Terms and Conditions - Commercial Use Authorization

Please read the terms and conditions of the park by by selecting each heading to expand. Select Apply below to begin a CUA application.

The National Park Service has terms and conditions on all commercial service agreements. CUA Conditions apply to all Commercial Use Authorizations. Park Specific Conditions are specific terms and conditions based on the services provided at that specific park. These may include but are not limited to limits on locations, times, group size, and employee licenses and certifications. Providing such information to the park superintendent for approval.

Death Valley National Park

4x4/ATV Tours

The Guided 4x4 Trip CUA authorizes the Holder to conduct guided motor vehicle trips on paved and unpaved roads for private individuals, groups or organizations. Motor vehicles includes the following: 4x4 vehicles, passenger vehicles, (less than 25’). ATV use is prohibited in Death Valley National Park.

CUA Conditions

Additional Information: The National Park Service has terms and conditions on all commercial service agreements. The following terms and conditions will apply to all Commercial Use Authorizations. There may be additional terms and conditions based on the services provided. These may include but are not limited to limits on locations, times, group size, and employee licenses and certifications and providing such information to the park superintendent for approval.

CONDITIONS OF THIS AUTHORIZATION

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 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.
Exculpatory Agreements: Any exculpatory agreement used by the CUA holder or entity providing services authorized by the CUA must comply with applicable state and federal law and NPS policy. The exculpatory agreement must not waive liability or preclude claims against or require indemnifying the CUA holder or entity providing services authorized by the CUA for gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct. The exculpatory agreement must waive liability against the United States by including the following language: “The undersigned further waives liability of the United States and acknowledges and agrees that the United States and its officers and employees are fully released from any liability for injuries, damages, or losses that the undersigned sustains as a result of or in connection with the undersigned’s participation in this activity.” The Service will not as a matter of standard practice, collect, review or approve the exculpatory agreement. The CUA holder may consider consulting with their own counsel in the development of its exculpatory agreement to ensure they comply with NPS policy and Applicable Law. However, the Service reserves the right to review the exculpatory agreement and any modifications or replacements of the agreement at any time during the term of the CUA and require any revisions to ensure all the requirements of NPS policy are met. The NPS also reserves the right to require changes to the exculpatory agreement or, to the extent permitted by law, revoke the allowance to use the exculpatory agreement, if the Service determines the agreement is not compliant. Any determination by the Service that an exculpatory agreement is policy-compliant does not convey the NPS’s view that the agreement is valid, enforceable, or otherwise endorsed by the NPS for any purpose.
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.
Suspension and Revocation: This authorization may be suspended or revoked 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 February 28 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.
Paid Sick Leave: The holder must comply with all provisions of Executive Order 13706 of September 30, 2016, (Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors) and its implementing regulations, including the applicable contract clause, codified at 29 C.F.R. part 13, all of which are incorporated by reference into this authorization as if fully set forth in this authorization.
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.

Park Specific Conditions

SPECIAL PARK CONDITIONS

For Death Valley National Park

An annual report (NPS Form 10-660) for this year's CUA activity is due by January 31 of the following year. Failure to submit a complete an accurate annual report will result in suspension of the CUA you obtain for next year or limit your ability to obtain a future CUA.
All pages of this permit must be carried by the Holder, or the person named in the permit as in charge of permitted activity. Failure to be able to present all pages (paper or electronically) when requested, is a violation of the terms and conditions of the permit. 
The Holder is responsible for the actions of all persons associated with the permitted activity. The Holder is responsible for ensuring those listed above are informed of and follow the conditions of this permit and all park rules and regulations. Holder is responsible for reading the Superintendent’s Compendium and being familiar with all applicable laws and policies that govern Death Valley National Park: http://www.nps.gov/deva/parkmgmt/rules-and-regulations.htm.    
The CUA Holder shall read Death Valley National Park's CUA Suspension and Revocation Policy. Signing of this CUA is acknowledgement the Suspension and Revocation Policy has been read by the Holder.
In accepting this Authorization, the Holder acknowledges that the proposed activity, in order to qualify for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA), must bear a direct relationship to the purpose for which the Park was established; for example, visitor understanding and enjoyment of the Park. Even though the activity may be primarily recreational in nature, the Holder agrees to provide time, stops, and talks to accurately explain the natural ecosystems, history and culture within the Park, to their clientele. Information may be found on the internet at http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm. A general outline of information to be provided must be submitted along with the application for CUA.
This Authorization does not grant permission for still photography or commercial filming activities that require a Special Use Permit under 36 CFR 5.5. Contact the Office of Special Park Uses for more information.
The Holder is responsible for notifying the Park of any accident or injury that occurs within Park boundaries.
The park reserves the right to suspend authorized activities or locations due to existing, expected, or unforeseen emergencies. Such emergencies include, but are not limited to, road damage, search and rescue, fire, flash flood, park closure, extreme weather (including National Weather Service weather warnings, watches, or advisories), or other applicable unforeseen conditions. Holder remains responsible for all costs incurred.
Holder will comply with all terms and conditions of any third-party or external agency agreement or authorization required for the activity. Any violation of the conditions of an associated agreement or authorization is also a violation of the conditions of this authorization. 
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Death Valley National Park is prohibited. 
All fire safety regulations will be complied with by the Holder, including compliance with temporary closures resulting from extreme fire conditions. 
Any participation by an employee or volunteer of the National Park Service in the authorized activity must be requested in writing and approved in advance by the Office of Special Park Uses.
Groups will notify the Death Valley National Park permits office of all proposed trips and any proposed changes to trip itineraries via a Supplemental Activity Report submitted to the Special Park Uses Office at least 7 business days prior to proposed trip. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of a commercial use authorization as well as other associated permits.
No more than one guided day-use group per day is permitted in Mosaic Canyon, Natural Bridge Canyon, and Sidewinder Canyon. Holder must reserve any of these locations by date in advance of trip.
No more than one guided overnight group per day is permitted in Cottonwood/Marble Canyons. Holder must reserve any of these locations by date in advance of trip.
Holder will be held responsible for assuring that entry fees are paid by all participants and agrees to pay all applicable entrance fees in effect at the time of arrival at the Park. Under 36 CFR 2.23(b), failure to pay the designated entrance fee upon entering Death Valley National Park may result in a fine and the suspension or revocation of your authorization.
This authorization does not permit the Holder to advertise, solicit business, collect any funds, or sell any goods or services within Park boundaries. Additional participants 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.
The Holder and all participants in the activity must communicate with park staff and other visitors in a courteous, knowledgeable, and professional manner. Any harassment and/or threats to any National Park Service employee, volunteers, or the public by the Holder will result in the suspension and/or revocation of this Authorization.
Most of Death Valley National Park is congressionally-designated Wilderness.  Trips taking place in Wilderness will be undertaken in a spirit which preserves and enhances the Wilderness character, as defined by the Wilderness Act of 1964. It is the responsibility of the Holder and trip leaders to understand Wilderness restrictions and which parts of the itinerary are in Wilderness. Maps of Wilderness are available at www.wilderness.net but, in general, designated Wilderness begins:  
1. 300’ from centerline of road along Highway 190.   
2. 200’ from centerline of road along any paved park road. 
3. 50’ from centerline of road along unpaved park roads.

