Event/Commercial Permits

Many activities and events that take place on national forest lands are considered special uses and require a permit from the Forest Service. This page provides more information on specific types of permits.

You must not take any action before receiving a permit. Not all requests are granted. Any action you take before you receive a permit, such as occupying National Forest System Lands, or advertising or expending funds, is premature and at your own risk.

Commercial Filming and Photography

Commercial filming and photography on Santa Fe National Forest lands requires a permit. You must request a permit by submitting a completed Photography and Filming proposal form to the Recreation Permit Administrator.

If we approve the permit request, it can take weeks or months for you to receive approval, depending on the size and scope of the request.

Outfitter Guide: Request a New Permit or Renew an Expiring One

If you plan to provide outfitted and guided activities, including but not limited to, hiking, backpacking, climbing, fishing, hunting, skiing, rafting, camping, yoga, photography and painting courses, and horseback riding, you must apply for a special use permit.

If you would like to apply for a special use permit, or renew your expiring special use permit, you must submit the following to the Recreation Permit Administrator, in one email, by the deadline.

Hunting Outfitter

Outfitter-Guides for All Other Activities

Outfitter Guide: Valid Permit Holder's Annual Documentation

Current outfitter guide permit holders must complete the following annual paperwork requirements and submit the documents to the Recreation Permit Administrator, in one email, by the following deadlines:

Hunting Outfitter-Guides

Outfitter-Guides for All Other Activities

Inspections

The Forest Service has the right, and the responsibility, to inspect the operations of outfitters and guides. Outfitters and guides are required to comply with impromptu field inspections, and to respond to any requests made by Forest Service employees to schedule field inspections. Failure to respond or comply may constitute non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit.

Trip Itineraries

Throughout the year you must submit a trip itinerary form 48 hours in advance for any guided hunting trips, or 24 hours in advance for any other guided activities.

Guide and Vehicle Information

Your operating plans should have complete and accurate information on guides and vehicles before you submit them. If you need to add guides or vehicles at a later date, you must complete the add-on form and send it to the Permit Administrator at least 48 hours in advance of using that guide or vehicle for commercial purposes.

Note, the addition of guides or vehicles is at the authorized officer's discretion.

Recreation Events

Any recreation event (bike race, foot race, or other) that charges an entrance or participation fee, regardless of if a profit will be made or not, requires a permit. 

You must submit proposals for recreation events at least 6 months in advance of the anticipated event date.

It is important to note that we will not grant all permit requests Therefore, any action you take before you receive a permit, such as occupying National Forest System Lands, or advertising or expending funds, is premature and at your own risk. To submit a proposal, complete and send the following forms to the Recreation Permit Administrator, in one email.

To submit a proposal, complete and send the following forms to the Recreation Permit Administrator, in one email.

You must pay a minimum fee of approximately $86 before receiving the permit.

Within 30 days after the event, you must send an actual use report, with the final financial information to the Recreation Permit Administrator, who will determine if additional billing is required.

Gatherings of 75 or More People

Any gathering of 75 people or more requires a special use permit even if no fees are charged. To submit a proposal for a gathering, complete and send the forms to the Recreation Permit Administrator in one email.

1. Noncommercial group use application

Recreation Residence Resources

Gallinas Canyon Cabin Owners Post-Fire Information

As of October 2022, Gallinas Canyon road (FR 263) is passable to high-clearance vehicles. Bridge weight capacity is still under review and travel by heavy machinery on this road is not currently advised. 

Research Activities

Research activities on lands managed by the Santa Fe National Forest may require a special use permit. To submit a proposal, send the following items to the Recreation Permit Administrator in one email:

1. Complete and send a SF-299
2. Submit relevant details
3. Pictures of equipment
4. Maps

Download Forms