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Oh Christmas Tree

Places in Colorado to cut down your own tree

A fun tradition this holiday season could be shopping for your very own fresh cut Christmas tree. This experience is  just another reason that Colorado is such a special place to call home.  Our national forests offer families the perfect place to pick out that one in a million perfect family tree to celebrate and create the best of memories.

Listed are places you can start your new tradition. Please make sure to check with each National Forest for changes in their policies and additional Rules and regulations before removing any trees in these locations.

1.     Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

Find the perfect tree at the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (ARP) located in north-central Colorado from November 1 to January 6. Dates vary by cutting areas including the Sulphur Ranger District (Nov 1, 2021 – Jan 6, 2022), Elk Creek (Dec 1 – 8, 2021) and Red Feather special cutting area (Dec 7 – 15, 2021).  Tree species you’re likely to see in this national forest include Engelmann spruce, Douglas-fir, Subalpine fir, and Ponderosa pine.

2.     Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests

Christmas tree permits are available for $8.00 at Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests office locations now through December 31, 2019. This western gem covering nearly 3 million acres of public land features some of the state’s most spectacular natural wonders including the 355-foot-high Bridal Veil Falls and one of the world’s largest flat-top mountains with over 300 lakes. While Christmas cutting is allowed in most areas, some exceptions may apply including scenic pullouts, commercial timber sales areas, recreation and ski areas, campgrounds, trailheads, developed sites, administrative areas, and any other restrictions set forth in your permit. Trees must be less than 20 feet tall from the stump, with a maximum diameter of 6 inches at the base and the maximum stump height of 6 inches high. 

3.     The Pike National Forest

Twenty dollar Christmas tree cutting permits will be available from December 2 through December 18, 2021 at the Pikes Peak Ranger District office located at 601 South Weber Street in Colorado Springs. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Discover various species on your quest to find the perfect tree including Douglas-fir, Lodgepole pine, Ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, and Limber pine.  Tree cutting permits will also be available in Woodland Park on four weekend days, including December 7, 8, 14, and 15 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM at the Forest Service’s Woodland Park Work Center located at 1408 Rampart Range Road. Cash or check only.

4.     San Isabel National Forests

Soak up the mountain magic with Christmas tree cutting throughout the San Isabel National Forests running from November 25 to December 24, 2021. Tree species include Douglas-fir, lodge pole pine, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, white fir, ponderosa pine, piñon pine, and Rocky Mountain juniper. Ten dollar Christmas tree permits can be purchased at any San Isabel National Forest Office in Pueblo, Canon City, Salida, or Leadville. There is a 2 tree-limit per household. No cutting at campgrounds, trailheads, ski areas, wilderness areas, and recreation areas. Permitted cutting lengths apply.

5.     Rio Grande National Forest

Embrace your inner lumberjack by chopping down your very own Christmas tree from the Rio Grande National Forest. Get tree tags at any Rio Grande National Forest office location between 8 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday until permits are gone. Christmas tree permits are only $8 each with a limit of 5 per family. Tree trunks are allowed to be up to 5 inches in diameter at shoulder height.

6.     White River National Forest

Decorate your home with a real Christmas tree straight from the White River National Forest, spanning areas in Dillon, Rifle, Vail, and Aspen. Get ready to embark on a scenic adventure after purchasing your $10 Christmas tree permit at any White River National Forest office now through Friday, December 22, 2022.

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