20. TRIP LEADERS:

Trip leaders are hereby defined as guides, drivers, employees, contractors, or other designated parties responsible for the activity or driving while in the park.

Trip leaders must be representatives of the CUA Holder, covered under the submitted liability insurance, and a minimum of eighteen (18) years old.

The Holder shall ensure that their trip leaders possess the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to safely lead or drive groups on day trips into the Park including being prepared to modify itinerary in case of potential hazards.

Trip leaders must provide additional documents as described in Attachment B.

21. VISITOR EXPERIENCE:   

Loud noises (exceeding 60 decibels at 50 feet in distance) are prohibited between 10:00pm and 6:00am and must be minimized at all times to protect park soundscapes.

Public address systems and sound amplification equipment including speaker audio devices are prohibited unless otherwise specified in this permit.  If approved, audio amplification may not interfere with other visitor activities. 36 CFR 2.12.

Operating electrical generating equipment in a campground is limited to the hours between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm with the exception of Sunset Campground which is limited to the hours between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm, and Texas Springs Campground, where the use of electrical generating equipment is prohibited.

Authorized activities will not unduly interfere or conflict with visitors’ normal use and enjoyment of the park.  Exclusive use of any park area is not permitted.

Holder, trip leaders, and participants shall not block visitor access to trails, viewpoint, waysides, or restrooms.

22. ROAD & VEHICLE USE: 

The permitted activity will not stop or impact traffic (vehicle or pedestrian) in any way.

Vehicles are not permitted to park off road but may park in pre-disturbed pullouts and shoulders along roadways and in a manner that does not impede the flow of traffic. When parking in a parking lot, Holder must use designated parking spaces.

All vehicles must remain on established roads. This includes motorcycles, bicycles and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Off-road vehicles are prohibited from operating on all park roads, paved or unpaved. These types of vehicles include, but are not limited to, ATVs, dirt or motocross bikes, golf carts, UTV multiple passenger vehicles. Dual sport motorcycles are allowed on paved or unpaved roads as long as the vehicle is registered and street legal according to California state laws.  Vehicles with off-road registration "green stickers" may not be operated in the park.

Operating a motor vehicle in a manner that causes unreasonable damage to the surface of a park road or route is prohibited. 36 CFR §4.10(c)(2)

Operating a vehicle so slowly as to interfere with the normal flow of traffic is prohibited. 36 CFR §4.13(b).

Permittee will obey all speed limits.  The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated. 36 CFR §4.21(a)

The maximum speed limit on paved park roads is 35 mph unless otherwise posted.

The maximum speed limit on dirt roads is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.

The maximum speed limit in all campgrounds is 15 mph unless otherwise posted.

Removing, moving, or obscuring park road signs, speed limit signs, or wayside signs is prohibited.

23. RESOURCE PROTECTION:   

The Holder, trip leaders, and participants must follow Leave No Trace principles and ethics. The Holder must provide Leave No Trace information to all participants. A tri-fold brochure is available at: https://lnt.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/LNT-7PrinciplesTrifold-2022.pdf. Failure to follow Leave No Trace principles may result in the suspension or revocation of your authorization.

Attaching anything to NPS facilities, structures, rocks, or vegetation is prohibited.

Pets are prohibited in wilderness areas and on any trail.  Pets must be restrained on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confined at all times.  Pets must not be left unattended in a vehicle or tied to an object.

Smoking is prohibited inside buildings, on boardwalks and in vegetated areas. All cigarette butts must be disposed of in appropriate containers and shall never be thrown on the ground.

Walking on soft soils following rains is prohibited to prevent lasting damage including footprints.

Ground disturbing activity (including digging or driving posts) is prohibited.

Walking on, climbing, entering, ascending, descending, traversing, moving, or damaging any archaeological or cultural resource is prohibited. This includes all mine structures, features, and ruins (i.e. standing mill structures; aerial tram towers, terminals, and cables; ore bins; ore chutes; buildings; walls, gates, fencing etc.). 36 CFR §2.1(a)(5)

Collecting, moving, damaging, cutting, removing, or disturbing any animal, plant, rock, or any other natural resource is prohibited.

All unattended food, garbage, cooking equipment, or similar scented items must be sealed in a vehicle or a solid, non-pliable, animal-resistant container.

All trash and debris shall be disposed of in appropriate container designated for this purpose or removed from the park by the Holder. Do not dispose of trash in a way that prevents the public from using trash facilities.

Feeding, touching, harassing, frightening, hunting, trapping, or disturbing wildlife is prohibited. 36 CFR §2.2(a)(1&2).

