Christmas Tree Sales 2024

A permit for harvesting a Christmas tree on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests must be bought before harvesting. Permits will be available for purchase November 8^th – January 7^th. Permitted cutting dates will vary based on harvest location - Canyon Lakes Ranger District November 24^th – January 7^th, Sulphur Ranger District November 8^th – January 7^th.

How to get a Permit Harvest Locations Cutting Guildelines Know Before You Go and Safety

How to Purchase a Christmas Tree Cutting Permit

Permits available to purchase November 8^th – January 7^th. Permitted cutting dates will vary based on harvest location. No refunds.

Online/In Advance – Recreation.gov
- Permit Purchasing Video Walkthrough
- 4th Graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass qualify for a free Christmas Tree permit through recreation.gov (with a $2.50 reservation fee).
In Person (Grand County Only) – See local vendors.

Where to Harvest Your Christmas Tree

Christmas tree cutting will only be permitted on National Forest system lands on the Sulphur Ranger District of Grand County and the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of Larimer County.

Map of Ranger Districts that make up the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest

Canyon Lakes Ranger District (Larimer County)

Christmas tree cutting permitted between November 24^th – January 7^th

Canyon Lakes Christmas Tree Flyer & Maps

Poudre Wilderness Volunteers and Smokey will be at Arrowhead Lodge and Potbelly Restaurant and Lounge sharing maps and information about tree cutting 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Nov 29 - Dec 1; Dec 7-8.

Sulphur Ranger District (Grand County)

Christmas tree cutting permitted between November 8^th – January 7^th

Sulphur Christmas Tree Flyer & Maps

Elk Creek Cutting Area will be open 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Dec. 7th - 15th. Purchase your permit prior to arriving at the cutting area, permits are not available onsite.
- Tire chains, 4‐wheel drive or all‐wheel drive are required upon entering the cutting area. This is for your safety; please cooperate with this requirement. You will be asked to verify that you have one or the other at the entrance station. If the road conditions are icy, chains may be needed to get up the hill at the bottom of CR 72, just outside of Fraser.
- Snowmobiles are prohibited in these cutting areas during this time. However, snowmobiles are allowed in much of the Sulphur Ranger District when the snow level is six inches or greater.

For Sulphur and Canyon Lakes Ranger District

Make sure you are cutting on National Forest lands by downloading a georeferenced map on the Avenza mobile app.
PDF maps are also availble to download
- Canyon Lakes Ranger District
  - North Half
  - South Half
- Sulphur Ranger District
  - North Half
  - South Half
When planning your visit, make sure the Forest Service road you plan to drive is open using our Road Status Tables.

Christmas Tree Cutting Guidelines

A visitor cuts a Christmas tree with a handsaw

Refer to Harvest Locations to know where you cut
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”
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
No cutting trees within 75 feet of any road or trail
No cutting trees marked with blue paint
Permits must be visible on the tree for easy viewing or visible on your dash

Know Before You Go and Safety Recommendations

Four-wheel, all-wheel drive, or chains required.
Consider weekday cutting to avoid weekend crowds.
Be prepared for winter conditions and below freezing temperatures! Bring warm clothes, ice scraper, tow straps, chains, jumper cables, and other emergency supplies. Remember that cellphones may not work in the mountains
Plan accordingly, the forest will likely have two or more feet of snow and temperatures drop quickly after dark. Please watch the weather and plan to cut your tree and be back at your vehicle by 3 p.m.
Park in areas so that traffic can safely pass. Don't block gates.
CAUTION: Due to the mountain pine beetle epidemic and severe burn areas, avoid standing dead or burned trees. Stay out of recently burned areas and be aware that trees can fall at any time.