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.

Yosemite National Park

Guided Interpretive Tours

Ensure you are applying for the correct CUA, NO REFUNDS will be granted for application fees.

Note: Tour groups with over 15 participants and/or motorcoaches with a manufactured capacity of 16 passengers or more do not qualify for this CUA and must enter the park by paying the commercial tour fee at the entrance station. For more information on the commercial tour fee program, please visit Fees & Passes - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

AUTHORIZED USE DEFINED:

One or more individuals that may be traveling in a single vehicle with a capacity of 15 or fewer passengers on roadways open to the public following an itinerary sold for leisure, recreational, or educational purposes. This CUA authorizes interpretive tours, guided day hiking (no more than two miles round trip), non-instructional photography opportunities, and allows guides to act as a step-on guide. Step-on Interpretive Guide Service authorizes the guide to be transported by the client in the client’s vehicle (bus, auto, private or commercial). The guide MAY NOT drive the client’s vehicle.

This CUA authorizes tours for the 2026 calendar year, date issued through January 31, 2026. If you would like to apply for a CUA for the 2027 calendar year, wait to apply until December 1st, 2026.

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

General Park Requirements

Updated 11/19/2025

Regulations: Reference copies of the Yosemite National Park Superintendent’s Compendium are available at https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm. The Wilderness Management Plan (approved 1989) is available upon request from the Research Library 209-372-0280. Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1 to 199 may be found at https://www.ecfr.gov/

The following Special Conditions (General Park Requirements) apply to all Commercial Use Authorizations issued in Yosemite National Park and must be attached to the preceding pages listing the terms and conditions of all National Park Service Commercial Use Authorizations.