Viewing wildlife with artificial light is prohibited. This includes infrared and black lights. 36 CFR §2.2(e).

Introducing plants and animals, wild or domesticated, including their reproductive bodies, into the park’s ecosystem is prohibited. 36 CFR §2.1(a)(2).

Vehicles must be clean and free of mud and vegetation on the body and undercarriage before entering the park to prevent the spread of invasive plants.

Using a mineral or metal detector in the park is prohibited.

Release of mylar or helium balloons is prohibited.

Clean-up of spills or accidents involving hazardous/industrial wastes or materials must be in accordance with 40 CFR and all applicable state environmental quality laws regarding disposal and clean-up. The Holder must notify the Office of Special Park Uses immediately of any hazardous spill. Failure to give timely notification may result in the suspension or revocation of your authorization.

The Holder and participants will not publish nor make available to the public - photographs, film, images, or information concerning the nature and location of any archaeological resource, without first being reviewed by the Park Archeologist, in accordance with park policies and principles related to ethical and responsible treatment of culturally sensitive sites and resources.

For the following Special Park Conditions, refer to the appropriate activity. If you conduct any of the following commercial activities in DEVA, even if they are not the primary activity for the trip, nor the CUA type you hold, you must adhere to these conditions for the applicable service types.

For Guided 4x4 Trips

Maximum group size is limited to twelve (12) vehicles per group.
For frontcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid/CPR level or higher for emergency medical care. Frontcountry trips include travel on paved roads and the following unpaved roads: Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon.
For backcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. Backcountry trips include travel on backcountry unpaved roads (i.e., all unpaved roads excluding Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon).
To minimize impact to visitor experience, trip leaders shall keep a minimum of one-half (1/2) mile between their group and any other group visiting the area at all times.
Groups are limited on unpaved roads as shown in the chart below. Trips conducted on paved roads are not limited by location as indicated below.

Group Size	Per Day/Per Location Group Limit	Per Week/Per Location Group Limit
1-3 Motor vehicles	No Limit	No Limit
4-12 Motor vehicles	1 group	2 groups

For Photography and Arts Workshops

Maximum group size is limited to twelve (12) people per group, including clients and trip leaders, and four (4) support vehicles.
Sale of photography equipment, gear, or other items, as well as photographs is prohibited within the park.
Hiking or walking routes used to access workshop destinations must be chosen so as to minimize biophysical and social impacts, including utilizing NPS established trails where possible.
For frontcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid/CPR level or higher for emergency medical care. Frontcountry trips include hiking up to two (2) miles from or travel on paved roads and the following unpaved roads: Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon.
For backcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. Backcountry trips include hiking more than two (2) miles from any trailhead or travel on backcountry unpaved roads (i.e., all unpaved roads excluding Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon).
For all wilderness locations to minimize impact to the wilderness, trip leaders shall keep a minimum of 1,000 feet between their group and any other group visiting the area at all times. Individuals may hike on their own without a trip leader but may not meet up in a wilderness location in groups larger than 12 people. It is the responsibility of the trip leader to understand the wilderness boundary locations,
At Badwater Basin, wilderness begins immediately off the boardwalk.
At Mesquite Sand Dunes, wilderness begins immediately off the paved sidewalk.

For Guided Motorcycle Trips

Maximum group size is limited to twenty (20) motorcycles per group.
For frontcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid/CPR level or higher for emergency medical care. Frontcountry trips include travel on paved roads and the following unpaved roads: Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon.
For backcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. Backcountry trips include travel on backcountry unpaved roads (i.e., all unpaved roads excluding Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon).
To minimize impact to visitor experience, trip leaders shall keep a minimum of one-half (1/2) mile between their group and any other group visiting the area at all times.
Groups are limited on unpaved roads as shown in the chart below. Trips conducted on paved roads are not limited by location as indicated below.

Group Size	Per Day/Per Location Group Limit	Per Week/Per Location Group Limit
1-5 Motorcycles	No Limit	No Limit
6-20 Motorcycles	1 group	2 groups

Guided Hiking – Frontcountry

Frontcountry hiking is permitted up to two (2) miles from trailheads that are accessed from paved roads and the following unpaved roads: Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon.
Maximum group size is limited to twelve (12) people per group, including clients and trip leaders, and four (4) support vehicles.
Trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid/CPR level or higher for emergency medical care.
For all wilderness locations to minimize impact to the wilderness, trip leaders shall keep a minimum of 1,000 feet between their group and any other group visiting the area at all times. Individuals may hike on their own without a trip leader but may not meet up in a wilderness location in groups larger than 12 people.
Water caches are prohibited under this type of CUA.

Guided Hiking – Backcountry (Backpacking)

