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 $10 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.
Fraser/Winter Park
Permit Sales: Beginning Nov. 9, 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. 10 - Jan. 7
Details: Cutting will be available anywhere within the Sulphur Ranger District; expect specific closure areas listed on this flyer. The Elk Creek cutting area, located southwest of Fraser, will also be open from Dec. 1 - Dec. 10 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Either four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or chains will be required when entering the cutting area due to icy conditions.
Cutting area map: Sulphur Christmas Tree Maps
Estes Park/Red Feather Lakes
Permit Sales: Beginning Nov. 9, permits will be available online by clicking here. They must be bought in advance and are $20 each.
Dates: Nov. 24 - Jan. 7
Details: In the past, there has been a designated cutting area near Red Feather Lakes, but due to the impact of the Cameron Peak Fire, cutting is now available throughout the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Each weekend of the cutting season, there will be information stations open at the Arrowhead Lodge Visitor Center and the Mount Margaret Trailhead from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cutting area map: Canyon Lakes Christmas Tree Map
Buffalo Creek
Permit Sales: Permits for the Buffalo Creek, Camp Fickes and Sugar Creek area are available online here for $20.
Dates: Nov. 24 - Dec. 10
Details: These permits are restricted to the specific cutting area and date or date range. Weekday permits are available for the full cutting season and are easier to get. Weekend permits are only available for specific dates and are likely to sell out. If you aren't able to use your permit on the day you purchased it for, Sunday, Dec. 10 is a makeup day when all permits can be used.
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. 12 - Dec. 31
Details: 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. 20, Christmas tree permits can be purchased online at this link. Permits are $10.
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. 24 - Dec. 17
Other: Trees may be cut only in specific areas near Woodland Park.
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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