Purpose- The holder may only conduct the activity or activities listed on this Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). In accepting this authorization, the holder acknowledges that the proposed activity, in order to qualify for a CUA, must bear a direct relationship to the purpose for which the park was established. Enabling Legislation - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Carry Permit-All authorized agent must show a printed/hard copy first page of this authorization to the entrance station ranger upon arrival to the park.
1. The holder, or employee, are required to carry a valid copy of this authorization while conducting the authorized activities within the park.
2. The Permit must be displayed on the passenger-side windshield when transporting visitors.
3. The CUA may be downloaded onto a smart device, but a hard copy of the signature page must be immediately available to show and Park Ranger upon request.
4. When using a smart device to store a copy of the CUA, the Holder, Guide, or employee, must be willing to allow a parker ranger to hold and view the document on an unlocked device.
Third parties- That offer packages or sell trips for authorized outfitters must clearly state the name of the permitted business conducting trips within Yosemite National Park. Similarly, CUA holders who partner with other authorized outfitters must disclose in their advertising the name of the authorized business responsible for any services they are not authorized to provide.
Use Limits- The Superintendent may limit public use of Yosemite National Park under 36 CFR1.5. This authorization does not guarantee park entry or access to all areas, which may be restricted due to crowding, natural events, or administration needs. Future access may also be limited to protect resources, support visitor experience, or accommodate special projects.
Liability for Damages and Search & Rescue Costs- The holder is liable for damages beyond those inherent to authorized use, including mitigation costs for violations of park regulations. The holder is also responsible for all National Park Service expenses related to search and rescue efforts resulting from holder’s negligence.
Advertising- Advertising for the authorized activity shall not state or imply endorsement by the National Park Service or Yosemite National Park. Commercial photography or commercial filming within the park requires a separate filming permit and must be approved by the Superintendent. Contact the Office of Special Park Uses for more information, YOSE_Special_Use_Permits@nps.gov
Solicitation- This Authorization does not permit the holder to advertise, solicit business, collect any fees, or sell and goods or service on lands owned and controlled by the United States. The described commercial services must originate and terminate outside the boundaries of the Park.
Addition of Clients- Additional customers may not be added to the tour while the holder is in the park. All bookings and financial transactions must take place outside of the park.
Employee/Agent Responsibility – The holder and all participants authorized herein must comply with the conditions of this authorization including all exhibits, amendments and/or written directions of the Park Superintendent. The holder shall ensure that all employees and customers entering the park are informed of all conditions of this authorization. The holder may be cited for any violations of the authorization committed by their employee, agent and/or clients while acting under this authorization.
1. Obstruction of traffic- The holder shall ensure that clients and vehicles do not obstruct vehicle or pedestrian traffic on roads, trailheads or along trails.
2. Share the road/trail- The holder shall share the roads and trails with other groups including, but limited to, private/commercial hikers to private/commercial stock users.
3. Harassment- Harassment of and/or threats to park visitors or any National Park Service employee by the holder, or their employees, will result in the suspension and/or revocation of this authorization.
4. Protect people and resources: CUA holder are responsible for ensuring that all employees and clients obey all traffic laws, to avoid wildlife strikes.
Supervision and Compliance- Common regulations include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Protection of Natural Resources and Cultural Artifacts (historic and prehistoric)- The holder must ensure that employees and clients do not disturb or remove any natural, historic, or cultural artifacts from the park, including but not limited to items like arrowheads, rock mortars, live or died plants, bottles, or jars.
2. Groups or individuals must stay out of posted sensitive areas, such as restoration and construction zones, for resource protection and safety.
3. Leave No Trace- Guides must complete the Leave No Trace (LNT) Awareness training. Permit holders are responsible for educating clients on relevant LNT principles. Learn more at https://lnt.org.
4. Removal of Trash and Refuse- All articles that are transported by the Holder and clients during the authorized activity must be placed in an authorized receptacle or transported out of the area and disposed of properly, including all trash and refuse.