Backcountry hiking is permitted up to any distance from trailheads that are access from paved and unpaved roads.
Backpacking camping is permitted in previously disturbed areas free of vegetation, provided that the camp is at least one mile from the nearest paved road, developed area, or dirt roads that are closed to camping. Backpacking camping is additionally prohibited at the following areas:
Within 100 feet from a flowing stream, spring, or other natural body of open water.
On all paved roads within the limits of the national park boundary.
On the following unpaved roads: Titus Canyon Road, West Side Road, Wildrose Road, Skidoo Mine Road, Aguereberry Point Road, Mosaic Canyon Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road (first 8 miles), Grotto Canyon Road, Keane Wonder Mine Road, Racetrack Road (from Teakettle Junction to Homestake Dry Camp), Natural Bridge Canyon, Desolation Canyon, Pinon Mesa Road, and the 22 mile section of the Big Pine / Death Valley Road that is within the park’s boundary.
Within one mile of certain mining areas: Ubehebe Lead Mine, Leadfield Mines, Keane Wonder Mill, and Skidoo Mill
The floor of Death Valley, from the Ashford Mill to the north end of the shifting sands of the Mesquite Sand Dunes.
The active, shifting sand areas of Eureka Dunes.
Within one mile of Darwin Falls trail and Greenwater Canyon.
Backpacking along the Cottonwood-Marble loop is only permitted with a permit obtained in advance of trip. A permit is recommended but not required for backpacking trips at other locations. Before permits are required via www.recreation.gov, email the Office of Special Park Uses at least two (2) weeks in advance of your trip. When permits are required via www.recreation.gov, permits must be obtained through commercial user accounts when available. Permits obtained under a personal (individual or participant) account are prohibited.
Only one commercial camping group per day is allowed in Cottonwood Canyon or Marble Canyon. Email the Office of Special Park Uses in advance to reserve your dates.
Trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care.
Holder and participants must abide by quiet hours from 10:00PM – 7:00AM.
Group size is limited to twelve (12) persons, including clients and trip leaders, and no more than four (4) vehicles parked at the trailhead. Groups larger than twelve (12) must split up into smaller groups and must camp, hike, and eat at least a half-mile apart from any other group.
Pets are prohibited.
All solid waste must be strained from dish and cooking water and packed out. Remaining wastewater must be either dumped in a vault toilet where available or spread out over the ground.
Where available, holder and clients must utilize vault toilets. Where toilets are not available, holder must either pack out waste using an approved waste disposal (WAG) bag or buried in a cat hole. Cat holes must be dug 4-6 inches deep at least 200 yards from any water source or campsite.
FIRES

The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited, except in NPS provided fire grates or grills.
Gathering, cutting, or scavenging of firewood or kindling is prohibited.
Fires shall not be left smoldering or unattended.
Leaving trash, including glass, in the fire grates is prohibited.
Debris burning is prohibited.
Construction of fire rings or use of illegally constructed fire rings is prohibited.
Natural gas or white gas produced fires are permitted in appropriately designed units wherein the flow of gas can be controlled and instantaneously discontinued.

19. FOOD & TRASH

All unattended food, garbage or cooking equipment must be sealed in a solid, non-pliable, animal-resistant container
Trash must be disposed of in receptacles provided or packed out.
Do not dispose of food, trash or feminine products in vault toilets.

20. HIKING

Maximum group size is limited to twelve (12) people per group, including clients and trip leaders, and four (4) support vehicles.
For backcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. Backcountry trips include travel on backcountry unpaved roads (i.e., all unpaved roads excluding Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon).
For all wilderness locations to minimize impact to the wilderness, trip leaders shall keep a minimum of 1,000 feet between their group and any other group visiting the area at all times. Individuals may hike on their own without a trip leader but may not meet up in a wilderness location in groups larger than 12 people.
Backcountry cabins may be used for overnight camping or day-use subject to the following conditions:
Cabins must remain unlocked.
Human waste must be packed out or disposed of at least 400 feet from a cabin, unless a toilet is present.
Cabins are to be used on a first-come, first-served basis, and for short-term occupancy not to exceed seven days, with the exception of Butte Valley and Warm Springs, which is three days.
All cabin maintenance will be performed only with written approval from the superintendent.
Fires in backcountry cabins are not permitted. Fires outside of cabins must be in NPS provided metal fire grates.

21. WATER CACHES:

Water caches are an extreme measure and are only permitted when there is no other alternative (e.g. resupply at road crossings, carry enough water for the trip, plan a route to follow perennial natural water sources, etc.).
Water caches must be transportable using non-motorized, non-mechanized methods (e.g. hikers must transport the water either by pack stock or by backpacking).
Water caches are limited to 30 days duration from the time the water is initially cached until it is consumed and the containers removed.
Water caches shall not involve digging or any disturbance to natural or cultural resources.
Use of a water cache is at the Holders own risk. Holder shall accept responsibility for potential health risks including water contamination and unexpected loss of the cache (due to weather, wildlife, vandalism, etc.).
Proposed caches must be identified in the Operating Plan including locations, volumes to be cached, and the dates the cache will be left and when it will be removed.

For Guided Camping – Frontcountry

Frontcountry camping is permitted at the following developed campgrounds: Furnace Creek, Sunset, Texas Springs, Stovepipe Wells, Mesquite Springs, Wildrose, and Emigrant.
Trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care.
Where reservations are available or required, Holder shall reserve sites in competition with the public via www.recreation.gov. When commercial user accounts become available on www.recreation.gov, holder must make reservations with a commercial user account and reservations made under a personal (individual or participant) account will be prohibited.
Holder and participants must abide by quiet hours from 10:00PM – 7:00AM.
Holding or reserving a campsite in any designated campground for another party is prohibited. Sites may not be paid for by those who do not intend to occupy the site immediately. Sites must be occupied with a camp unit (tent, trailer, or other sleeping unit) and by persons using the area for overnight sleep purposes. Sites may not be unattended for more than 24 hours.
Where campground use fees apply, fees shall be paid within 30 minutes of arrival.
Check out time for all campgrounds is 12:00 noon.
GENERATORS:

Generators are defined as a motor, engine, or equipment capable of producing electrical energy.
Generators are prohibited at Furnace Creek group sites and at all sites in Texas Springs Campground.
Generators shall not run unattended.
Generator hours for Sunset campground are from 7:00AM – 9:00PM.
Generator hours for all other campgrounds are from 7:00AM – 7:00PM, where not prohibited.

9. GROUP SIZE LIMITS:

Nine (9) to forty (40) people are permitted at Furnace Creek group sites 1 & 2. Nine (9) to fifteen (15) people are permitted at Furnace Creek group sites 3 & 4.
No more than eight (8) people are permitted at every other campsite.
Up to eight (8) people may visit the registered campers in a designated campsite between the hours of 7:00AM and 10:00PM.
Up to ten (10) vehicles are permitted at Furnace Creek group sites 1 & 2. Up to four (4) vehicles are permitted at Furnace Creek group sites 3 & 4. No driving or parking into group sites, even to unload.
No recreational vehicles (trailers, motor homes, or pop-ups) shall be parked at the tent only sites in Furnace Creek Campground, Stovepipe Wells Campground and the lower loop of Texas Spring Campground. In tent only sites vehicles can be used as sleeping facilities.
Two (2) vehicles, one (1) RV and one (1) vehicle, or four (4) motorcycles are permitted at every other campsite. Where campsites provide paved pad, all wheels must be on pavement.
Holder must comply with maximum vehicle length of 8.5 feet or a total of 17 feet for both vehicles for each tent only site or what is listed on recreation.gov.

