The first week of November saw lots of snowfall across the state, making it feel much more like winter than fall. And with the holiday season still a few weeks away, permits to take down a Christmas tree in Colorado are now becoming available.

Several local parks and national forests participate, meaning Coloradans have plenty of places to choose from.

“For many families, venturing into a national forest to cut down their Christmas tree for the holidays is a treasured tradition that has been carried on for generations,” said San Juan National Forest Supervisor Kara Chadwick. “For families creating new traditions, a trip to the local forest to cut down their own Christmas tree can be an exciting experience as they discover the joy of hiking through the forest in search of the centerpiece perfect vacation.”

Below is a list of where you can purchase a permit, on-sale date, pricing and other details available as of November 7. We will update this story as December approaches. At the bottom of this page, you will find reminders on what to bring with you (e.g. remember to print the license and keep it in your car).

Ready to go searching for your perfect tree? Here’s where you can purchase a Christmas tree permit this year.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Want to purchase a Christmas tree within 45 minutes of Denver while helping a Colorado state park thin overcrowded forests and reduce the risk of wildfires? This place is made for you!
Anyone interested in removing a tree at Golden Gate Canyon State Park must complete an online application by November 15. Applicants whose names are chosen will be notified by email by November 18 and will be invoiced.

This tree cutting is only open on December 7th.

To enter the lottery, visit CPWshop.comclick on “Visit a Park” and “Christmas Tree Drawing” under the Special Events tab.

A total of 250 permits are available this year. Chainsaws and electric saws are prohibited, so bring your handsaw or axe.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

• Permits go on sale date: November 8
• Where to buy a permit:
• Price of a permit: $20

This national forest is one of the most popular places to cut down a Christmas tree due to its proximity to the Denver area. Many more permits are available in national forests than in state and county parks.
There are three districts in the National Forest to choose from: Canyon Lakes Ranger District, Elk Creek Cutting Area, and Sulfur Ranger District. Click here for a map of the area divided by districts. You must choose the neighborhood you will visit when purchasing your permit.

Cell service is spotty here and the roads may not be plowed here, so be prepared.

Pike National Forest

• Permits on sale date: Currently available
• Where to buy a permit: Recreation.gov
• Price of a permit: $10-$20 per tree

There is no quota in much of the Pike National Forest, so permits won’t sell. The exception is the South Platte Ranger District, where permits are limited.
The Pike National Forest offers several districts so you can find your perfect tree. This varies depending on the neighborhood.

Here is a breakdown:

• South Platte Ranger District: Limited permits available (closest to Denver)
• South Park Ranger District: No permit quota (closest to the towns of Fairplay, Jefferson, Como and Lake George)
• Salida Ranger District: No permit quota (nearest to Salida and Buena Vista)
• Leadville Ranger District: No permit quota (nearest to Leadville)
• San Carlos Ranger District: No permit quota (nearest to Canon City, Westcliffe and La Veta)
• Pikes Peak Ranger District: Limited permits available (closest to Colorado Springs)

Cutting dates range from mid-October to the end of December, depending on the district.
Permits in the Pike National Forest specify a certain district – and you must stay within that area. All permits must be purchased in advance.

White River National Forest

• Permits go on sale date: November 8
• Where to buy a permit: Recreation.gov
• Price of a permit: $10

The White River National Forest offers six districts where you can cut down a Christmas tree: the Aspen Ranger District, the Blanco Ranger District, the Dillon Ranger District, the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, and the Rifle Ranger. Cutting Christmas trees is prohibited in wilderness areas, Glenwood Canyon, campgrounds and ski areas, the Camp Hale area, White River National Forest lands in Gunnison County and Meadow Mountain behind the Holy Cross Ranger Station.
Cutting dates run from November 16th to December 31st.

Fourth graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit in this area through the Every Kid Outdoors Program.

Click here for logging rules in this national forest.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

• Permits on sale date: Currently available
• Where to buy a permit: Recreation.gov
• Price of a permit: $10

Permits to cut Christmas trees in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests in northwest Colorado (and southeast Wyoming) are currently available. Cutting dates run from October 13th to December 31st.
Six districts are available on the Recreation.gov website.

All areas of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests are open for Christmas tree harvesting, with few exceptions. Click here to learn more about these rules.

San Juan National Forest

• Permits go on sale date: November 14
• Where to buy a permit:
  • Recreation.gov
  • Local Vendors and District Offices: Dolores Outfitters (341 Railroad Ave., Dolores), Kroeger’s Ace Hardware (#8 Town Plaza, Durango), San Juan National Forest Headquarters (15 Burnett Court, Durango), Dolores Public Lands Center (29211 Highway 184). , Dolores), Columbine Ranger District Office (367 Pearl St., Bayfield), Pagosa Ranger District (180 Pagosa Street in Pagosa)
• Price of a permit: $8

Residents of southwest Colorado can travel to the San Juan National Forest to cut down a holiday tree on public lands managed by the national forest.
Roads in the San Juan National Forest are not plowed in winter and may be icy and snowy during your visit. Call the state forestry office closest to your destination to find out about road conditions.

Fourth year students holding a title Every Kid Outdoors Pass can also receive a free license.

Reynolds Ranch Open Space (Boulder County)

While Boulder County Open Space previously offered to cut down Christmas trees here, they ended this in 2024.

“After careful evaluation, it was found that all easily accessible areas designated for these permits have been sufficiently thinned and there is no need for further tree removal,” the county said.

Final reminders before leaving

Wherever you decide to go and cut down a Christmas tree, keep in mind that the weather will likely be cold and possibly windy and snowy. If possible, try to start the day early to avoid getting stuck in the woods as the sun goes down. Cell service can be spotty in and around parking lots.

Consider bringing a few essentials:

• A printed copy of your license to keep in your car
• A full tank of gas in your vehicle
• A hand saw
• A tape measure if you plan to transport the tree in your car and need to measure it on the trail
• Items needed to bring the tree home (tarp, string, blankets, rubber bands, etc.)
• A plastic sled or similar equipment, if you plan to carry the tree back to your vehicle (dragging it through the snow can strip its bark and needles)
• Expect wintery weather and bring plenty of layers
• Snacks and extra water

Once home, cut the bottom of the trunk and place the tree in a stand with water.