehicles over 21 feet in length must have a reservation to enter the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, to drop off passengers and park. Reservations must be obtained at least 1 day prior to arrival through Recreation.gov and a copy of the reservation must be shown to Traffic Management prior to parking. Vehicles over 21 feet in length without a valid reservation will not be permitted to enter the plaza, unload passengers, or park. Reservations are not required for vehicles up to 21 feet in length.
Passenger Unloading/ Loading
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must use the designated commercial bus loading and unloading zone at the shuttle bus transit hub to unload passengers. After unloading passengers, the vehicle must proceed to the designated bus parking lot. The vehicle must return to the designated commercial bus loading and unloading zone at the shuttle bus transit hub to load passengers. Passengers may not be unloaded or loaded in the bus parking lot.
Commercial passenger vehicles up to 21 feet in length must unload passengers in the Welcome Plaza parking lot. Passengers must not be unloaded or loaded in the designated utility parking or striped zone near the restrooms. Passengers must not be loaded or unloaded along the Wawona Road.
Parking:
Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length with a valid reservation, after unloading passengers, must park in the designated bus parking lot west of the shuttle bus transit hub. Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are restricted from parking in the Welcome Plaza parking lot.
Commercial passenger vehicles up to 21 feet in length, may park in the Welcome Plaza parking lot as directed by Traffic Management staff. Commercial vehicles must not park in RV/Oversized vehicle parking spaces. When parking is full the parking lot will be temporarily closed to all vehicles.
Commercial passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited from entering the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza unless they have a current bus parking reservation. To park in the Welcome Plaza auto parking lot commercial passenger vehicle up to 21 feet in length must drop off the trailer prior to entering the Welcome Plaza. Trailers may be dropped off at the following locations:
In Wawona at the Bus/RV parking area located across the road from the Wawona Store.
At the Wawona Road/Glacier Point Road junction, in the north side parking lot across from the restrooms.Drivers of larger vehicles up to 21 feet in length must back into the parking space when possible and must fold in view mirrors towards vehicle.
Scenic View Stops (Limited)
The availability of parking in these areas is limited. Commercial passenger vehicles must not block traffic lanes or interfere with the free flow of traffic along roadways or in parking lots. Commercial passenger vehicles traveling through Yosemite Valley are limited to the use of the following locations:
Tunnel View: (Wawona Road/Hwy 41) Commercial passenger vehicles may only enter the Tunnel View parking lot if parking is available. Vehicles over 21 feet may only park in the designated bus parking spaces. Vehicles are prohibited from stopping, parking, or unloading passengers when parking spaces are unavailable.
Bridalveil Straight: (Bridalveil Fall and El Capitan viewing area). When space is available, passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must park on the right side of the one-way road (Southside Drive, eastbound). Parking over the white hash marks is prohibited. The holder shall not off-load or allow passengers to walk into traffic lanes. Passengers must use crosswalks when crossing the road.
Sentinel Bridge: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Sentinel Bridge parking lot. (Vehicles over 30 feet are prohibited from driving on Sentinel Bridge.)
Devil’s Elbow: (Westbound, Northside Drive) The holder is authorized to park only one bus at a time at this location. Park in dirt parking area on the right side of the road leaving Yosemite Valley and ¼ mile before El Capitan Meadow. Commercial passenger vehicles must not park in, or block, the designated shuttle bus stop area.
El Capitan (Meadow) Straight: (Westbound, Northside Drive) Park on left side of roadway in the designated parking area. Do not park on or over white hash marks. Do not allow passengers to be off-loaded into or walk into traffic lanes. Passengers must not be allowed to walk in fenced off areas.
Bridalveil View: (Westbound, Northside Drive) The holder is authorized to park only one bus at a time at this location. When space is available, mini-buses and motorcoaches should try to use the parking lane on the left side of the one-way road. Do not park on or over the white hash marks. Do not allow passengers to be off-loaded into or walk in traffic lanes.
