Want to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree?

Cutting a Christmas tree in a national forest is a tradition for many. By cutting your own tree, you take an active part in managing your national forests! Costs vary typically between $5-$20 depending on location.

Young student holds her holiday tree in the snow

Every Kid Outdoors initiative is offering one free Holiday Tree permit to fourth-graders that have a valid 4th Grade Interagency Pass and for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, U.S. fifth graders can also get one free Holiday Tree permit.

*4th or 5th grader & pass must be present to obtain your free tree cutting permit. These free Holiday Tree permits are only available at U.S. Forest Service District offices.

Where to find a tree & get a permit

The Denver/Front Range Christmas Tree Cutting areas are within the shortest driving distances from (north to south) Ft. Collins, Denver and Colorado Springs, CO. These areas are within: Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Pike National Forest and the White River National Forest. Most offices are temporarily closed as a result of COVID. The best way to reach us is by email or phone. Check information regarding cutting dates and permit information at your nearest national forest office within the Rocky Mountain Region. (Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming) You can also purchase a Christmas tree permit from a local vendor or online at recreation.gov or from a local vendor. Terms and conditions for cutting Christmas trees will be given to you when you purchase your permit. Remember, always Know Before You Go. Check local conditions and have a winter safety kit in your vehicle with you.
Denver/Front Range Christmas Tree Cutting area Forest Offices:
Pike and San Isabel National Forests - Christmas Tree permit information
South Platte Ranger District (Buffalo Creek) (303) 275-5610	Pikes Peak Ranger District Colorado Springs, CO (719) 636-1602
Leadville Ranger District Leadville, CO 80461 (719) 486-0749	San Carlos Ranger District Canon City, CO 81212 (719) 269-8500
Salida Ranger District Salida, CO 81201 (719) 539-3591	South Park Ranger District Fairplay, CO 80440 (719) 836-2031
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests - Christmas Tree permit information- Sulphur Ranger District Granby, CO 80446 (970) 887-4100
White River National Forest - Christmas Tree permit information. White River National Forest Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (970)-945-2521
Christmas Tree Cutting area Forest Offices Outside the Front Range
San Juan National Forest Durango, CO 8130 (970) 247-4874