THESE CONDITIONS ARE APPLICABLE TO ALL AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES OR AREAS LISTED ON THIS AUTHORIZATION. 

In Addition to the Standard Conditions of this Authorization above, CUA holders operating in Grand Canyon National Park must comply with the following conditions: 

1. All pages of this authorization must be carried and available for inspection by the holder and its employees at all times while operating within Grand Canyon National Park. Failure to carry all pages is a violation of terms and conditions of this authorization. The first page of the CUA must be a paper/hard copy; the remaining pages may be digital. 

2. All CUA holders must show a printed/hard copy first page of this authorization to the entrance station ranger upon arrival to the park.

3. Fees: 

   1. Park Entrance Fees: Entrance fees are required. A valid entrance receipt must be present at all times and available upon request.  Payment of entrance fees will be the responsibility of the holder. The CUA application fee does not cover park entrance fees. Refer to the following website for more information: (https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/com_tour_fees.htm)

   2. Other: The holder must pay all applicable fees for additional activities or permits (backcountry permits, campground fees, etc.). 

4. Sub-Contracting: CUA holders may enter into agreements with an entity that advertises, books, and/or sells trips to provide the services arranged by the other entity.  However, the CUA holder must brand the trip and be identifiable as the CUA holder and not as the contracting entity while operating in the park.

5. Company Identification:

   1. Guides/Tour Leaders: While operating in the park, all employees must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements:

      1. Visibly identify the CUA holder’s company name, DBA, or logo on a hat or outermost layer of clothing.

      2. The company name or logo must be clearly and easily visible. 

      3. If wearing multiple names or logos, the CUA holder's name must be the prominent name or logo.

   2. Vehicle Markings: All vehicles owned and operated by the CUA holder, including rental vehicles, must display company information that meets the following minimum requirements: 

      1. 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.

         1. If the vehicle is chartered or rented, the sign may be affixed to a window inside the vehicle.

      2. Number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if applicable. 

      3. Markings must appear on the exterior of both sides of the vehicle. 

      4. The letters must contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed. 

      5. Markings must be legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet when the vehicle is stationary.

      6. Markings must be kept in good condition and replaced when faded, damaged, etc.

6. Behavior and Conduct: The holder and its agents are required to exercise courtesy and consideration in their relations with NPS employees, volunteers, or other park agents. 

   1. If there is a conflict with a ranger: 

   2. Follow the directions of Ranger (if safe to do so).

   3. Report incident to grca_permits_mail@nps.gov. Include date, time, location, names, and any applicable documentation relating to the incident.

7. Employee/agent responsibility: The holder must ensure that all company employees and motor coach operators entering the park are informed of all the conditions of this authorization. CUA holders are responsible for reasonably ensuring the safety of their clients at all times.

   1. Guides/Tour Leaders are responsible for ensuring clients are educated to, and comply with, the CUA conditions.

8.  

   Area Use: The area(s) authorized for use under this authorization must be left in substantially the same condition as it was prior to the activities authorized herein. This CUA does not authorize priority use of park areas. The holder is prohibited from blocking access or impeding the flow of traffic along any roads, trails, walkways, greenways, or any National Park Service (NPS) or concessioner facilities. All vehicles must be parked in designated parking spaces. See conditions for Commercial Motor Vehicles below.

9. Incidental Transportation: CUA holders are authorized for incidental stops at visitor centers, museums, restaurants, wayside exhibits, and limited guided hiking along the rim. 

10. Authorized Guiding Locations: 

    1. Above the rim trails. Only Backcountry Hiking CUA holders may conduct guided hiking below the rim.

    2. Buildings open to the public unless otherwise stated below.

       1. Desert View Watchtower: Conducting tours inside the Watchtower is prohibited. Food and beverages are not permitted inside the Watchtower.

       2. Tusayan Museum Area:

          1. Guided tours inside the museum by commercial tour operators are prohibited.

          2. Guided tours outside in the pueblo area by commercial tour operators are authorized if no NPS guided tour is taking place or is scheduled to begin within 15 minutes of the commercial company’s arrival to the pueblo area.

    3. Shoshone Point: Bicycling, hiking, or driving on Shoshone Point Road is prohibited.

11. Non-Native/Invasive Species: to avoid the introduction and spread of non-native aquatic and terrestrial species, prior to park entry: 

    1. All Commercial vehicles traveling on unpaved roads prior to entry into the park must be clean of any soil, plant matter, or other materials. 

    2. All gear and equipment (backpacks, bikes, tripods, hiking poles, boats, etc.) must be clean of any soil, plant matter, or other materials.