Valley View: (Westbound, Northside Drive in the paved parking area on the left side of the road, exiting Yosemite Valley, and prior to the Hwy 41/140 split). Only one commercial bus is allowed to stop at this location at a time. Commercial passenger vehicles may not block automobile parking spaces.
Fern Spring: Is prohibited from stopping at the Fern Spring turnout located on Southside drive.
Length, Size & Weight Limits
Commercial passenger carrying vehicles exceeding forty-five (45) feet in length or 102 inches in width are prohibited within Yosemite National Park. During periods when the road base of specific park roads is saturated, a weight restriction for vehicles will be signed and enforced. Additional size or weight restrictions may be added for any park roadway when deemed necessary by the Superintendent. Road specific restrictions are as follows:
Hwy 140, El Portal Road: On Highway 140, within Yosemite National Park: commercial passenger carrying vehicles exceeding twelve (12) feet six (6) inches in height are prohibited.
Hetch Hetchy Road: Vehicles, or the combination of vehicle and trailer, exceeding 25’ and/or 96” in width (including side mirrors) are prohibited on the Hetch Hetchy Road unless the holder has first received permission from the area Sub District Ranger, and the holder has a CUA and an authorized pilot vehicle.
Mariposa Grove Road: Commercial vehicles may not drive beyond the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza without express written permission from the Superintendent. During the shuttle season (approx. April-November) guides and clients may use the ABA buses that depart from the Welcome Center. During the shoulder seasons (approx. December- March) the Mariposa Grove is accessed via a 4-mile trail. (For vehicles over 21 feet in length Refer to Condition #6.16 in Road-Based Tours Conditions)
Glacier Point Road: Due to the narrow road conditions, vehicles over 30 feet in length are prohibited from driving on the Glacier Point Road unless authorized by the Superintendent in writing or during the Winter Exception period (Refer to Condition #5 in Road-Based Tour Conditions).
Winter exception: Buses may drive to the Badger Pass Ski Area when the facility is open to the public for winter operations. Drivers must adhere to winter driving regulations including any active chain control restrictions.
Vehicles towing trailers are prohibited beyond Sentinel Dome/ Taft Point trailhead. Trailers may not be left at Sentinel Dome. Trailers may be parked in the Glacier Point/Wawona Road Junction in the north side of the parking lot.
Glacier Point Parking Area
Due to the limited parking the following exceptions apply:
Overflow Parking: In the event that there is no available parking at the Glacier Point parking lot, commercial passenger vehicles must park at Washburn Point while drivers wait for their group. Passengers must be picked up in the upper Glacier Point parking lot in the bus parking area. Traffic may be diverted to a satellite parking area at Badger Pass Ski and Snowboard Area during periods of heavy traffic at Glacier Point.
Mini-Buses (vehicles with a capacity of 16-25) must park within the designated bus parking lanes located at the upper parking lot and may not park in a manner that impedes traffic flow or block individual vehicle parking spaces.
Commercial passenger vehicles are prohibited from using the designated passenger unloading area except for loading or off-loading persons with mobility impairments. This area is reserved for concessioner buses and emergency vehicles. Commercial vehicles may be cited for stopping in this area for longer than 5 minutes or obstructing concessioner or emergency vehicles.
Unloading Passengers at Park Entrance Stations
Drivers are prohibited from allowing passengers to exit the vehicle while approaching or stopped at the entrance station. Drivers/guides of commercial passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of more than 15 passengers are prohibited from allowing passengers to use the entrance station restrooms.
Restroom Facilities
Under no circumstances will the holder allow clients to dispose of human bodily waste anywhere except in approved restroom facilities. Due to limited facilities, parking and health and safety regulations the following restrictions apply:
All Park Entrance Station restrooms (Hwy 140-Arch Rock; Hwy 41-South Entrance; Hwy 120W-Big Oak Flat; Hwy 120E-Tioga Pass). Vehicles with a seating capacity of more than 15 passengers are prohibited from using the entrance station restrooms.
Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza restrooms are available only for commercial passenger vehicles that are authorized to park here. Vehicles over 21 feet in length must have a reservation to enter the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (Refer to Condition # 6.16 in Road-Based Tours Conditions)
Swinging Bridge picnic area restrooms Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from using the Swinging Bridge picnic area restrooms.