5. Feeding/Disturbing wildlife- Park regulations prohibit the feeding or disturbing off any wildlife in Yosemite National Park. Disturbing is defined as any action that causes a change in the behavior of wildlife. Viewing or photographing wildlife with the use of artificial light is prohibited.
6. Bear Damage reports-The Holder will report all bear contacts and/or bear damage incidents. Reports can be made by contacting the Wildlife Management Office (209-372-0322).
7. Smoking while traveling on trails is prohibited. People wishing to smoke must stop and remain in one location until they have extinguished their smoking material. Cigarette filters must be carried out and disposed of properly and safely. The Superintendent may restrict smoking in designated areas when extreme fire danger is a threat.
8. Audio disturbances- External speakers are prohibited on hikes or in wilderness areas. Personal headphones or ear plugs are permitted. Cell phone use should be discouraged when it could disturb others, unless of an emergency.
Visitor Information- The Holder will ensure that information provided to clients or potential visitors through tour leaders, brochures, literature, or advertising, is accurate and reflects the most current information available with respect to park flora, fauna, culture, and history. www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
Entrance Fees-
1. The holder agrees to pay all applicable entrance fees in effect at the time of arrival at the park entrance station or designated fee collection site with a valid debit or credit card.
2. Holder is responsible for presenting the correct CUA for the calculation of entrance fees.
3. If the entrance station is closed at the time of entry, the fee will be paid at the entrance station upon exiting.
4. If unable to pay at the time of entry or exit, the holder must contact the CUA office to arrange payment.
5. Attempting to avoid payment of appropriate fees is a violation of federal law. Any attempt at avoiding payment of the appropriate entrance fee may result in the revocation of this authorization and the holder may be subject to possible criminal prosecution.
6. Current information on entrance fees and passes may be found Fees & Passes - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Report of Incident-The holder is required to make a report of ANY serious personal injury/medical event (any injury/medical event requiring professional medical attention) and/or property damage incident involving the holder vehicles, clientele, and/or employees.
1. The report must be made at the first available opportunity before leaving the park and will consist of a verbal description of the incident given to:
2. A Park Ranger, at the nearest Ranger Station,
  1. The Park Desk Officer located Yosemite Valley by phone 209-372-0608
  2. Park Dispatch 209-379-1992
  3. The holder must cooperate with any investigation of the incident by the National Park Service personnel.
  4. Additionally, a written report must be sent to the Commercial Use Office within three business days of the incident.
Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections-
1. Holder shall fully cooperate regarding the inspection of commercial passenger vehicles in Yosemite National Park, which includes vehicles owned, leased, or hired by the holder for transportation of clients.
2. For visitor safety the Superintendent has authorized a program for commercial vehicle safety inspections to be conducted, unannounced, each year in the park. Vehicles are checked for safety, mechanical deficiencies, and compliance with current state and federal regulations. Driver’s license, medical certificates, and logbooks are also checked as required by law or regulation.
Caravanning- is defined as attempting to navigate through the park keeping multiple vehicles together as a group. Caravanning may impede the smooth flow of traffic, create hazards, and is prohibited in Yosemite National Park. Holders/guides may designate specific meeting times and locations.
Parking Commercial Vehicles-
1. Possession of this authorization does not guarantee the availability of parking within Yosemite National Park.
2. The holder must abide by all park parking regulations and any special parking requirements as designated by the Superintendent.
3. Commercial passenger vehicles over 21’ are required to use designated bus parking.
4. Commercial passenger vehicles towing trailers should park in Yosemite Falls Day Use parking lot in the RV parking area; if parking is not available in that area, the vehicle may be parked in a bus parking space by backing into the space; do not park across bus parking spaces.
5. Commercial passenger vehicles 21’ and under must use available auto parking spaces and may NOT park in bus spaces (with the exception of the Wawona Store/ Yosemite History Center bus parking area).
6. Commercial vehicles may be parked in residential areas.
7. Parking is prohibited at any shuttle or bus stop.
8. Double parking is prohibited.
Idling- Drivers are prohibited from allowing their vehicle engine to idle more than five (5) minutes per stop. Vehicle engines must be shut off if the stop will be longer than five (5) minutes; this includes idling while waiting in parking areas or wayside turnouts. Vehicles in the park must be well-maintained and in compliance with California State and Federal laws regarding emissions.

