Skip to content
Colorado, 2026 season

Colorado Christmas Tree Permits 2026

Six Colorado national forests sell cut your own Christmas tree permits, at $8 to $20 depending on the forest and district, plus BLM field office permits at $8 to $10 and one state park draw.

8
Forests selling permits
6 on Recreation.gov
$8 to $20
Price per tree
2026 season
Nov 1, 2025
On sale
Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 2025 season
Free
Fourth graders
with an Every Kid Outdoors pass
Forest by forest

Where to get a Christmas tree permit in Colorado

The Routt National Forest side of the Medicine Bow-Routt is in Colorado; that forest is recorded under Wyoming. Recreation.gov is the common online seller for all six forests, with a $2.50 processing fee on top of the permit price.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, San Juan National Forest, White River National Forest, Bureau of Land Management field offices in Colorado and Golden Gate Canyon State Park 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.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

2025 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$20 per permit on Recreation.gov
On sale
Nov 8, 2025
Cutting
Until Jan 7, 2026
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.

Permits are available for purchase November 8, 2025, to January 7, 2026.
Christmas Trees, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, USDA Forest Service, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

Cutting is allowed only on the Sulphur Ranger District in Grand County and the Canyon Lakes Ranger District in Larimer County, and not on the Boulder or Clear Creek districts.

Christmas tree cutting will only be permitted on National Forest system lands on the Sulphur Ranger District in Grand County and the Canyon Lakes Ranger District in Larimer County. ... You cannot cut Christmas trees on the Boulder or Clear Creek Ranger Districts.
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Read it at the source

The trunk must be six inches or less in diameter and the tree cut within six inches of the ground, with no topping.

Tree trunk size must be six inches or less in diameter (strictly enforced). ... Cut tree six inches or less from the ground ... No topping of trees
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Read it at the source

No cutting within 75 feet of any road or trail, and none in developed recreation areas, wilderness, special protection areas or the experimental forest.

No cutting trees within 75 feet of any road or trail ... Do not cut in or near developed recreation areas, such as a campground or picnic area, or near any residential areas. ... Do not cut in Wilderness areas, special protection areas, experimental forest or anywhere else that is marked as “No Cutting.”
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Read it at the source

Do not cut trees marked with blue paint, and keep the permit visible on the tree or on your dash.

No cutting trees marked with blue paint ... Permits must be visible on the tree for easy viewing or visible on your dash.
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Read it at the source

The Elk Creek cutting area is walk in only this season, and trees may be harvested across the Sulphur district.

Elk Creek Cutting Area: The Elk Creek cutting area will not be open for drive-in tree cutting this coming season. This area is open for walk-in use only. Christmas trees may be harvested across the Sulphur Ranger District.
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Read it at the source

Four wheel drive, all wheel drive or chains are required, and seasonal road closures start in late November.

Four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or chains are required. ... When planning your visit, make sure the Forest Service road you plan to drive is open using our Road Status Tables.
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Read it at the source

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

4th Graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass qualify for a free Christmas Tree permit through recreation.gov (with a $2.50 reservation fee).
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Read it at the source

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests permits on Recreation.gov

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

2025 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$8 each
Limit
five permits per household
Tallest tree
20 feet
On sale
Nov 14, 2025
Cutting
Nov 14, 2025 to Dec 31, 2025
Where to buy
Recreation.gov, GMUG district offices

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

Forest Service tree permits are $8.00 each
Christmas Tree Permits, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, USDA Forest Service, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

One tree per permit, with a limit of five permits per household.

Forest Service tree permits are $8.00 each ... Limit 5 permits per household.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Read it at the source

Trees may be up to 20 feet, with stump height and stump diameter no greater than 6 inches, and no topping.

Tree height: 20 feet maximum ... Stump height: 6 inches maximum ... Stump diameter: 6 inches maximum ... Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Read it at the source

Subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, bristlecone pine, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, pinyon pine and juniper may be cut, subject to local district restrictions.

Subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, Lodgepole pine, Bristlecone pine, Douglas-fir, Ponderosa pine, Pinyon pine and Juniper - local species cutting restrictions may apply - ask at local district offices.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Read it at the source

Cutting is permitted only on the federal lands the permit is issued for, and not in administrative sites, picnic areas, campgrounds, trailheads, scenic pullouts, plantations, timber sales, wilderness or near ski areas.