12. Archeological Sites:  Holder must abide by the Grand Canyon National Park Archeological Site Etiquette Policy: GRCA SOP 8213-01 Version 2025.01. (https://www.nps.gov/grca/getinvolved/upload/GRCA-Archeo-CUA-Policy-2023-2025.pdf) This document lists the sites that can be visited. Commercial guides and their clients may visit Class I and Class II sites; however, inappropriate behaviors and activities on any archaeological site is a violation of federal law and the CUA conditions. Class III sites are not approved for visitation. Class IV sites are closed to all visitation.

13. Tribal Lands:  This authorization applies only to National Park Service lands and does not grant access to tribal lands.

    1. The CUA holder is responsible for contacting the respective tribe for a permit to cross tribal lands. 

    2. The CUA holder must adhere to all closures or orders on tribal lands.

14. Interpretation: All tours must educate clients on natural and/or cultural resource information about the park as well as safety and resource protection messages. 

    1. Guides/Leaders must provide their clients with accurate information on a broad spectrum of topics related to the Grand Canyon and national parks, including, but not limited to, geology, wilderness impacts, human history, ecology, etc. 

15. Audio Disturbances: The following are prohibited:

    1. Operating motorized equipment or machinery such as an electric generating plant, motor vehicle, motorized toy, or an audio device, such as a radio, television set, tape deck or musical instrument, in a manner: 

       1. That exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels measured on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet; or, if below that level, nevertheless; 

       2. makes noise which is unreasonable, considering the nature and purpose of the actor's conduct, location, time of day or night, purpose for which the area was established, impact on park users, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances. 36 CFR § 2.12Operating motorized equipment or machinery such as an audio device, that exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels measured on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet is prohibited. or, if below that level, nevertheless; makes noise which is unreasonable, considering the nature and purpose of the actor's conduct, location, time of day or night, purpose for which the area was established, impact on park users, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances. 36 CFR § 2.12

    2. The use of megaphones or other voice amplifying devices outside of vehicles is prohibited.

16. Public Health: The holder must comply with applicable public health and sanitation standards and codes.  The trip leader/guide must promptly report information about any human illness or any unusual contact with wild animals whether employees or guests, to the Permits Office at grca_permits_mail@nps. This information will be evaluated to help identify outbreaks of illness associated with contaminated water or food sources or caused by other adverse environmental conditions.

17. Food Preparation:  If your tour prepares food in the park, at least one staff member on each excursion must be a certified food handler (certificate must be available upon request) and will be responsible for overseeing the storage, preparation, and serving of food. It is strongly recommended, however, that at least one staff member on each excursion be certified on a manager level. RM-83A, Chapter 5 

18. Waste Management: The holder must remove of all trash associated with the holder’s visit to the park and is prohibited from depositing trash generated outside of the park into park trash containers.  Using the park’s dump stations is prohibited.

19. Camping:

    1. Backcountry camping (Backpacking): Only authorized under a Backcountry Hiking Commercial Use Authorization.  Backcountry Hiking CUA holders must have a valid backpacking permit under their company’s name for the trip dates.

    2. Front country camping (Mather, Desert View, North Rim): 

       1. CUA holders and their customers must comply with all rules and regulations of the specific campground. Check with the Campground Rangers and the Grand Canyon National Park website for more information. 

       2. A copy of this CUA must be presented upon check in at the campground.

       3. Campground Reservations:

          1. Advance reservations are required through Recreation.gov.

          2. All reservations must be made with the company’s name, or the CUA holder’s name as listed on the issued CUA.  Reservations must not be made in the guide’s or client’s names. 

          3. All reservations must be made using the email address as listed on the issued CUA.

          4. Commercial CUA holders are prohibited from reserving or using more than one campsite at any one time on any given night at any given campground.

          5. Confirmation number must be presented when checking in.

          6. In the event the reservation cannot be used contact Recreation.gov to cancel/change the date(s). 

       4. CUA holders are allowed to occupy any combination of the three developed campgrounds within the park (Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and North Rim Campground) for a cumulative total of no more than 30 nights in a calendar year.   

       5. Camping regulations prohibit more than 7 consecutive nights in the Grand Canyon National Park campgrounds.

       6. Mather Campground: Commercial groups with a minimum of 7 individuals, including all staff members, must use designated Large Group Sites in Sage Loop. 

       7. Desert View Campground is limited to a maximum of 6 campers, including all staff, per campsite. 

       8. Groups with 6 individuals or fewer, including all staff members, are authorized to reserve ONE family site.  Splitting groups between multiple family sites or reserving more than one family site per night per holder is prohibited. 