Special Park Conditions

Guided Interpretive Tour Requirements

Updated 11/19/2025

The following Special Conditions (Guided Interpretive Tour Conditions) apply to all Guided Interpretive Tour Commercial Use Authorizations in Yosemite National Park and must be attached to the preceding pages listing the terms and conditions of all National Park Service Commercial Use Authorizations and all Yosemite National Park (General Conditions) Commercial Use Authorizations.

Definition-
1. Road-based tours in which a certified guide lead groups in educational and interpretive tours throughout the park, including stops at services, pullouts, developed areas, and boardwalks. Road-based tours allow for incidental photography. Photography Instruction requires a separate CUA.
2. Day hiking tours include guided and interpretive walking tours where participants may use established trails to conduct short walks (no more than two miles roundtrip) with a focus on interpreting the park history, landscapes, and wildlife.
3. Step-on guide service is defined as a guide who rides in a visitor’s vehicle, tour bus, or other commercial vehicle with no more than 15 seat capacity (driver excluded) and acts as a guide for sightseeing tours. It is the CUA holder’s responsibility to check the clients’ proof of auto liability insurance before the trip. The Step On Guide may not drive the client’s vehicle within the park.
Stewardship-
1. All tours must provide accurate and unbiased park information, safety messaging, and bear food storage education.
2. Tours must comply as directed by NPS staff engaged in administering wildlife management operations or managing wildlife viewing opportunities.
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 logo or name on a shirt hat and/or name tag.
2. Vehicle Markings- All vehicles, 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.
  2. If the vehicle is chartered or rented, the sign may be taped to a window inside the vehicle.
  3. Number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and California Public Utilities Commissions (CPUC) if applicable.
  4. Markings must appear on the exterior of both sides of the vehicle.
  5. The letters must contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
  6. Markings must be legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet when the vehicle is stationary.
  7. Markings must be kept in good condition and replaced when faded, damaged, etc.
Prepared Food-The holder may provide food service as part of itinerary, only if the guide has a valid food handlers permit.
Guided Interpretive Fees- Interagency passes may not be used for commercial guided interpretive tours. Fees are based on seating capacity, not occupancy. The seating capacity is determined by the original vehicle capacity as designed by the manufacturer, not on the number of passengers or the passenger capacity after any subsequent retrofitting, such as the removal of seats. Passenger capacity excludes the driver. For a group making a multiple day visit to Yosemite the entrance fee entitles the same group in the same commercial passenger vehicle to enter for up to seven consecutive days for the one entrance fee.
Out-of-Park Business- All tours and passenger transportation service must begin and end outside of Yosemite National Park. A transportation service may enter the park to conduct guided interpretive sightseeing tours and drop off their passengers at park lodging, then exit and return to pick up the same group within the 7 days allowed by the entrance fee receipt. This CUA does not authorize the holder to pick up new clients inside of the park. (The park concessioner, Yosemite Hospitality, is the only company authorized to sell and/or begin road-based sightseeing tours within Yosemite National Park).
Winter Driving Tire Chains (tire traction device)- When entering active chain control areas within Yosemite National Park the following conditions must be met: the holder’s vehicle(s) must be equipped with Caltrans approved traction control devices; drivers must be trained in how to install tire traction devices and driving in winter conditions; chains must be installed at the first safe turnout nearest to the active chain control sign. When chain control signs are “Active” Vehicles with an unladen weight over 6,000 pounds (6,500 lbs. for four-wheel drive) must use approved tire traction devices when restriction level 1 (R-1, Chains or snow tires required) or greater exist. Note: In the event that conditions require the use of metal link chain traction control devices, cable chains will not be allowed. (For road conditions in Yosemite National Park call (209) 372-0200 press 1, and 1.)
Other Additional Permits-
1. It is the responsibility of the Holder to obtain any additional permits for activities not covered under this CUA.
2. Guided commercial bicycle tours, guided commercial and/or organized rock climbing or rock-climbing lessons are not activities permitted by commercial use authorization in Yosemite National Park.
Signs and Banners- The Holder is prohibited from using signs, flags, sandwich boards, or banners to designate their group when conducting activities in public areas. This does not preclude the legal display of the company name and/or logo on company vehicles as required or allowed by law or regulation.
Passenger Unloading & Bus Parking Locations- CUA holders operating vehicles over 21 feet in length must use designated passenger loading/unloading zones and bus parking areas. The holder must follow instructions from Park Rangers and/or NPS Traffic Managers regarding loading/unloading passengers and bus parking. Loading or unloading or passengers onto roadways, in driveways or handicapped parking stalls is prohibited.
1. Big Oak Flat Information Station: (Hwy 120, west entrance).