Cutting is permitted only on the federal lands for which the permit is issued. ... Do not cut within administrative sites, picnic areas, campgrounds, trailheads, scenic pullouts, tree plantations, timber sales, wilderness areas, within and/or adjacent to cross country ski areas, along Forest trails and/or downhill ski areas, other areas signed or mapped as “closed to cutting” or on other areas specific to each District. Know before you go - Contact your local Ranger District office for any additional restricted areas.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Read it at the source

Travel plan restrictions apply, so keep vehicles on designated routes and off groomed snowmobile trails.

All Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Travel Plan Management Restrictions apply - obtain Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) at local Forest Service offices. ... Keep motorized vehicles on designated routes that are open to the mode of transportation you are using. ... Do not drive on designated and groomed snowmobile trails - designated routes are closed when there is sufficient snow to maintain trail grooming with snow equipment.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Read it at the source

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

Fourth grade students with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can apply for a free Christmas tree permit through the online system with recreation.gov by selecting the option and then entering their voucher or pass number when prompted.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Read it at the source

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests permits on Recreation.gov

Pike and San Isabel National Forests

Dates posted each fall

USDA Forest Service

Price
$20 per tree on the Pike districts and $10 per tree on the San Isabel districts
Limit
five permits per family on the Pike districts and two per family on the San Isabel districts
Tallest tree
15 feet
Where to buy
Recreation.gov, Pike and San Isabel district offices
Christmas trees and the associated permits are only available on the Pike National Forest and San Isabel National Forest.
Christmas Tree Permits, Pike and San Isabel National Forests, USDA Forest Service, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

Permits are only for the Pike and San Isabel national forests, on the Pikes Peak, South Park, South Platte, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos districts.

Christmas trees and the associated permits are only available on the Pike National Forest and San Isabel National Forest.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Read it at the source

South Platte district permits are sold online only and are limited, so they may sell out.

Permits for South Platte Ranger District must be purchased online and are limited, so they may sell out.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Read it at the source

A tree may be up to 15 feet tall or 6 inches in diameter at the ground, cut within 6 inches of the ground, with no topping.

You may cut a tree up to 15 feet tall or 6 inches in diameter at the ground. DO NOT cut off the top of any trees. Cut the tree at the ground and limb and scatter any unused portion. Please do not leave high stumps.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Read it at the source

The tree must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites and campgrounds, and at least 50 feet from roads, trails or waterways.

The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites and campgrounds. DO NOT cut in any recreation areas, timber sale areas, campgrounds, ski areas, wilderness or trailhead areas. ... Cut trees at least 50 feet from roads, trails or waterways.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Read it at the source

Use an axe or hand saw only, and attach the permit tag to the main stem before transporting the tree.

Use an axe or hand saw only, chainsaws are not permitted ... Attach permit tag to the main stem of the tree prior to transporting the tree.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Read it at the source

Certain forest roads close seasonally on December 1 and most are not plowed.

Certain roads have seasonal closures that take effect annually on December 1. ... The majority of Forest Service roads are not plowed.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Read it at the source

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

Fourth grade students with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can apply for a free Christmas tree permit through the online system with recreation.gov by selecting the option and then entering their voucher or pass number when prompted.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Read it at the source

Pike and San Isabel National Forests permits on Recreation.gov

Rio Grande National Forest

2026 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$8 per permit on Recreation.gov
Tallest tree
20 feet
Where to buy
Recreation.gov
This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Rio Grande National Forest!
Rio Grande National Forest Christmas Tree Permit, Recreation.gov (USDA Forest Service), read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

Trees may be up to 20 feet, no more than 5 inches across at shoulder height, with a stump of 6 inches or less and no topping.

Tree Height: 20 feet maximum ... Tree Diameter: 5 inches maximum at shoulder height ... Stump height: 6 inches maximum ... Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree
Rio Grande National Forest. Read it at the source

Cutting is allowed forest wide.

The removal of Christmas Trees on the Rio Grande National Forest is forest wide.
Rio Grande National Forest. Read it at the source

Do not cut in active timber sales or in areas planted with new trees.

Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees
Rio Grande National Forest. Read it at the source

No cutting in wilderness, wilderness study areas, special recreation areas or research natural areas.

Do not cut trees within all designated wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, special recreation areas, or research natural areas
Rio Grande National Forest. Read it at the source

Stay 100 feet back from campgrounds, private land, administrative sites, county roads and highways.

