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Arizona, 2026 season

Arizona Christmas Tree Permits 2026

Five Arizona national forests sell Christmas tree permits, all of them through Recreation.gov, and the BLM Arizona Strip Field Office sells pinyon and juniper tags on the far northwest corner of the state. Prices run $15 a tree on most forests and $20 on the Prescott; the Kaibab lets one permit cover five trees and the Apache-Sitgreaves three, while the Coconino, Prescott and Tonto are one tree apiece. Cutting generally runs from mid November to December 31.

6
Forests selling permits
5 on Recreation.gov
$15
Price per tree
2026 season
Oct 9, 2025
On sale
Kaibab National Forest, 2025 season
Free
Fourth graders
with an Every Kid Outdoors pass
Forest by forest

Where to get a Christmas tree permit in Arizona

Arizona has no state Christmas tree permit program: the State Land Department sells recreational permits for state trust land and does not list tree cutting among them.

Coconino National Forest, Kaibab National Forest, Prescott National Forest, Tonto National Forest and Arizona Strip Field Office show the 2025 season, the most recent the forest has posted. Each forest posts its 2026 price and dates on its permit page in the fall.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

2026 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$15 per tree on Recreation.gov
Tallest tree
10 feet
Where to buy
Recreation.gov
Welcome to your Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Christmas tree adventure! Your permit opens the door to a wonderful holiday tradition, and we are happy to help you make memories that will last a lifetime. To keep your trip safe and fun, please look over our guidelines before you head out. This permit allows you to cut one Christmas tree in designated areas of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Please read and follow all tree-selection guidelines before you begin. Do not cut trees on: Private or Tribal land Developed recreation sites Administrative sites Active timber sales You must verify your location before cutting any tree.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Christmas Tree Permit on Recreation.gov, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

The tree may be no taller than 10 feet, its trunk no more than 5 inches across measured four and a half feet up, and the stump no more than 6 inches high.

Tree Height: 10 feet maximum ... Tree Diameter: 5 inches measured 4 1/2 feet from the ground ... Stump height: 6 inches maximum
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Read it at the source

Cut the whole tree rather than the top of a taller one, and clear any snow from the stump so the measurements are honest.

Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree ... If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Read it at the source

Cut only where the forest map shows, and never on White Mountain Apache or San Carlos Apache tribal lands.

Cut only on National Forest Lands in areas indicated on the map. ... DO NOT cut on White Mountain Apache or San Carlos Apache Tribal Lands. Those found cutting on WMAT or SCAT lands will receive citations from tribal authorities.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Read it at the source

Campgrounds, developed recreation areas, private land, administrative sites, wilderness, active timber sales and planted areas are all closed to cutting.

DO NOT cut in Campgrounds or other developed recreation areas ... DO NOT cut on private land, administrative sites, or in wilderness areas ... DO NOT cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Read it at the source

Carry the printed permit and put the tag on the tree the moment it is down.

PRINT AND BRING YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE PERMIT WITH YOU - You must have a valid permit in your possession before you cut your tree. be sure to place the tag on the tree as soon as it is cut.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Read it at the source

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests permits on Recreation.gov

Coconino National Forest

2025 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$15 per permit as listed on Recreation.gov
Limit
one tree per permit
Tallest tree
10 feet
On sale
Nov 14, 2025
Cutting
Nov 14, 2025 to Dec 31, 2025
Where to buy
Recreation.gov

These are the forest’s 2025 season details. The forest posts its 2026 price and dates on its permit page each fall.

This permit allows you to cut Christmas Trees within designated areas of the Coconino National Forest. For the 2025 season, online permits will go on sale starting November 14th at 10:00 AM EASTERN Standard Time and will be available for the Flagstaff and Mogollon Rim Ranger Districts. Permit owners will be allowed to begin cutting November 14th through December 31st. Maps displaying areas open to cutting on each Ranger District are available for download below. Additional information is available on the Coconino National Forest website: Christmas Tree Information Drive safely and obey all Coconino National Forest Travel Management rules. Free paper Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are available at the district offices or can be downloaded from the Motor Vehicle Use Maps & Motorized Travel Aids website. Access to Christmas Tree Units depends on weather; roads may be inaccessible and locked for public safety. Plan ahead and use caution. Please note: No modifications, cancellations, or refunds can take place once you complete your purchase so make sure you choose the correct permit area (Flagstaff or Mogollon Rim Ranger Districts) at checkout.
Coconino National Forest Christmas Tree Permit on Recreation.gov, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

The tallest tree you may cut is 10 feet, the trunk six inches or less across, and the cut no more than six inches above the ground.

The tallest tree you may cut from ground level is 10 feet. ... Select a tree with a trunk six inches or less in diameter, and cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level.
Coconino National Forest. Read it at the source

Take the whole tree, and clear snow away from the stump before you measure.

Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree ... If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.
Coconino National Forest. Read it at the source

Cutting runs from the day permits go on sale through December 31.