  1. Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Buses are prohibited in the Big Oak Flat Information Station parking area.
  2. Parking: Buses transporting passengers with reservations at the Hodgdon Meadow Campground group campsites must contact yose_bus@nps.gov for written permission to park overnight in the large vehicle parking space located along the island on the right side of the Big Oak Flat Road, near the Visitor Information parking lot. Commercial vehicles parked in the large vehicle parking space without written permission may be cited. Buses may not enter or park in the auto-parking section.
2. Tuolumne Grove Parking Area:
  1. Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may not park or unload passengers in the auto designated parking lots. Passengers must be unloaded in the designated passenger unloading area. Passengers must walk to the bus parking area to board the bus for departure. It is the responsibility of the holder to collect all passengers before leaving the area. Overdue passengers must not be left behind.
  2. Parking: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may only park in the designated bus parking area.
3. Tuolumne Meadows Area: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may not drive on the Soda Springs Road or enter the Lembert Dome parking lot without prior written authorization from the CUA office.
  1. Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet may park and off-load passengers at the following locations when parking is available.
    1. Tuolumne Visitor Center parking lot.
    2. Tenaya Lake eastside parking lot.
    3. Olmsted Point scenic vista.
4. Cascade Falls/Picnic Area Parking Lot: (Located on the north side of Hwy 140, 3 miles east of the Arch Rock Entrance Station) There is no designated bus parking at this location and may only be parked in the oversized parking space and may not block auto spaces. Parking for vehicles over 21 feet is limited to 20 minutes.
5. Yosemite Valley:
  1. Passenger Unloading/ Loading: all commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must drop off their passengers at the Yosemite Falls Day Use Bus Parking area located at the west side of the Yosemite Valley Lodge (This zone is shared with Shuttle Stop #7).
  2. Parking: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must be parked in the Yosemite Falls bus parking lot. After unloading passengers, commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may not be used by drivers for personal transportation within the areas serviced by the Yosemite Valley Shuttlebus System.
6. Bridalveil Falls Parking Lot: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Bridalveil Fall parking lot. Bus passengers may access Bridalveil Fall from Bridalveil Straight. When transporting clients with a valid Special Use Permit, commercial passenger vehicles up to 30 feet in length may, prior to the trip, request written authorization from the Park Superintendent to unload or load clients in this lot. Contact yose_special_use_permits@nps.gov for information.
7. Swinging Bridge Parking Lot: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Swinging Bridge parking lot.
8. Village Store: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Village Store parking lots. Commercial passenger vans (vehicles with seating capacity of 7-15 seats) are prohibited from entering the Village Store parking lots from May 1st through October 31st.
9. Yosemite Valley Campgrounds: Exception to Condition #10.5 under the following conditions: The holder’s clients must have a confirmed reservation at any Valley Campground.
  1. Passenger Unloading/ Loading: For commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length, prior to arrival in the park, the bus operator must contact the Park Campground Manager at 209-347-6813 for permission and instructions on where to off-load and/or load groups staying in Valley campgrounds. The following campground specific conditions apply:
10. Upper Pines Campground: The bus may drive the one-way Happy Isles Shuttle Bus Road. The driver must yield to park shuttle buses, and share the road with bicyclists, pedestrians, and horses. The bus must not block shuttle bus access. When loading or unloading only; the bus must be parked on the left side of the road, at a location close to the group’s campsites. The bus may not drive off the road or to the campsite. (The group must transport any gear on foot from the road to their sites.) After passengers have unloaded the driver must continue slowly (25 mph max) in the one-way direction around the shuttle bus loop exiting near the Valley Stables. The driver may not pass any shuttle bus, exiting the shuttle bus road. The driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
11. North Pines & Lower Pines Campgrounds: The bus driver is authorized to stop at the Pines Campground Shuttle Stop (#18), located near the entrance to the campground, to off-load passengers and equipment. The bus may not drive off the road or to the campsite. (The group must transport any gear on foot from the shuttle stop to their sites.) The bus may not stop for longer than 15 minutes and must not interfere with park shuttlebus operations. The bus may not block the entrance to the campground. After dropping off passengers and equipment the driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
  1. Parking: Vehicles over 21 feet in length must park at the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area.
12. The Ahwahnee Hotel: Exception to Condition #10.5 under the following conditions: Reservations Required.