10. FIRES

The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited, except in NPS provided fire grates or grills.
Gathering, cutting, or scavenging of firewood or kindling is prohibited.
Fires shall not be left smoldering or unattended.
Leaving trash, including glass, in the fire grates is prohibited.
Construction of fire rings or use of illegally constructed fire rings is prohibited.
Debris burning is prohibited.
Natural gas or white gas produced fires are permitted in appropriately designed units wherein the flow of gas can be controlled and instantaneously discontinued.
At Wildrose campground the setting, maintain, attending, or using of open flame of any kind is prohibited between June 15th and September 15th or during other periods of high fire danger. Controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves that use gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed.

11. WASTEWATER

Dump all liquid waste, including dish water, only at sanitary stations.
Wash dishes in deep sinks; do not bathe at sinks, spigots or in rest rooms.
Do not wash vehicles at RV dump stations or in campsites.
Containers must be placed under trailers or camper drains to collect liquid to be disposed of in designated disposal areas.
Wash dishes in designated areas only, not restrooms or drinking water spigots; bathing facilities are not available in campgrounds.

12. PETS

Maximum limit of four pets per campsite in all designated campgrounds in the park.
Pets must be confined or leashed at all times.
Pets shall not be left unattended.
Holder must clean up and dispose of pet waste promptly.
Pets are only permitted in developed areas or along roads.

13. FOOD & TRASH

All unattended food, garbage, cooking equipment, or similar scented items must be sealed in a vehicle (not a truck bed) or a solid, non-pliable, animal-resistant container when it is not being consumed or prepared for consumption.
Trash must be disposed of in receptacles provided or packed out.
Do not dispose of food, trash or feminine products in rest room sinks or toilets.

For Guided Camping – Backcountry

Trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care.
Holder and participants must abide by quiet hours from 10:00PM – 7:00AM.
Holding or reserving a campsite in any primitive campground or road-side camp site or location for another party is prohibited. Sites must be occupied with a camp unit (tent, trailer, or other sleeping unit) and by persons using the area for overnight sleep purposes. Sites may not be unattended for more than 24 hours.
Where available, holder and clients must utilize vault toilets for human waste. Where toilets are not available, holder must either pack out human waste using an approved waste disposal (WAG) bag or buried in a cat hole. Cat holes must be dug 4-6 inches deep at least 200 yards from any water source or campsite.
FIRES

The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited, except in NPS provided fire grates or grills.
Gathering, cutting, or scavenging of firewood or kindling is prohibited.
Fires shall not be left smoldering or unattended.
Leaving trash, including glass, in the fire grates is prohibited.
Debris burning is prohibited.
Construction of fire rings or use of illegally constructed fire rings is prohibited.
Natural gas or white gas produced fires are permitted in appropriately designed units wherein the flow of gas can be controlled and instantaneously discontinued.
At Thorndike and Mahogany Flats campgrounds, the setting, maintain, attending, or using of open flame of any kind is prohibited between June 15th and September 15th or during other periods of high fire danger. Controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves that use gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed.

6. WASTEWATER

Dumping is prohibited.
All solid waste must be strained from dish and cooking water and packed out. Remaining wastewater must be either dumped in a vault toilet where available or spread out over the ground.

7. PETS

Maximum limit of four pets per campsite in all designated campgrounds in the park.
Pets must be confined or leashed at all times.
Pets shall not be left unattended.
Holder must clean up and dispose of pet waste promptly.
Pets are only permitted in developed areas or along roads.

8. FOOD & TRASH

All unattended food, garbage or cooking equipment must be sealed in an enclosed vehicle (not a truck bed) or a solid, non-pliable, animal-resistant container.
Trash must be disposed of in receptacles provided or packed out.
Do not dispose of food, trash or feminine products in vault toilets.

9. Primitive Campground Camping:

Primitive campground camping is permitted at Thorndike, Mahogany Flat, Eureka, Homestake, and Warm Springs (Saline Valley) Dry Camps.
Group size per campsite is limited to eight (8) persons, including clients and trip leaders, and two (2) vehicles, one (1) RV and one (1) vehicle, or four (4) motorcycles per campsite. Vehicles and RVs must be shorter than 25 feet and high clearance. Four-wheel drive may be necessary. Groups larger than eight (8) must split up into separate sites.
Up to eight people may visit the campers in a designated campsite. Between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am, no more than eight people may occupy a campsite.
Check out time for all campgrounds is 12:00 noon.

10. GENERATORS:

Generators are defined as a motor, engine, or equipment capable of producing electrical energy.
Generators shall not run unattended.
Generator hours for all primitive campgrounds are from 7:00AM – 7:00PM.