Though you can purchase a permit online beginning Nov. 14th, cutting is not allowed until Nov. 14 and ends Dec. 31.
Coconino National Forest. Read it at the source

No cutting on private land, in wilderness, in designated campgrounds, in tree plantations, in active timber sales or in newly planted areas.

Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations. ... Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
Coconino National Forest. Read it at the source

Coconino National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

Kaibab National Forest

2025 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$15 per tree
Tallest tree
10 feet
On sale
Oct 9, 2025
Where to buy
Recreation.gov

These are the forest’s 2025 season details. The forest posts its 2026 price and dates on its permit page each fall.

Christmas tree permits will be available to purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning October 9, 2025. ... Up to 5 trees may be purchased on a single permit at $15 per tree. A small processing fee will be applied to the transaction.
Christmas tree permits available online through Recreation.gov from the Kaibab National Forest, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

The permit covers a tree of any species up to 10 feet tall, with a trunk six inches or less across and the cut no more than six inches off the ground.

This permit allows the holder to cut a tree of any species that is not more than 10 feet in height. ... Select a tree with a trunk six inches or less in diameter, and cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level.
Kaibab National Forest. Read it at the source

Cut the entire tree, never just the top, and scatter the limbs you trim from the stump.

Cut down the entire tree. Do not remove only the top of a tree. ... Cut all live tree limbs and branches proturding from stump of the tree. Scatter any slash.
Kaibab National Forest. Read it at the source

A permit is good only on the ranger district it was bought for, so carry that district’s cutting area map.

The permit is only good for a tree(s) on the specific Ranger District for which it was purchased and can’t be used to cut a tree on a different District or National Forest. ... Be sure to download and/or print a copy of the "cutting areas map" that corresponds to the Ranger District on your permit and take it with you when gathering your tree.
Kaibab National Forest. Read it at the source

Stay 200 feet from main roads, campgrounds and recreation sites, and away from streams, rivers, lakes and wet ground.

The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites and campgrounds, and stay away from areas along the sides of streams, rivers, lakes, and wet areas. ... Do not cut on private land, in Wilderness areas, or within 200 feet of designated campgrounds and recreation areas.
Kaibab National Forest. Read it at the source

Private land, wilderness, active timber sales and planted areas are closed, and areas marked No Cutting are shown on the district maps.

Areas designated as "No Cutting" are shown on those included maps for each Ranger District. ... Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
Kaibab National Forest. Read it at the source

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass get a free permit here.

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).
Kaibab National Forest. Read it at the source

Kaibab National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

Prescott National Forest

2025 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$20 per permit on Recreation.gov
Limit
one tree per permit
Tallest tree
10 feet
Where to buy
Recreation.gov

These are the forest’s 2025 season details. The forest posts its 2026 price and dates on its permit page each fall.

This permit allows you to cut Christmas Trees within designated areas of the Prescott National Forest. For the 2025 season, the permits available encompass most the Bradshaw and Chino Ranger Districts and the Western portion of the Verde Ranger District on Mingus Mountain. Maps displaying areas open to cutting are available for download below. Please be sure to read and agree to all the tips and guidelines when selecting your tree. Christmas tree permits are to be used for only personal uses, only one permit per house hold. No modifications, cancellations, or refunds can take place once you complete your purchase. Additional information is available on the Prescott National Forest website.
Prescott National Forest Christmas Tree Permit on Recreation.gov, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

The tree may be no more than 10 feet tall and the stump no more than 8 inches high.

Tree Height: 10 feet maximum ... Stump height: 8 inches maximum
Prescott National Forest. Read it at the source

Take the whole tree, and clear snow from around the stump so you can measure it.

Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree ... If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.
Prescott National Forest. Read it at the source

The permit is good on the Prescott National Forest only, and the no cutting areas are drawn on the map you download with it.

The permit is only good for a tree(s) on the Prescott National Forest and can’t be used to cut a tree on a different National Forest. ... "No cutting areas" are shown on the included maps. Be sure to download and/or print a copy of the map and take it with you when cutting.
Prescott National Forest. Read it at the source

Private land, wilderness, active timber sales and planted areas are closed, as is anything within 200 feet of a designated campground or recreation area.

Do not cut on private land, in Wilderness areas, within 200 feet of designated campgrounds and recreation areas. ... Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees, these areas should be posted on the ground.
Prescott National Forest. Read it at the source

Prescott National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

Tonto National Forest

2025 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$15 per permit on Recreation.gov
Limit
one tree per permit
Tallest tree
10 feet
Cutting
Nov 22, 2025 to Dec 31, 2025
Where to buy
Recreation.gov, Payson Ranger Station

These are the forest’s 2025 season details. The forest posts its 2026 price and dates on its permit page each fall.

The dates for cutting your tree begin on Nov. 22, 2025, and end at midnight on Dec. 31, 2025. ... Purchase at Recreation.gov or in person at the Payson Ranger Station.
Christmas Tree Permit, Tonto National Forest, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

Carry the tag and attach it to the tree or set it on your dashboard as soon as the tree is cut.

