COLORADO, USA — Hiking through the forest in search of the perfect Christmas tree is a memorable way spend some time during the holidays in Colorado.
Whether it has been a family tradition for generations, it's a newly discovered way to start the season or you'll be trying it for the first time this year, it's not only fun, but also an economical choice.
While it certainly requires a little bit more effort, cutting down your own tree is significantly cheaper than buying one from a tree lot or grocery store. And it contributes to forest health by helping to thin dense growth.
If you have a fourth-grade student at home, you can get your family's tree for free. All fourth graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid Outdoors program. You can learn more about the program here.
How Christmas tree permits work
There are several Forest Service cutting areas in the state and along the Front Range. For each one, you’ll need to purchase a permit for $5 or $20 before you cut down a tree.
All of the permits can be bought online ahead of time. Some can also be found in local stores or ranger offices.
Each district regulates its permit system a little differently.
Grand County
Permit Sales: Beginning Nov. 8, permits will be available online by clicking here, at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Country Ace Hardware in Granby, Murdoch's in Fraser, Fireside Market in Winter Park and the Grand Lake Visitor Center. All permits must be bought in advance and are $20 each.
Dates: Nov. 8 - Jan. 7
Details: In Grand County, Christmas tree cutting is allowed throughout most of the Sulphur Ranger District. Cutting is prohibited in the Fraser Experimental Forest and Winter Park/Mary Jane Ski Areas. The Elk Creek Cutting Area will be open to the public Dec. 7 through Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cutting area map: Sulphur Christmas Tree Maps
Larimer County
Permit Sales: Beginning Nov. 8, permits are available online by clicking here. They must be bought in advance and are $20 each.
Dates: Nov. 24 - Jan. 7
Details: In Larimer County, Christmas tree cutting is allowed across most of the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Areas closed to cutting include Wilderness and Roadless areas, the Cache La Poudre Wild and Scenic River Corridor, and developed recreation sites like campgrounds and trailheads.
Cutting area map: Canyon Lakes Christmas Tree Map
South Platte
Permit Sales: Permits for the Buffalo Creek, Camp Fickes and Sugar Creek area are available online here for $20.
Dates: Nov. 29 - Dec. 21
Details: The South Platte Ranger District is closest to Denver. Permits in this district apply to specific cutting areas (Buffalo Creek, Sugar Creek and Camp Fickes) within limited date ranges and may sell out. The first cutting day is the Friday after Thanksgiving. The last cutting day is Dec. 21.
More: Forest Service website
Cutting area map: South Platte Ranger District maps
South Park
Permit Sales: Permits are available online at this link for $20 each. You can also mail a form and check to the South Park District ranger office, if you'd prefer.
Dates: Oct. 10 - Dec. 31
Details: The South Park Ranger District is closest to the towns of Fairplay, Jefferson, Como, and Lake George. Anyone with a permit can cut down a tree anywhere within the South Park Ranger District, as long as it's not on private land. It's the responsibility of anyone cutting down a tree to make sure they are on Forest Service land. There are individual maps for each area, including suggested cutting areas, available here.
More: Forest Service website
Cutting area map: South Park Ranger District maps
Leadville/Salida/Cañon City
Permit Sales: Beginning on Nov. 15, Christmas tree permits can be purchased online at this link. Permits are $10-20.
Dates: Nov. 20 - Dec. 31
Other: Christmas tree cutting is allowed throughout the San Isabel National Forest with the exceptions of campgrounds, trailheads, ski areas, wilderness areas and recreation areas.
More: Forest Service website
Cutting area map: Salida, Leadville and San Carlos District maps
Colorado Springs/Woodland Park
Permit Sales: Permits will go on sale Nov. 24 and will be available online at this link. They are $20 each.
Dates: Nov. 29 - Dec. 15
Other: The Pikes Peak Ranger District is closest to Colorado Springs with specific cutting areas near Woodland Park. Trees may be cut only in specific areas near Woodland Park. There is not a quota, so permits will not sell out.
More: Forest Service website
Cutting area map: Pikes Peak District maps
Western Slope
Permit Sales: Permits are will be available online at this link for $10. Permits can also be purchased at a variety of vendors in Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Dillon, Breckenridge, etc. The list of vendors for this season has not been posted yet. They are also available at all White River National Forest offices.
Dates: Nov. 16 - Dec. 31
Other: A permit allows you to cut trees in designated areas in any district within the White River National Forest. Cutting is not allowed in wilderness areas, developed recreation areas, campgrounds, ski areas, etc. You also cannot cut Colorado Blue Spruce trees.
More: Forest Service website
Cutting area maps:
Regulations
- Tree trunks must be 6 inches or less in diameter
- You must leave less than 6 inches from the ground to your cut
- Chainsaws are not allowed
- Permits must be clearly attached to the tree
- Either four-wheel drive or chains are required
What to bring
This list is what the Forest Service recommends you bring to be prepared:
- Handsaw or ax
- Winter clothing
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Water, warm drinks and snacks
- Sled for pulling tree
- Straps, cord, tarp and work gloves
- Straps, strong cord, tarp and work gloves for loading tree on vehicle
- Vehicle safety kit: shovel, blanket, first aid kit
- Full tank of gas
- Chains, if you don’t have four-wheel drive
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