11. Dispersed Road-Side Camping:

Camping on Echo Canyon Road, Hole in the Wall Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road, and Marble Canyon Road is only permitted in designated road-side sites with a permit obtained in advance. Before permits are required via www.recreation.gov, email the Office of Special Park Uses at least two (2) weeks in advance of your trip. When permits are required via www.recreation.gov, permits must be obtained through commercial user accounts when available. Permits obtained under a personal (individual or participant) account are prohibited.
Only one commercial camping group per day is allowed on Cottonwood Canyon Road or Marble Canyon Road. Email the Office of Special Park Uses in advance to reserve your dates.
Dispersed road-side camping, outside of Echo Canyon Road, Hole in the Wall Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road, and Marble Canyon Road, is permitted in previously disturbed shoulder areas along open dirt roads, provided that the camp is at least one mile from the nearest paved road, developed area, or dirt roads that are closed to camping. Road-side camping is additionally prohibited at the following areas:
Within 100 feet from a flowing stream, spring, or other natural body of open water.
On all paved roads within the limits of the national park boundary.
On the following unpaved roads: Titus Canyon Road, West Side Road, Wildrose Road, Skidoo Mine Road, Aguereberry Point Road, Mosaic Canyon Road, Cottonwood Canyon Road (first 8 miles), Grotto Canyon Road, Keane Wonder Mine Road, Racetrack Road (from Teakettle Junction to Homestake Dry Camp), Natural Bridge Canyon, Desolation Canyon, Pinon Mesa Road, and the 22 mile section of the Big Pine / Death Valley Road that is within the park’s boundary.
Within one mile of certain mining areas: Ubehebe Lead Mine, Leadfield Mines, Keane Wonder Mill, and Skidoo Mill
Generators are prohibited.
Group size is limited to twelve (12) persons, including clients and trip leaders, and no more than four (4) vehicles. Groups larger than twelve (12) must split up into smaller groups and must camp and eat at least a half-mile apart or must obtain a permit for an additional designated site in required areas.
Backcountry cabins may be used for overnight camping or day-use subject to the following conditions:
Cabins must remain unlocked.
Human waste must be packed out or disposed of at least 400 feet from a cabin, unless a toilet is present.
Cabins are to be used on a first-come, first-served basis, and for short-term occupancy not to exceed seven days, with the exception of Butte Valley and Warm Springs, which is three days.
All cabin maintenance will be performed only with written approval from the superintendent.
Fires in backcountry cabins are not permitted. Fires outside of cabins must be in NPS provided metal fire grates.