Please be sure to carry your tag with you and attach it to the tree or place it on your dashboard as soon as the tree is cut. You may only cut in the area designated on your tag and map.
Tonto National Forest. Read it at the source

Leave a stump no more than 6 inches high, keep the tree under 10 feet, and do not cut the top off a taller one.

Cut the tree as close to the ground as possible leaving a stump no more than 6 inches high. The tree must not exceed 10 feet in total height. Do not cut the top off a taller tree.
Tonto National Forest. Read it at the source

Cut only in the Payson or Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts, and not in the highway right of way, at trailheads or in campgrounds.

Cut your tree only on national forest land in the Payson or Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts, and not within the ADOT right-of-way, trail heads or campgrounds. Vehicle use is restricted to driving only on established forest roads.
Tonto National Forest. Read it at the source

An armload of green branches and a few pinecones may come home with the tree.

An armload of green branches for decorations may be taken along with your tree as part of this permit. You are also welcome to pick up a few pinecones for decorations if you wish.
Tonto National Forest. Read it at the source

There are no refunds, even if the weather keeps you from reaching your cutting area.

No refunds will be made, even if weather conditions prevent you from reaching your cutting area and cutting your tree.
Tonto National Forest. Read it at the source

Tonto National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

Arizona Strip Field Office

2025 season

Bureau of Land Management

Price
$10 per permit for each tree
Cutting
Until Dec 25, 2025
Where to buy
forestproducts.blm.gov, Public Lands Center in St. George

These are the forest’s 2025 season details. The forest posts its 2026 price and dates on its permit page each fall.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering permits to harvest Christmas trees from November through December 25. ... The Bureau of Land Management’s Arizona Strip Field Office has begun selling non-commercial permits to cut pinyon pine and juniper trees in-person and online.
Christmas tree permits are available on public lands on the Arizona Strip, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

A permit covers one tree, and the tag is validated by tying it to the tree and cutting out the date.

A permit is required for the harvest of each individual tree. The tree tag is validated by attaching it securely to the tree in a visible location and cutting out the date, month, and year. Permits are only good for the land agency on which the tag was purchased.
Arizona Strip Field Office. Read it at the source

Pinyon pine and juniper are the trees on offer.

Pinyon pine or juniper trees are available on BLM Arizona Strip and BLM St. George Field Offices.
Arizona Strip Field Office. Read it at the source

Wilderness, campgrounds, developed recreation areas, national monuments, research natural areas, areas of critical environmental concern, posted plantations, ground within 200 feet of a state highway and private land are all closed to cutting.

Christmas tree harvest is not allowed in wilderness areas, campgrounds, developed recreation areas, national monuments, research natural areas, areas of critical environmental concern, or posted tree plantations, within 200 feet of state highways or on private lands.
Arizona Strip Field Office. Read it at the source

Carry the permit and the BLM map so the open ground is clear.

Permit holders can easily avoid non-permitted areas by carrying their tree permit and map with them, along with the appropriate BLM map which can be obtained along with a permit purchased at the Public Lands Center 4001 East Aviator Drive, St. George, Utah 84790.
Arizona Strip Field Office. Read it at the source

Arizona Strip Field Office permit page

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Every Kid Outdoors

The free Christmas tree permit for Arizona fourth graders

A fourth grader with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can get a free Christmas tree permit from a national forest, and Kaibab National Forest says so on its permit page. The pass is free from the Every Kid Outdoors program, and the permit is redeemed on Recreation.gov with the pass number.

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).
Kaibab National Forest. Read it at the source
A small child in a knit hat rides a sled beside a cut fir tree on a snowy forest track, an adult and a dog walking ahead
A family tree on its way out of the Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming. The forest shared this photo to remind fourth graders that the Every Kid Outdoors pass brings a free tree permit. “Christmas tree - Bighorn National Forest - December 2017”, US Forest Service, Public domain

Arizona Christmas tree permit questions

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Christmas tree permits in other states

Pick your own in ArizonaFarm seasons for berries, apples and pumpkins in Arizona.First snow in ArizonaWhen the first measurable snow usually falls, city by city.Arizona snowpackHow deep the snow sits in the mountains right now.Christmas tree permits by stateEvery forest's price and dates in one table, with the free fourth grade permit.
Tall snow covered conifers lining a snowy forest road under a bright blue sky
Fresh snow on the conifers of a Pacific Southwest Region national forest in November 2024, the week the region reminded families that its tree permits sell on Recreation.gov. “Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? Christmas tree permits are availiable online at Recreation (20241116-FS-ASA-55)”, Region 5 Photography, Public domain

Compiled September 22, 2026. Every price, date and rule above is republished from Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Christmas Tree Permit on Recreation.gov and the other forest pages linked beside each quote, read on September 22, 2026. Prices, dates and cutting areas change each fall, so the forest’s page is the one to check before a trip. Every state is in the national Christmas tree permit guide.