Do not cut trees within 100 feet of campgrounds, private lands, and administrative sites ... Do not cut trees within 100 feet of county roads or state or federal highways
Rio Grande National Forest. Read it at the source

Rio Grande National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

San Juan National Forest

2025 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$8 plus a $2.50 Recreation.gov fee online, or $8 at a district office
Tallest tree
20 feet
On sale
Nov 24, 2025
Where to buy
Recreation.gov, San Juan National Forest supervisor and district offices, Kroeger’s Ace Hardware in Durango

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

Online: Permits are available online through Recreation.gov for $8.00 plus service fee
Christmas Trees, San Juan National Forest, USDA Forest Service, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

Cut white fir, subalpine fir or spruce; do not cut ponderosa pine or Douglas fir.

Cut these trees: White Fir, Subalpine Fir, Spruce ... Do NOT cut these trees: Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir
San Juan National Forest. Read it at the source

Trees may be up to 20 feet, with a stump of 6 inches or less, and the top of a standing tree may not be taken.

Tree Height: 20 feet maximum ... Stump height: 6 inches maximum ... Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree
San Juan National Forest. Read it at the source

No cutting in wilderness areas, recreation areas or research natural areas, in plantations or in active timber sales.

Christmas tree cutting is not allowed: In Wilderness Areas, Recreation Areas, or Research Natural Areas ... In tree plantation and active timber sales
San Juan National Forest. Read it at the source

Stay 100 feet back from developed campgrounds, county roads and state or federal highways.

Within 100 feet of any developed campground ... Within 100 feet of county roads and state or federal highways
San Juan National Forest. Read it at the source

La Plata Canyon near Durango is closed to cutting.

In specific locations identified in the permit, including La Plata Canyon near Durango
San Juan National Forest. Read it at the source

Off road driving and cross country travel are prohibited for Christmas tree collection.

Off-road driving and cross-country travel are prohibited for Christmas tree collection.
San Juan 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).
San Juan National Forest. Read it at the source

San Juan National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

White River National Forest

2025 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$10 per permit, plus a $2.50 processing fee online
Limit
five permits per person
Tallest tree
15 feet
On sale
Nov 8, 2025
Cutting
Nov 16, 2025 to Dec 31, 2025
Where to buy
Recreation.gov, local vendors, ranger district offices in Dillon, Meeker, Minturn and Rifle

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

The cost of a permit is $10 with a limit of 5 permits per person.
Christmas Tree Permits, White River National Forest, USDA Forest Service, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

The cost is $10 with a limit of 5 permits per person, and sales are final.

Permit Cost: The cost of a permit is $10 with a limit of 5 permits per person. All permit sales are final and payments are not subject to refund.
White River National Forest. Read it at the source

Trees must be under 15 feet with a stump 6 inches or less across, and Colorado blue spruce may not be cut.

Less than 15 feet in height from ground level ... 6 inches or less in stump diameter at ground level ... Not a Colorado Blue Spruce
White River National Forest. Read it at the source

Cut as close to the ground as possible, trim the stump clean of green branches, and do not cut the top off a large tree.

Cut your tree as close to the ground as possible (6 inches or less) ... Trim stumps clean of all green branches ... Don’t cut the top off a large tree- this is prohibited
White River National Forest. Read it at the source

Attach the permit to the trunk before leaving the forest.

Attach your permit to the trunk before leaving the Forest
White River National Forest. Read it at the source

Cutting is prohibited in wilderness and proposed wilderness, developed recreation areas including Glenwood Canyon, campgrounds, ski areas, active timber sales, within 100 feet of main roads, at Camp Hale, on forest land in Gunnison County and on the lower slopes of Meadow Mountain.

Wilderness areas & proposed Wilderness ... Developed Recreation areas including Glenwood Canyon ... Campgrounds & Ski areas ... Commercial Timber Sales, where logging is active ... Within 100 feet of main roads ... Camp Hale area on the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District ... White River National Forest Lands within Gunnison County (Aspen-Sopris Ranger District) ... Meadow Mountain (lower slopes) directly behind the Holy Cross Ranger Station (outside of Mintun, CO)
White River National Forest. Read it at the source

Winter travel season begins on November 23 and many forest roads close to wheeled travel that day.