For Guided Bicycle Trips

Maximum group size is limited to twenty (20) people per group, including clients and trip leaders.
For frontcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Basic First Aid/CPR level or higher for emergency medical care. Frontcountry trips include travel on paved roads and the following unpaved roads: Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon.
For backcountry trips, trip leaders must be currently certified at the Wilderness First Aid level or higher for emergency medical care. Backcountry trips include travel on backcountry unpaved roads (i.e., all unpaved roads excluding Natural Bridge, Devil’s Golf Course, Salt Creek, and Mosaic Canyon).
Participants must remain in contact with either the trip leader or support vehicle at all times.
Roadside support and aid stations are only permitted at the locations listed in Appendix: Authorized Aid Station Locations. Aid stations include tents, tables, food, water, first aid, and portable toilets. All aid stations must be placed in previously disturbed areas. Aid stations are not permitted in roadways, they must be located on the graded surface between the fog line and the berm on the edge of the road shoulder between 6 and 20 feet from the fog line.
Support vehicles shall not travel alongside, or trail behind, any participant either on the road or shoulder. Vehicles must “leapfrog” ahead and park on the shoulder of the road, only in areas where there is sufficient shoulder to park completely off the road. Verbal communication and passing of objects between participants and support vehicle occupants while the vehicle is moving is prohibited.
Support, event, or team vehicles will not stop or park in a way that blocks roadways or restricts normal vehicle traffic except to protect an injured participant from oncoming traffic. Stopping is only permitted in designated parking areas, designated paved pullouts, previously disturbed unpaved pullouts, and the shoulder of the road when there is sufficient room for all tires to be completely off the roadway.
No signs or markings of any kind, including chalk to tape markings, shall be placed on park road surface or other park property. 
HEALTH & SAFETY
1. Participants must ride single file except when passing a slower participant. Participants shall not be more than two abreast when passing.
2. Cyclists on the roadway must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway except when passing another bicycle proceeding in the same direction, consistent with CA VC 21202(a).
3. All cyclists must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
4. Cyclists riding at night must have lighting in accordance with CA VC 21201. In addition to a primary rear facing red flashing light mounted to the bicycle, cyclists must have a second flashing red light mounted to either the bicycle or the cyclist. Both lights must be visible at a distance of no less than 500 feet when directly to the rear of the cyclist.
5. Cyclists shall not be under the influence of alcohol and/or any drug while operating a bicycle on the roadway, consistent with CA VC 21200.5.
6. No person operating any vehicle (including a bicycle) on the roadway, shall wear any headset covering, or any earplugs in, both ears. This prohibition does not apply to a person using a prosthetic device that aids the hard of hearing.
7. Cyclists shall not use any hand-held photography device or cell phone while actively riding.
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS:
1. Bicycle trips are prohibited on closed roads, NPS service roads, off roadways, in the wilderness, on any trails, or on paved pedestrian walking paths.
2. Airport Road: Bicycle trips are prohibited on Airport Road.
3. Furnace Creek Wash Road (Dantes View Road): Bicycle trips are prohibited on the Furnace Creek Wash Road/Dantes View Road beyond the gate located near the Ryan Mine entrance, 2.5 miles south of State Route 190.
4. Emigrant Canyon Road: Bicycle trips are prohibited between mile 13 and the junction with Wildrose Road. Use of Emigrant Canyon Road is permitted for the first 13 miles (from State Route 190) provided groups abide by the following restrictions:
5. Cyclists must be released in groups of up to four (4) at a time with a 10-minute interval between groups.
6. Groups that are conducting up and back rides must ride to the turn-around point and wait for the entire group to gather at that location prior to making the return trip. For the return trip, cyclists must be released in groups of up to 4 at a time with a 10-minute interval between groups.
7. Upper Wildrose Road: Use of Wildrose Road is permitted from the junction with Emigrant Canyon Road to the Charcoal Kilns. Bicycle trips are prohibited beyond the Charcoal Kilns.
8. Groups that are conducting up and back rides must ride to the turn-around point and wait for the entire group to gather at that location prior to making the return trip.
9. Artists Drive: Bicycle trips are permitted to ride on Artist’s Drive provided groups abide by the following restrictions:
10. Cyclists must be released in groups of up to four (4) at a time with a 10-minute interval between groups starting at the entrance of Artists Drive. Group must remain separate from each other for the entirety of Artists Drive.
11. Two signs that read either “Caution Cyclists on Road” or “Caution Special Event Ahead” must be placed at the following locations on the right-hand side of the roadway where they are easily recognized and understood by road users:
12. The entry of Artists Drive (just past the Artist Drive sign)
13. North of the Artists Palette pullout.
14. Signs must by be in compliance with the California Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD).
15. Signs must be freestanding and may not be attached to existing road signs or posts. Signs may not be secured using rocks or other artifacts from the park. The Holder must provide their own way to secure signs (weights, sandbags, bricks) and must remove from the park all weight devices when the sign is taken down.
16. Signs must remain in place until all cyclists have reached the end of Artist’s Drive at the junction with Badwater Road. Holder must remove signs at that time.
17. No aid stations may be located along Artists Drive or at the Artists Palette parking area.
18. Zabriskie Point Pedestrian Walking Path: Bicycles trips are prohibited on the paved pedestrian path to the Zabriskie Point lookout area. All bicycles must be left at the bottom of the hill and must not block the two visitor information boards.
Appendix: Authorized Aid Station Locations
1. Badwater Road: from north junction with HWY 190 to south junction with HWY 178 at Park boundary.
2. Mile 3.0 – Golden Canyon parking lot, first (West most) RV parking spot. Aid station must not block vehicle traffic into and out of parking area.
3. Mile 3.1 ~ 3.1 – Both sides of road. Aid station must not block or hinder viewing of speed limit sign.
4. Mile 7.1 ~ 7.3 – Both sides of road.
5. Mile 8.4 – West side of road, South of sign. Aid station must not block or hinder viewing of sign.
6. Mile 10 – West side of road.
7. Mile 10.9 ~ 11.1 – West side of road. Aid station must not block or hinder view of Devils Golf Course road sign. Aid station must be located off pavement entering Devils Golf Course road and must not hinder traffic to Devils Golf Course road.
8. Mile 12 – East side of road.
9. Mile 13.7 – West side of road.
10. Badwater parking lot – Southernmost Bus/RV parking stall.
11. Mile 20.3 – Both sides of road
12. Mile 21.4 ~ 21.5 – West side of road
13. Mile 22.8 ~ 23 – Both sides of road
14. Mile 26.7 – West side of road
15. Mile 30.2 – West side of road (small pullout)
16. Mile 34.1 – West side of road
17. Mile 37 ~ 37.2 – Both sides of road
18. Mile 41.4 – West side of road
19. Mile 43.8 – Ashford Mill parking area by restroom – Aid station must not block visitor traffic.
20. Mile 47.4 ~ 47.6 – South side of road
21. Mile 48 – Both sides of road
22. Mile 49.7 – Both sides of road
23. Mile 52.1 ~ 52.3 – Both sides of road
24. Mile 52.4 ~ 53.7 – Both sides of road
25. Mile 56 – North side of road
26. INYO 178 (Badwater road) Mile 28.6 ~ 28.9 – Both sides of road
27. INYO 178 (Badwater road) Mile 31.4 – North side of road
28. INYO 178 (Badwater road) Mile 36 – Both sides of road. Do not block access to Furnace Creek Road.
Scotty’s Castle Road/North Highway: From south junction with HWY 190 to Grapevine Ranger Station.
1. Northbound:
2. Mile .07 – Pullout – Northern end of pullout
3. Mile 4.2 – E side wide area
4. Mile 8 – E side
5. Mile 11.9 – E pullout – no not block sign
6. Mile 13.4 – E side
7. Mile 13.9 – E side
8. Mile 15.6 – E side wide area
9. Mile 16.8 – E side wide area
10. Mile 18.0 – E side
11. Mile 19.4 – E side
  1. Mile 19.8 – E side wide area
Mile 20.3 – E side wide area
Mile 20.7 – E side wide area
Mile 22.3 – E side
Mile 24.75 – E side wide area
Mile 28 – E side wide area
Mile 28.8 – E side wide area
Mile 31.01 – E side wide area
Grapevine Ranger Station parking lot, S end – Do not block traffic
Southbound:
Grapevine Ranger Station parking lot, S end – Do not block traffic
Mile 31.01 – W side wide area
Mile 28.8 – W side wide area
Mile 24.01 – W side wide area
Mile 22.8 – W side wide area
Mile 20.7 – W side wide area
Mile 20.3 – W side wide area
Mile 19.1 – W side
Mile 18 – W side
Mile 16.8 – W side wide area
Mile 15.6 – W side wide area
Mile 13.9 – W side
Mile 12.3 – W side
Mile 4.2 – W side wide area
Mile.07 - Pullout – Northern end of pullout
Ubehebe Crater Road:
Mile 3.3 – N & S side of road
Mile 5.9 – Parking lot at crater, 4 most N parking stalls
Bonnie Claire Road: From west junction with Scotty’s Castle Road/North Highway to east junction with HWY 267 at Park boundary.
Mile 36.3 – Scotty’s Castle parking area
Mile 39.2 – S side of road
Daylight Pass Road: From west junction with Scotty’s Castle Road/North Highway to east junction with HWY 374 at Park boundary.
Scotty’s Castle Road – Mud Canyon Kisok. South end of pullout, do not block roadway.
Mile 3.4 – Both sides of road
Mile 6.6 – Hells Gate Kisok – East turnout section, do not block roadway or access to pullout.
Mile 9.5 ~ 9.6 – South side of road
Mile 13 – Daylight pass pullout – North side of road
Mile 17.1 – East park entry sign pullout, East most parking stall, do not block roadway or access to pullout.
Beatty Cutoff: From south junction with HWY 190 to north junction with Daylight Pas Road at Hells Gate Kiosk.
HWY 190 and Beatty Cutoff intersection - East side of Beatty road.
Mile 3.4 ~ 3.5 – Both sides of road
Mile 7.1 – Both sides of road
Hells Gate Kiosk – East turnout section, do not block roadway or access to pullout.