The El Portal Market (no public restrooms available)
The El Portal Chevron Station (restrooms are too small to accommodate large groups)
Violators will be held responsible for all costs associated with pumping septic tanks, cleaning restroom facilities, and resource damage mitigation.
Larger groups may use the following restroom facilities:
Wawona Rd-Hwy 41
Chinquapin/Glacier Point Rd. Junction
Mariposa Grove parking lot (vehicles over 21 feet must have reservation)
Tioga Road-Hwy 120 East
Tenaya Lake, East Beach parking area
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
Yosemite Valley:
Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area
Yosemite Falls Picnic area
Yosemite Exploration Center
Yosemite Village/Degnan’s Kitchen
Yosemite Valley Welcome Center
Picnic Area Restrictions
The holder must not allow passengers to use the shuttle bus bench areas for picnicking. These areas are for shuttle bus passenger loading and unloading only.
Unless authorized by the Superintendent in writing, commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from using the following picnic areas:
Swinging Bridge (Yosemite Valley, along Southside Drive near the Yosemite Chapel)
Cathedral Beach (Yosemite Valley, along Southside Drive, near El Capitan Crossover)
Sentinel Beach (Yosemite Valley, along Southside Drive, near the 4 Mile Trailhead)
Yosemite Creek (Tioga Road)
Murphy Creek (Tenaya Lake)
Contact Information
The holder will email the Commercial Use Office of any changes to contact information including: contact name, email, mail, phone during the term of the CUA (through January 31, 2027).
Point-To-Point Transportation Conditions
Updated November 25, 2025
The following Special Conditions (Point-To-Point Tour Conditions) apply to all Point-To-Point Tour Commercial Use Authorizations in Yosemite National Park and must be attached to the preceding pages listing the terms and conditions of all National Park Service Commercial Use Authorizations and all Yosemite National Park (General Conditions) Commercial Use Authorizations.
Definition
This Point-to-Point Transportation service must be conducted separately from any other CUA activities. Point-to-Point Transportation clients and sightseeing tour clients may not be transported together. A separate permit is required to conduct Road-based or Guiding Commercial Tours. Transportation through the park with both pick up and drop off locations outside park boundaries is not permitted.
Company Identification
Guides/Tour Leaders
While operating in the park, all employees must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
Visibly identify the CUA holder’s company logo or name on a shirt and/or hat.
The company name or logo must be clearly and easily visible.
If wearing multiple logos, the CUA holder's name must be the prominent logo.
Vehicle Markings
All vehicles, including rental vehicles, must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:
CUA holder’s company name. If there are several names/signs on the vehicle, the CUA holder's name must be the prominent name/sign.
If the vehicle is chartered or rented, the sign may be taped to a window inside the vehicle.
Number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if applicable.
Markings must appear on the exterior of both sides of the vehicle.
The letters must contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
Markings must be legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet when the vehicle is stationary.
Markings must be kept in good condition and replaced when faded, damaged, etc.
Additional Permits
A separate Commercial Use Authorization is required to conduct any of the following activities: road-based commercial tours, guided interpretive tours, guided hiking-backpacking/ Nortic, guided fishing, photography instruction or step on guiding. Note: Commercial bicycle tours, guided climbing, or vehicle caravanning tours are not authorized within Yosemite National Park. For information regarding additional authorized tour activities in Yosemite National Park look online at Opportunities- Commercial Use Authorization or email the Commercial Use Office.
Transportation (Point-to-Point) Entrance Fees
Company guides will not be charged the entrance fee when entering for purposes of conducting the activity authorized under a Guiding CUA.
Clients entering the park in their personal vehicles will be charged the applicable “private vehicle” entrance fee rate.
Clients travelling in a holder operated vehicle will be charged the individual fee applicable at the time of entry.
Interagency Annual Passes may not be used by commercial companies for entry into Yosemite National Park. The passes may only be used by private individuals. Further information about the America the Beautiful pass program is available at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.