20. Rock Climbing: Technical rock climbing is prohibited. Technical climbing is defined to include rock climbing, snow and ice climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, and caving, where climbing equipment, such as ropes and fixed or removable anchors, is generally used to support an ascent or descent.

21. Personal Consumption of Wild Edibles: Gathering of fruits, nuts, berries, edible plants, or plant parts for personal consumption is permitted.  Wild edibles or other plant matter must not be gathered for transport outside the park or for sale or commercial use. 

22. Wildlife: The holder and all participants must abide by all DOI 36 CFR 2.2 Wildlife Protections.

    1. Calling, clicking, whistling, mimicking, or making noises of any kind to attract wildlife is prohibited. 

    2. Feeding and/or watering of wildlife, including squirrels, is illegal. 

    3. Do not approach wildlife. View all wildlife such as elk, deer, bison or bighorn sheep from at least 100 feet (30 m).

    4. Stopping in the road or along the shoulder to view wildlife is prohibited. 

    5. Review additional wildlife issues on the park’s website: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/wildlife_alert.htm

23. Cigarette Smoking:  Smokers must use caution when smoking to prevent dropping ashes or embers that might ignite a wildfire.  Cigarette butts are trash and must be packed out for proper disposal. Guides are responsible for knowing and informing guests of current fire restrictions. 

24. Employee Firearm Possession:  In areas administered by the National Park Service, an individual can possess a firearm if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm and if the possession of the firearm complies with the laws of the state where the park area is located. 54 U.S.C. 104906. Unless expressly authorized, Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in NPS facilities. These buildings include, but are not limited to, government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities. 18 U.S.C. 930. Unless authorized, the use or discharge of a firearm within a park area is prohibited. 36 CFR § 2.4(b) and 13.30(c).

25. Separated Passengers / Rescues: The holder is responsible for providing their clients with the necessary information to locate or contact their group if they become delayed or separated. Commercial operators must not abandon their clients in the park and are solely responsible for making arrangements for their clients to rejoin their group after being separated. Lost or missing clients must be reported to park immediately, at 928-638-7805.  While self-rescue is encouraged in cases where no additional resources are needed, the National Park Service retains the authority to determine whether a situation warrants employing additional resources. 

26. Reporting Accidents: All accidents, including motor vehicle accidents, resulting in injury, death, personal/government property damage, or injury to park wildlife or resources must be reported to park law enforcement as soon as practicable at 928-638-7805 or by dialing 911. Commercial operators must remain on scene, if it is safe to do so, until the arrival of law enforcement officers. If the motor vehicle operator is physically incapable of reporting the accident, an occupant of the vehicle shall report the accident to the park law enforcement by dialing 911. The Permits Office must be notified with a report of the incident within 48 hours at grca_permits_mail@nps.gov. 36 CFR §2.33 and 4.4

COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES

NOTE: When referencing vehicle length, the measurement of the vehicle or combination of vehicle and trailer, is bumper to bumper.

1. Idling: Commercial vehicles (buses, vans, school buses, etc.) are only allowed to idle while actively) loading and unloading passengers (passengers are physically getting on or off the bus). All operators must turn off vehicle engines at all times when parked or when not actively loading or unloading passengers. This restriction does not apply to vehicles stopped on roadways in obedience to traffic control devices or orders, or as needed in response to legitimate traffic safety concerns. Park Shuttle Buses are exempt. 36 CFR § 1.5 (a)(2).

2. Audio Disturbances: Amplified audio systems (public announcement (PA), stereo, megaphone, etc.) must not be heard outside vehicles.

   1. Operating motorized equipment or machinery such as motor vehicle or an audio device, that exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels measured on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet is prohibited. 36 CFR § 2.12

3. Muddy Roads: Operating a motor vehicle on muddy roads, or in a manner that damages the road or park resources, is prohibited. 36 CFR § 1.5(a)(2), 2.1(a)(1)(ii), and 4.10.

4. Authorized Parking, Loading/Unloading, Stopping Areas: 

   1. Vehicles under 22 feet are authorized at locations in the park in which the general public is permitted to park are authorized for use. 

   2. All other locations are, by their omission, unauthorized for use pursuant to this authorization. 

   3. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times when stopping in areas designated as loading/unloading only.  

   4. All vehicles must proceed to an authorized parking area once unloading has been completed.  

5. The Holder MUST NOT, regardless of vehicle size, use, park, load, unload or stop at the following locations:

   1. All residential or school areas.  

   2. NPS Shuttle Bus Stops.

   3. In any area not designated as a parking space. If you are uncertain, then do not park. 

   4. Vehicles must not take up more than one space within a parking lot and must be parked in between the white striped lines. 