Insurance Requirements

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance

Liability insurance is required for all CUA holders under the terms of the authorization. Such insurance should be of sufficient scope to cover all potential risks and in an amount to cover claims that can reasonably be expected in the event of serious injury or death. The minimum commercial general liability insurance is $1,000,000 per occurrence. Liability insurance policies must name the United States of America as additional insured. The business or person that is providing the service must be the named insured (policy holder). Companies that provide transportation only are not required to have Commercial General Liability as long as the passengers do not disembark.

Other Required Insurance

Commercial Auto Liability Insurance is required if a CUA holder transports passengers or uses owned/leased/rented vehicles in the performance of the service in the park. If a CUA holder charters the vehicle and those chartered vehicles are owned and operated by another company, the CUA holder is not required to have Commercial Automobile Liability insurance. The minimum Commercial Auto Liability Insurance for interstate passenger transport is:

Commercial Vehicle Insurance – Passenger Transport (bodily injury and property damage)	Minimum per Occurrence Liability Limits
15 or fewer passengers	$1,500,000
16 or more passengers	$5,000,000

The commercial automobile liability insurance requirements for interstate operation of autos used in performance of the service in the park, but not to transport passengers, are:

Commercial Vehicle Insurance Interstate Operations (No Passenger Transport)	Minimum per Occurrence Liability Limits
Small fleet vehicles under 10,001 pounds	$300,000
Fleet vehicles 10,001 pounds or more	$750,000

The NPS has not established commercial automobile liability minimums for intrastate auto use by CUA holders because each state has unique rules and regulations. Intrastate CUA holders must meet individual state requirements for Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance or the interstate requirements above, whichever are greatest.

If the CUA applicant or holder will use rented or leased vehicles in performance of the authorized service, the applicant or holder must secure appropriate insurance for that rented or leased vehicle in the amount required by the CUA application. Proof of insurance secured directly from the rental or lease company may not be available upon application submission, but applicants are required to provide proof of insurance coverage after application submission upon NPS request.

CUA holders authorized to transport passengers aboard or use in the park an owned/rented/leased vessel may have P&I Vessel Insurance to cover claims for bodily injury, death, and property damage arising from use of the vessel as an alternative to commercial general liability insurance. The minimum P&I Vessel Insurance is $500,000 per occurrence.

CUA holders authorized to transport passengers or use in the park an owned/rented/leased aircraft are required to obtain Aircraft Liability Insurance. The minimum Aircraft Liability Insurance is $1,000,000 per occurrence.

CUA holders assigned the use of park property must secure Property Insurance. The property insurance must provide the financial means for the CUA holder to repair or replace damaged park property within their care and control. The NPS will provide the Insurance Replacement Value for structures.

Insurance Company Minimum Standards

The NPS has established the following minimum insurance company requirements which all insurance companies must meet. These standards apply to foreign insurance companies as well as domestic companies.

All insurers for all coverages must be rated no lower than A- by the most recent edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide (Property/Casualty edition), or similar insurance rating companies (Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch), unless otherwise authorized by the Service.
All insurers for all coverages must have Best’s Financial Size Category of at least VII according to the most recent edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide (Property-Casualty edition), or similar insurance rating companies (Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch), unless otherwise authorized by the Service
The insurance ratings must be submitted with the CUA Application. The rating companies do not issue certificates. We require the insurance broker to note this rating in the Certificate. If the rating does not appear on the certificate, the insurance broker must provide it in another document.

Proof of Insurance Submission

Applicants must submit proof of insurance with the CUA Application. The proof of insurance must:

Be written in English with monetary amounts reflected in USD.
Reflect that insurance coverage is effective at time of CUA Application submission.
Name as insured the business or person that is providing the service.
Name the United States as additional insured.
Reflect a General Commercial Liability Policy with the minimum coverage amount required in the CUA Application.
Reflect required additional insurances (commercial vehicle, vessel, aircraft, etc.) with the minimum coverage amount required in the CUA Application.
Include insurance provider rating or provide in separate document.

Reporting Requirements

Annual Reports and Management Fees must be submitted through this system by January 31st following the operating year.

Required Documentation

Have the following documentation ready to upload or available on your Company Profile:

Insurance Certification

Operating Plan

Trip Plan

Employee List

First Aid or Wilderness First Aid Certificate

CUA Fees

The application fee for this CUA is $350.
If you have paid for a previous CUA applications for this park during this CUA season, your application fee will be discounted by $100.

The management fee for this CUA is a market price fee based on a percentage of your revenue earned from in-park or park-dependent operations. The fee is not based on your overall revenue or on revenue earned from services not authorized by the CUA that do not occur in-park or are park-dependent. The NPS defines park-dependent operations as those commercial activities that are packaged and sold, marketed to include, or coincidentally include, entry into the park boundaries for part or all of the activity duration.

The market price fee calculation is:

Less than $250,000 earned from park-based operations - 3% of gross receipts (minus application fee).
$250,000 to $500,000 earned from park-based operations - 4% of gross receipts.
More than $500,000 earned from park-based operations - 5% of gross receipts.

The market price fee is a tiered fee best explained by example. Suppose a CUA holder earns $750,000 in gross revenue by providing the service authorized by the CUA. The NPS will charge 3% of gross receipts for the first $250,000 earned, 4% for the next $250,000, and 5% for the remaining $250,000, for a total CUA management fee of $30,000, minus the application fee.
You are required to report revenue each year when you submit the mandatory annual CUA report. The market price management fee is due after NPS staff verifies report accuracy.

The CUA application fee is non-refundable, and you are responsible for ensuring you are applying for the correct CUA service type.
This application is for 4x4/ATV Tours in Death Valley National Park.