Winter Travel Season on the White River NF begins on November 23, and many Forest Roads close to wheeled travel on that date.
White River National Forest. Read it at the source

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

4th graders who have a valid Every Kid Outdoors Pass https://everykidoutdoors.gov can recieve a free Holiday Tree
White River National Forest. Read it at the source

White River National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

Bureau of Land Management field offices in Colorado

2025 season

Bureau of Land Management

Price
$8 to $10 per permit depending on the field office
On sale
Nov 19, 2025
Cutting
Until Dec 25, 2025
Where to buy
BLM Colorado field offices, the BLM forest products online store

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 can be purchased from your local BLM office.
Colorado Christmas Tree Permits, Bureau of Land Management, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

A valid permit is required before cutting, and cutting areas, guidelines and restrictions vary by field office.

You must have a valid permit to cut and/or remove trees from BLM-managed public lands. Check with your local BLM field office as cutting areas, guidelines and restrictions vary. Tag prices and restrictions are different for trees cut on U.S. Forest Service land.
Bureau of Land Management field offices in Colorado. Read it at the source

Permits can be bought online for the Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Kremmling, Little Snake, Royal Gorge, San Luis Valley, Tres Rios, Uncompahgre and White River field offices.

Permits can be purchased online for the following field offices: Colorado River Valley Field Office ... Grand Junction Field Office ... Gunnison Field Office ... Kremmling Field Office ... Little Snake Field Office ... Royal Gorge Field Office ... San Luis Valley Field Office ... Tres Rios Field Office ... Uncomphagre Field Office ... White River Field Office
Bureau of Land Management field offices in Colorado. Read it at the source

Cut below the lowest live limb, leave a stump no higher than six inches, and do not top trees.

No topping of trees. ... Cut below lowest live limb - Leave stumps no higher than six inches. ... Avoid damage to other trees.
Bureau of Land Management field offices in Colorado. Read it at the source

Drive only on existing roads, comply with road closures and do not trespass on private land.

Drive only on existing roads. Don’t block traffic when you park. Comply with road closures. ... Do not trespass on or through private land.
Bureau of Land Management field offices in Colorado. Read it at the source

Attach a haul tag to the tree before taking it off BLM land.

Remember to attach a haul tag to your tree when you take it from BLM lands.
Bureau of Land Management field offices in Colorado. Read it at the source

Some cutting areas become inaccessible after snowfall, so early season cutting is advisable.

Stay on designated roads and respect private land. Some tree cutting areas may be inaccessible after snowfall – early season cutting is advisable.
Bureau of Land Management field offices in Colorado. Read it at the source

Bureau of Land Management field offices in Colorado permit page

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

2025 season

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Price
$35 per permit
On sale
Nov 1, 2025
Cutting
Dec 6, 2025 to Dec 6, 2025
Where to buy
a Colorado Parks and Wildlife draw at cpwshop.com

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

Apply for a Christmas Tree permit through a draw system (opened Nov 1 and closes Nov 15). Only 250 lucky applicants will be chosen at random.
Christmas Tree Cut Draw, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

Permits are awarded by draw, with applications open November 1 through November 15.

Apply for the annual Christmas Tree Cut draw! Applications are open from November 1 through November 15.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Read it at the source

Only 250 applicants are drawn, and a card is charged only if the application succeeds.

Only 250 applicants will be chose to cut down a tree in the park on Saturday, December 6. Permits cost $35 and your card will only be charged if you are successful.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Read it at the source

Cutting happens on one day, from the Nott Creek trailhead, and only with a successful permit.

The annual tree cut will be Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the designated area from the Nott Creek trailhead. You must have a successful tree cut permit to be able to cut a tree down in the park.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Read it at the source

Hand tools only, no power tools.

Power tools are not allowed; hand tools only.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Read it at the source

Golden Gate Canyon State Park permit page

Advertisement
Every Kid Outdoors

The free Christmas tree permit for Colorado fourth graders

A fourth grader with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can get a free Christmas tree permit from a national forest, and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Pike and San Isabel National Forests, San Juan National Forest and White River National Forest say so on their permit page. The pass is free from the Every Kid Outdoors program, and the permit is redeemed on Recreation.gov with the pass number.

4th Graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass qualify for a free Christmas Tree permit through recreation.gov (with a $2.50 reservation fee).
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. 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

Colorado Christmas tree permit questions

Advertisement

Christmas tree permits in other states

Colorado Christmas tree farmsChoose and cut farms and the pick your own season in Colorado.First snow in ColoradoWhen the first measurable snow usually falls, city by city.Colorado snowpackHow deep the snow sits in the mountains right now.Colorado mountain passesPass conditions and winter driving rules from the state transportation department.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 Christmas Trees, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, USDA Forest Service 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.