   5. Hermits Rest Road. Only Backcountry Hiking CUA holders are authorized to drive on Hermits Rest Road to access the trailhead.

   6. Picnic Areas along Highway 67 on the North Rim.

   7. Shoshone Point – Parking at the parking area or driving on Shoshone Point Road is prohibited.

   8. Hearst Tanks.

   9. Use of the Yavapai Lodge Road from South Entrance Road to Yavapai Lodges is prohibited unless authorized for guests with prior arrangements for overnight accommodations in Yavapai Lodges. 

   10. North Rim Lodge Access Road

6. Backcountry Office (Lot D)

   1. Vehicles under 22 feet should park in the standard size parking spots. 

   2. Designated oversized vehicle parking area is located at the south (left-facing) side of the backcountry office. The 14 parking spots in the middle of the lot are limited to vehicles over 22 feet. 

   3. Commercial vehicles are prohibited on the northwest (right-facing) side of the building. 

7. Bright Angel Lodge

   1. Parking in this area is prohibited. 

   2. Vehicles over 22 feet may load/unload on both sides of the bus lane adjacent to the lodge sidewalk. Vehicles under 22 feet are prohibited from loading/unloading in the bus lane.

   3. Loading/unloading or waiting for passengers in this lane is limited to 15 minutes maximum. 

   4. Drivers must move vehicles forward (west) as vehicles leave so additional vehicles can enter the lane behind them.

   5. No vehicle may be unattended at any time in this area. 

   6. Obstructing traffic on Village Loop Drive is strictly prohibited. If space does not allow, drive a lap around.

8. Desert View Drive

   1. The Holder MUST NOT, regardless of vehicle size, use, park, load, unload or stop at picnic areas or the side of the road along Desert View Drive.

   2. Vehicles over 22 feet are only authorized to stop at Grandview Point and Desert View.  Stopping at any other viewpoint is prohibited.

9. Desert View/Watchtower

   1. Vehicles over 22 feet must only park in the authorized commercial/oversized vehicle parking area. 

   2. Vehicles may utilize the shuttle bus stop to load or unload passengers, but parking is prohibited. 

   3. Vehicles must proceed to an authorized parking area once unloading has been completed.

10. El Tovar 

    1. Parking along the loop is prohibited. 

    2. Loading or unloading is only authorized for guests with overnight accommodations is limited to 15-minutes maximum. 

11. Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC)

    1. Commercial vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited from using Parking Lot “4” (located at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center adjacent to the bicycle rental shop). 

    2. All commercial vehicles may use the commercial parking lot at GCVC.

    3. Vehicles may actively load or unload passengers in the designated zone, but after doing so must proceed to the parking area immediately. 

    4. Vehicles must not enter the shuttle bus only entrance.

    5. Accessing the GCVC via the Yavapai Lodge Road from South Entrance Road to Yavapai Lodges is prohibited unless prior arrangements have been made for overnight accommodations.

12. Grandview Point

    1. Vehicles under 22 feet must park in a designated parking spots on pavement.

    2. Commercial vehicles over 22 feet may access the upper parking lot only and must park in an oversized parking spot.

13. Kachina and Thunderbird Lodges

    1. Loading/unloading of vehicles in this area is only authorized for guests with prior arrangements for use of the Banquet/Conference room or for overnight accommodations.  It is restricted to the designated loading and unloading zone west of the Thunderbird Lodge.

14. Market Plaza

    1. Due to traffic congestion, vehicles over 22 feet are discouraged from entering the Market Plaza Parking Lot. 

    2. Vehicles must not stop in the traffic lane that leads to the shuttle bus stop and Yavapai Lodge to load and unload passengers. 

    3. Vehicles must not stop in the traffic lane in front of the general store, post office, or bank to load and unload passengers.

15. Maswik Lodge

    1. Parking: Three (3) designated bus parking spots which are limited to vehicles over 22 feet and located on the eastern side of the building near the railroad tracks directly across from the backcountry office.

    2. Loading/Unloading: West side of building where the bus loading/unloading signs are posted.

16. Park Headquarters (Lot A)

    1. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited from using Parking Lot “A”.

17. Rowe Well Road and Canyon Rim Road/Grandview Access Road:

    1. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited from using these roads.

    2. These roads are only authorized for commercial tours as part of a tour itinerary approved by the Permits Office.

    3. The use of these roads is not authorized to enter the park to avoid long lines at the entrance stations.

    4. Entrance fees must be paid prior to entering the park and the receipt must be available upon request.

    5. These roads are not regularly maintained or plowed in the winter; they are prone to deep rutting and potholes and may be impassible due to snowpack and/or muddy conditions. The use of these roads is at the CUA holder’s risk.  The park is not responsible for stuck or damaged vehicles.