Clients who own an Interagency Annual Pass may use the pass to cover their individual fee or their private vehicle entrance fee.
Shuttle Service
Operating a scheduled shuttle service route inside the park is not authorized.
Taxi Service
All transportation of passengers must be prearranged prior to the taxi entering the park. Unscheduled clients may not be picked up inside the park.
Waybill
When entering the park, the driver must carry a completed copy of the Waybill form prior to entrance. The waybill must be available upon request by any ranger. (A copy of the form will be supplied by the Commercial Use Office).
Client Drop off/Pick up-
When entering the park to drop off or pick up clients the driver must drive directly to the prearranged location without stopping at any additional locations. The driver must exit the park directly after completing the authorized transportation service listed on the Waybill.
Exception: The driver may park and wait for the client when the purpose of the transportation is to attend a special event such as a wedding, concert, or play, or to have a meal at a park restaurant.
Proof of Operating Authority
The holder shall provide the Superintendent with proof of current passenger transportation operating authority from the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), either a Transportation Charter Party authority or a Transportation Network Company authority. Taxis must provide a copy of their taxi license, or business license if taxi licenses are not issued by their city or county. It is the responsibility of the holder to update this office regarding any changes, updates, or additions to their carrier authority. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of this Authorization.
Offloading Passengers
Drivers must not stop anywhere the vehicle cannot be parked safely off the road and/or where passengers cannot safely exit the vehicle away from traffic. Loading or unloading of passengers onto roadways, in driveways or accessible parking stalls is prohibited.
Scenic View Stops
This CUA does not authorize sightseeing tour service. Stops for this purpose are prohibited.
Designated Drop-off Locations
The National Park Service reserves the right to specify in-park drop off and pick up locations for use by the holder. Use of Official Shuttle Stops - The holder may not schedule pick up or drop off clients at officially designated shuttle bus stops during YARTS or Hiker Shuttle scheduled times. It is the holder’s responsibility to check the appropriate online sites for time schedules. Valley shuttle bus stops may not be used for pick up or drop off of clients at any time.
Length, Size & Weight Limits
Hwy 140, El Portal Road - On Highway 140, within Yosemite NP, commercial passenger carrying vehicles. Exceeding twelve (12) feet six (6) inches in height, and/or 102 inches in width are prohibited.
Hetch Hetchy Road - Vehicles and combination of vehicles over 25 feet in length, and 8 feet wide are prohibited on the Hetch Hetchy Road. Glacier Point Road - Vehicles over 30 feet in length are prohibited from driving on the Glacier Point Road, except to access the Badger Pass Ski Area when open to the public during winter operations. Vehicles towing trailers are prohibited from driving beyond the Sentinel Dome parking lot.
Mariposa Grove Access Road – Commercial vehicles may not under any circumstances drive beyond the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center without express written permission from the CUA office.
Passenger Bus Unloading Locations
CUA holders operating vehicles over 21 feet in length must use designated passenger loading/unloading zones and bus parking areas. The holder must follow instructions from Park Rangers and/or NPS Traffic Managers regarding loading/unloading passengers and bus parking. Loading or unloading or passengers onto roadways, in driveways or handicapped parking stalls is prohibited.
Big Oak Flat Information Station- (Hwy 120, west entrance)
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Buses are prohibited in the Big Oak Flat Information Station parking area. Buses transporting passengers with reservations at the Hodgdon Meadow Campground group campsites must contact the Commercial Use Office for written permission to park overnight in the large vehicle parking space located along the island on the right side of the Big Oak Flat Road, near the Visitor Information parking lot. Commercial vehicles parked in the large vehicle parking space without written permission may be cited. Buses may not enter or park in the auto parking section.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: all commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must drop off their passengers at the Yosemite Falls Day Use Bus Parking area located at the west side of the Yosemite Valley Lodge (This zone is shared with Shuttle Stop #7).
Yosemite Valley Campgrounds:
The holder’s clients must have a confirmed reservation at any Valley Campground.