  1. Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length transporting groups that have room or meal reservations at The Ahwahnee Hotel may drive to the hotel shuttle bus stop to off-load or load their passengers. The driver must then either travel to the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park. Drivers may be cited if they block the hotel shuttle bus stop for longer than five (5) minutes. Pick up time and location for overnight hotel guests and their luggage should be arranged with the hotel bellman. Passengers should be instructed to be at the boarding area at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the bus’s scheduled arrival.
13. Curry Village: Exception to Condition #10.5 under the following conditions: Reservations Required.
  1. Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length transporting groups that have lodging or meal reservations at Curry Village may drive to the Curry Village Tour Deck bus stop to off-load passengers and their baggage. Because this location is shared by the concessioner tour vehicles and YARTS, the holder may be cited if their vehicle blocks the bus stop for longer than fifteen (15) minutes. Passengers with meal reservations only must be directed to take the park shuttle bus to shuttle stop #7 at the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area to board their bus. The holder is authorized to drive to Curry Village to pick up overnight lodging guests and their luggage. Passengers must be instructed to be at the Curry Village Tour Desk area at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the bus’s scheduled arrival.
  2. Parking: Buses over 21 feet in length must either park at the bus parking lot located in the Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area or exit the park.
14. Wawona Hotel:
  1. Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Buses must not enter the Wawona Hotel driveway loop unless the group has meal or lodging reservations. Buses without reservations must unload passengers at the designated Bus/RV parking area across from the Wawona Store; the driver will direct passengers to walk to the hotel.
  2. Parking: The driveway to the Wawona Hotel is designated for private auto parking only. Drivers must park in the Bus/RV parking lot across from the Wawona Store. Commercial passenger vehicles 21 feet in length or shorter are permitted to park and unload in the designated Bus/ RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41).
15. Wawona Store and Pioneer History Center:
  1. Passenger Unloading/ Loading: When visiting the Pioneer History Center or Wawona Store, drivers of commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length may use the Wawona YARTS stop outside of the hours of 7:00 am to 11:00 am for loading and offloading passengers only. Passengers should be instructed to be at the boarding area at least fifteen prior to the buses arrival to pick up the group. Drivers may be cited if they block the Wawona YARTS bus stop for longer than five (5) minutes. Vehicles 21 feet in length or shorter may not enter the Wawona YARTS stop at any time. Between the hours of 7:00 am and 11:00 am vehicles over 21 feet in length must park and off load passengers in the designated Bus/RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41). Passengers must be directed to use the pedestrian crosswalk. When snow and ice hinder the use of the Bus/RV parking lot or Wawona YARTS bus stop, buses may off load/load passenger and park in the Wawona Store parking lot but must not be parked in travel lanes or along Forest Drive.
  2. Parking: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from parking in the Pioneer History Center parking lot, the Wawona Store parking lot or Wawona YARTS stop. When visiting the Pioneer History Center, Wawona Store or staying at the Wawona Hotel, commercial passenger buses over 21 feet in length must be parked in the designated Bus/RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41). Parking along Forrest Drive is prohibited at all times. Commercial passenger vehicles 21 feet in length or shorter are permitted to park and unload in the designated Bus/ RV parking lot located across the road from the Wawona store, on the west side of the Wawona Road (Hwy 41).
16. Mariposa Grove Bus Parking Area: During peak visitation ABA shuttles are available from the Welcome Plaza to Mariposa Grove. Commercial guides and clients should use these shuttles. If the CUA holder believes a client’s needs require further accommodation, a written request to the CUA office at CUA_YOSE@NPS.GOV. To allow sufficient time to process this request, it must be received no less than seven working days before the requested date of access. Approval of requests is not guaranteed.
  1. When a request is submitted, the following information must be included:
    1. Date and time of requested access
    2. Size and type of vehicle
    3. Private or commercial vehicle
    4. Number of people in the group, and number of people needing further accommodation
    5. Circumstances requiring further accommodation
  2. Vehicles over 21 feet in length must have a reservation to enter the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, to drop off passengers and park. Reservations must be obtained at least 1 day prior to arrival through Recreation.gov and a copy of the reservation must be shown to Traffic Management prior to parking. Vehicles over 21 feet in length without a valid reservation will not be permitted to enter the plaza, unload passengers, or park. Reservations are not required for vehicles up to 21 feet in length.
    1. Passenger Unloading/ Loading: Commercial passenger vehicles up to 21 feet in length must unload passengers in the Welcome Plaza parking lot. Passengers must not be unloaded or loaded in the designated utility parking or striped zone near the restrooms. Passengers must not be loaded or unloaded along the Wawona Road.