    6. Driving off-road to avoid mud, rocks, potholes, or other road damage is prohibited.

    7. This authorization applies only to National Park Service lands and does not grant access to or across lands managed by the U.S Forest Service. 

18. Tusayan Ruin/Museum

    1. Parking along the roadway is prohibited.

19. Yavapai Lodge

    1. Loading/unloading is restricted to commercial vehicle parking spaces located behind the main lodge.

    2. Stopping/loading/unloading on the Market Plaza side of the building is prohibited.

        

20. NORTH RIM

    1. Water: Personal water bottles can be filled using the water filling station at the Administration Building / Backcountry Permit Office. If hooking up a hose, the water spigot at the campground dump station must be used. 

    2. Food Service: Commercial groups are prohibited from setting up food service / picnic areas at the North Kaibab Trailhead and at the North Rim Administrative Area / Backcountry Office.  

    3. Gear: Commercial groups must not congregate (or sort gear) in a manner that interferes with other park visitors or park operations in these areas. Commercial groups must always ensure their group activities and gear preparation are organized and sightly. 

    4. Vehicles under 22 feet may park in any standard size vehicle parking space. 

    5. Authorized Parking Areas:  Vehicles over 22 feet may only use the following authorized locations: (All other locations are, by their omission, unauthorized for use pursuant to this authorization.)  

    6. North Rim Lodge Access Road/North Rim Visitor Center 

       1. Commercial vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited from using the Widforss/Point Sublime/Swamp Point and Cape Royal/Point Imperial Roads.  

       2. All commercial vehicles are prohibited from parking in front of the North Rim Visitor Center (except when actively loading and unloading passengers). Two temporary parking stalls immediately below the Visitor Center (with signage designating a loading/unloading area) are the only authorized areas for loading and unloading in the vicinity of the Grand Canyon Lodge and Visitor Center.   

       3. Active loading and unloading must not exceed 15 minutes. After unloading, vehicles over 22 feet are required to park in a temporary parking area north of the Grand Canyon Lodge in the concessioner area approximate to the Employee Dining Room. 

       4. CUA holders must ensure that drivers have coordinated an exact pick-up time with passengers, as parking and idling are both prohibited in this location.  

       5. Buses are prohibited from driving past the North Rim Service Station into the campground area or parking at the campground kiosk.  

    7. North Kaibab Trailhead 

       1. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited from entering, parking, loading, or unloading in the North Kaibab Trailhead parking lot. 

       2. Vehicles under 22 feet may utilize the North Kaibab Trailhead parking lot. However, these vehicles must park only in paved parking spaces.  

       3. All vehicles are prohibited from parking on the gravel administrative road near corral area.  

       4. All Commercial vehicles are prohibited from parking, loading or unloading, along the roadside of highway 67. 

21. Annual Report and Management Fees:

    1. Annual Reports for the previous operating year must be submitted no later than February 28. If your Annual Report for the previous operating year is not submitted, your CUA issued for the current operating year will be suspended until the Annual Report is submitted.

    2. Management Fees (if applicable) must be paid no later than March 31^st. If your payment of the Management Fee for the previous operating year is not paid, your CUA issued for the current operating year will be suspended until the Management Fee is paid.

    3. You will not be able to conduct business in Grand Canyon National Park until the Annual Report is submitted and all applicable fees are paid. 

22. Authorization Compliance - Suspension and Revocation Policy: The holder and all participants authorized herein must comply with all of the conditions of this authorization, including all exhibits, amendments, application requirements, and written or verbal directives from the Superintendent. Failure to obtain an authorization to provide commercial services and not having a copy of the CUA available for inspection at any time while in the park are violations of the authorization terms for which a citation may be issued and may subject the commercial operator to penalties as prescribed by law or regulation, including exclusion from doing business in the park.  The NPS Commercial Services office will receive a notice of any written warnings or citations issued to holders and these documents will become part of the holder's park record.

    1. A first violation may result in a warning letter to the CUA holder sent by the Commercial Services office and/or a possible 30-day suspension of the CUA. The appropriate course of action will be based on the violation and the company’s cumulative history.

        

    2. A second violation within any two-year period may result in a 30 to 90-day suspension or revocation of the CUA, depending on the seriousness of the violation and the company’s cumulative history.  Upon revocation of the privileges granted by a CUA, a new application will not be considered for a period of 12 months. 

    3. In addition, the National Park Service may, at any time, terminate this authorization at its discretion or upon breach of any of the conditions based on the seriousness of the violation and the company’s cumulative history.