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: For commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length, prior to arrival in the park, the bus operator must contact the Park Campground Manager at 209-347-6813 for permission and instructions on where to off-load and/or load groups staying in Valley campgrounds. The following campground specific conditions apply:\
Upper Pines Campground: The bus may drive the one-way Happy Isles Shuttle Bus Road. The driver must yield to park shuttle buses, and share the road with bicyclists, pedestrians, and horses. The bus must not block shuttle bus access. When loading or unloading only; the bus must be parked on the left side of the road, at a location close to the group’s campsites. The bus may not drive off the road or to the campsite. (The group must transport any gear on foot from the road to their sites.) After passengers have unloaded the driver must continue slowly (25 mph max) in the one-way direction around the shuttle bus loop exiting near the Valley Stables. The driver may not pass any shuttle bus, exiting the shuttle bus road. The driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
North Pines & Lower Pines Campgrounds: The bus driver is authorized to stop at the Pines Campground Shuttle Stop (#18), located near the entrance to the campground, to off-load passengers and equipment. The bus may not drive off the road or to the campsite. (The group must transport any gear on foot from the shuttle stop to their sites.) The bus may not stop for longer than 15 minutes and must not interfere with park shuttlebus operations. The bus may not block the entrance to the campground. After dropping off passengers and equipment the driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
The Ahwahnee
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length transporting groups that have room or meal reservations at The Ahwahnee Hotel may drive to the hotel shuttle bus stop to off-load or load their passengers. The driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park. Drivers may be cited if they block the hotel shuttle bus stop for longer than five (5) minutes. Pick up time and location for overnight hotel guests and their luggage should be arranged with the hotel bellman. Passengers should be instructed to be at the boarding area at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the bus’s scheduled arrival.
Curry Village - Reservations Required.
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length transporting groups that have lodging or meal reservations at Curry Village may drive to the Curry Village Tour Deck bus stop to off-load passengers and their baggage. Because this location is shared by the concessioner tour vehicles and YARTS, the holder may be cited if their vehicle blocks the bus stop for longer than fifteen (15) minutes. Passengers with meal reservations only must be directed to take the park shuttle bus to shuttle stop #7 at the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area to board their bus. The holder is authorized to drive to Curry Village to pick up overnight lodging guests and their luggage. Passengers must be instructed to be at the Curry Village Tour Desk area at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the bus’s scheduled arrival.
School Buses and Yosemite Nature Bridge School Groups: Buses transporting school groups and Yosemite Nature Bridge groups to their lodgings at Curry Village should contact the Traffic Management Office (209-372-0600) for information regarding passenger drop-off and bus parking.
Wawona Hotel
Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Buses must not enter the Wawona Hotel driveway loop unless the group has meal or lodging reservations. Buses without reservations must unload passengers at the designated Bus/RV parking area across from the Wawona Store; the driver will direct passengers to walk to the hotel.
Winter Driving/Tire Chains (tire traction device)
When entering active chain control areas within Yosemite National Park the following conditions must be met: the holder’s vehicle(s) must be equipped with Caltrans approved traction control devices; drivers must be trained in how to install tire traction devices and driving in winter conditions; chains must be installed at the first safe turnout nearest to the active chain control sign. When chain control signs are “Active” Vehicles with an unladen weight over 6,000 pounds (6,500 lbs. for four-wheel drive) must use approved tire traction devices when restriction level 1 (R-1, Chains or snow tires required) or greater exist. Note: In the event that conditions require the use of metal link chain traction control devices, cable chains will not be allowed. For road and weather information inside of Yosemite call (209) 372-0200.
Monthly Report
The holder must complete the Monthly Summary Report form for each month the service occurs in the park. The form is due by the 15th day of the month following the activity (a copy of the form will be supplied by the Commercial Use Office and may be emailed to the Commercial Use Office).
Additional Information
Commercial Use Authorization Suspension, Restriction, Revocation, and Application Denial Policy 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.
Please note, this is not a comprehensive list. This list only shows CUA holders that chose to be included in the directory. If you are representing a CUA holder that spots an error, please contact the CUA office.