      1. Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must use the designated commercial bus loading and unloading zone at the shuttle bus transit hub to unload passengers. After unloading passengers, the vehicle must proceed to the designated bus parking lot. The vehicle must return to the designated commercial bus loading and unloading zone at the shuttle bus transit hub to load passengers. Passengers may not be unloaded or loaded in the bus parking lot.
    2. Parking: Drivers of larger vehicles up to 21 feet in length must back into the parking space when possible and must fold in view mirrors towards vehicle.
      1. Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length with a valid reservation, after unloading passengers, must park in the designated bus parking lot west of the shuttle bus transit hub. Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are restricted from parking in the Welcome Plaza parking lot.
      2. Commercial passenger vehicles up to 21 feet in length, may park in the Welcome Plaza parking lot as directed by Traffic Management staff. Commercial vehicles must not park in RV/Oversized vehicle parking spaces. When parking is full the parking lot will be temporarily closed to all vehicles.
      3. Commercial passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited from entering the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza unless they have a current bus parking reservation. To park in the Welcome Plaza auto parking lot commercial passenger vehicle up to 21 feet in length must drop off the trailer prior to entering the Welcome Plaza.
        Trailers may be dropped off at the following locations:
        In Wawona at the Bus/RV parking area located across the road from the Wawona Store.
      4. At the Wawona Road/Glacier Point Road junction, in the north side parking lot across from the restrooms.
Scenic View Stops-Limited: The availability of parking in these areas is limited. Commercial passenger vehicles must not block traffic lanes or interfere with the free flow of traffic along roadways or in parking lots. Commercial passenger vehicles traveling through Yosemite Valley are limited to the use of the following locations:
1. Tunnel View: (Wawona Road/Hwy 41) Commercial passenger vehicles may only enter the Tunnel View parking lot if parking is available. Vehicles over 21 feet may only park in the designated bus parking spaces. Vehicles are prohibited from stopping, parking, or unloading passengers when parking spaces are unavailable.
2. Bridalveil Straight: (Bridalveil Fall and El Capitan viewing area). When space is available, passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length must park on the right side of the one-way road (Southside Drive, eastbound). Parking over the white hash marks is prohibited. The holder shall not off-load or allow passengers to walk into traffic lanes. Passengers must use crosswalks when crossing the road.
3. Sentinel Bridge: Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from entering the Sentinel Bridge parking lot. (Vehicles over 30 feet are prohibited from driving on Sentinel Bridge.)
4. Devil’s Elbow: (Westbound, Northside Drive) The holder is authorized to park only one bus at a time at this location. Park in dirt parking area on the right side of the road leaving Yosemite Valley and ¼ mile before El Capitan Meadow. Commercial passenger vehicles must not park in, or block, the designated shuttle bus stop area.
5. El Capitan (Meadow) Straight: (Westbound, Northside Drive) Park on left side of roadway in the designated parking area. Do not park on or over white hash marks. Do not allow passengers to be off-loaded into or walk into traffic lanes. Passengers must not be allowed to walk in fenced off areas.
6. Bridalveil View: (Westbound, Northside Drive) The holder is authorized to park only one bus at a time at this location. When space is available, mini-buses and motorcoaches should try to use the parking lane on the left side of the one-way road. Do not park on or over the white hash marks. Do not allow passengers to be off-loaded into or walk in traffic lanes.
7. Valley View: (Westbound, Northside Drive in the paved parking area on the left side of the road, exiting Yosemite Valley, and prior to the Hwy 41/140 split). Only one commercial bus is allowed to stop at this location at a time. Commercial passenger vehicles may not block automobile parking spaces.
8. Fern Spring: Is prohibited from stopping at the Fern Spring turnout located on Southside drive.
Length, Size & Weight Limits- Commercial passenger carrying vehicles exceeding forty-five (45) feet in length or 102 inches in width are prohibited within Yosemite National Park. During periods when the road base of specific park roads is saturated, a weight restriction for vehicles will be signed and enforced. Additional size or weight restrictions may be added for any park roadway when deemed necessary by the Superintendent Road specific restrictions are as follows:
1. Hwy 140, El Portal Road: On Highway 140, within Yosemite NP: commercial passenger carrying vehicles exceeding twelve (12) feet six (6) inches in height are prohibited.
2. Hetch Hetchy Road: Vehicles, or the combination of vehicle and trailer, exceeding 25’ and/or 96” in width (including side mirrors) are prohibited on the Hetch Hetchy Road unless the holder has first received permission from the area Sub District Ranger, and the holder has a CUA and an authorized pilot vehicle.
3. Mariposa Grove Road: Commercial vehicles may not drive beyond the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza without express written permission from the Superintendent. During the shuttle season (approx. April-November) guides and clients may use the ABA buses that depart from the Welcome Center. During the shoulder seasons (approx. December- March) the Mariposa Grove is accessed via a 4-mile trail. (For vehicles over 21 feet in length Refer to Condition #10.16 in Guided Interpretive Tours Conditions)
4. Glacier Point Road: Due to the narrow road conditions, vehicles over 30 feet in length are prohibited from driving on the Glacier Point Road unless authorized by the Superintendent in writing or during the Winter Exception period (Refer to Condition #8 in Guided Interpretative Tour Conditions).
  1. Vehicles towing trailers are prohibited beyond Sentinel Dome/ Taft Point trailhead. Trailers may not be left at Sentinel Dome. Trailers may be parked in the Glacier Point/Wawona Road Junction in the north side of the parking lot.
  2. Winter exception: Buses may drive to the Badger Pass Ski Area when the facility is open to the public for winter operations. Drivers must adhere to winter driving regulations including any active chain control restrictions.
5. Glacier Point Parking Area: Due to the limited parking the following exceptions apply:
  1. Commercial passenger vehicles are prohibited from using the designated passenger unloading area except for loading or off-loading persons with mobility impairments. This area is reserved for concessioner buses and emergency vehicles. Commercial vehicles may be cited for stopping in this area for longer than 5 minutes or obstructing concessioner or emergency vehicles.
  2. Overflow Parking: In the event that there is no available parking at the Glacier Point parking lot, commercial passenger vehicles must park at Washburn Point while drivers wait for their group. Passengers must be picked up in the upper Glacier Point parking lot in the bus parking area. Traffic may be diverted to a satellite parking area at Badger Pass Ski and Snowboard Area during periods of heavy traffic at Glacier Point.
6. Restroom Facilities- Under no circumstances will the holder allow clients to dispose of human bodily waste anywhere except in approved restroom facilities. Violators will be held responsible for all costs associated with pumping septic tanks, cleaning restroom facilities, and resource damage mitigation. Due to limited facilities, parking and health and safety regulations the following restrictions apply:
  1. Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza restrooms are available only for commercial passenger vehicles that are authorized to park here. Vehicles over 21 feet in length must have a reservation to enter the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (Refer to Condition # 10.16 in Guided Interpretive Tours Conditions)
  2. Swinging Bridge picnic area restrooms Commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from using the Swinging Bridge picnic area restrooms.
  3. The El Portal Market (no public restrooms available)
  4. The El Portal Chevron Station (restrooms are too small to accommodate large groups)
7. Groups may use the following restroom facilities:
  1. Wawona Rd-Hwy 41
    1. Chinquapin/Glacier Point Rd. Junction
    2. Mariposa Grove parking lot (vehicles over 21 feet must have reservation)
  2. Tioga Road-Hwy 120 East
    1. Tenaya Lake, East Beach parking area
    2. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
  3. Yosemite Valley:
    1. Yosemite Falls Day Use Parking area
    2. Yosemite Falls Picnic area
    3. Yosemite Exploration Center
    4. Yosemite Village/Degnan’s Kitchen
    5. Yosemite Valley Welcome Center
Picnic Area Restrictions-
1. The holder must not allow passengers to use the shuttle bus bench areas for picnicking. These areas are for shuttle bus passenger loading and unloading only.
2. Unless authorized by the Superintendent in writing, commercial passenger vehicles over 21 feet in length are prohibited from using the following picnic areas:
  1. Swinging Bridge (Yosemite Valley, along Southside Drive near the Yosemite Chapel)
  2. Cathedral Beach (Yosemite Valley, along Southside Drive, near El Capitan Crossover)
  3. Sentinel Beach (Yosemite Valley, along Southside Drive, near the 4 Mile Trailhead)
  4. Yosemite Creek (Tioga Road)
  5. Murphy Creek (Tenaya Lake)
Contact Information- The holder will notify yose_bus@nps.gov of any changes to contact information including: contact name, email, mail, phone during the term of the CUA (through January 31, 2027).

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 $500,000 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

You are required to submit an annual report (Form 10-660) through this system by February 28 for the previous calendar year operations. Monthly reports, if required for your CUA, are due by the 15th of each month for the previous month operations. You also must submit any required activity specific reports and should refer to the regional and park specific CUA conditions for those requirements prior to submitting an application. Notification for due reports will be provided via email. You are responsible for monitoring your email account.

Required Documentation

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

Interstate transportation- a DOT/ Department of Transportation authority in an active status, if vehicles are owned.
Intrastate transportation- Copy of the company’s California PUC Authority letter with expiration date if vehicles are owned. (This is for California based companies only.)
Insurance certificate listing the United States of America as additional insured. Both general liability and vehicle liability must be listed. The address must be listed in the certificate holder as:

United States of America

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.
There are no management fees for this CUA.

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 Guided Interpretive Tours in Yosemite National Park.