by Jessica Hughes
Local tree cutters assess the perfect Christmas tree.
For many Coloradans, cutting down their own Christmas tree has become a time-honored tradition over the years. It is not only a favorite holiday activity for families to enjoy together, but it’s economical and you can take pride in knowing you’ve played an active role in managing your national forests.
Dating back to the 1930s when the Christmas tree was defined as “a tree displaying a short internode combined with a symmetry of form that is pleasing to the eye,” according to a 1930 Eldorado National Forest report on cutting Christmas trees. Since then, the National Forest Service has played an important role over the years in the business of Christmas trees, including harvesting, selling, and permitting the cutting of trees.
So, how does it work exactly? The U.S. Forest Service allows the cutting of trees in certain districts throughout Colorado with the purchase of a permit. There are several Forest Service cutting areas near and along the Front Range, with each district regulating its permit system a little differently.
Permit holders are responsible for understanding where it is legal to cut a tree and should spend some time reviewing the information and maps provided on the Forests’ webpage. While you can purchase your permit at designated ranger district offices or at some local vendors, the best and easiest is to purchase your permit online at recreation.gov.
The Denver/Front Range Christmas Tree Cutting areas include the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Pike National Forest, and the White River National Forest. Each is broken out down below:
Denver/Front Range Christmas
Tree Cutting area Forest Offices:
Pike and San Isabel
National Forests
South Platte Ranger District
(Buffalo Creek)
303-275-5610
The South Platte Ranger District is closest to Denver. Permits in this district apply to specific cutting areas (Buffalo Creek, Sugar Creek, and Camp Fickes) and specific dates for cutting. Permits are limited and may sell out.
Permits: $20 per tree
Cutting dates: Nov. 25 – Dec. 11
Tree cutters line up with their cars to haul off their hand-picked Christmas trees.
South Park Ranger District
Fairplay, CO 80440
719-836-2031
The South Park Ranger District is closest to the towns of Fairplay, Jefferson, Como, and Lake George along Hwy. 285. This area is another great option for Front Rangers and those living in the Denver metro area. Most of the district is open for cutting. Unlike the South Platte District, there is no tree quota, so permits will not sell out.
Permits: $20 per tree
Cutting dates: Oct. 13 – Dec. 31
Pikes Peak Ranger District
Colorado Springs, CO
719-636-1602
The Pikes Peak Ranger District is closest to Colorado Springs with specific cutting areas near Woodland Park. There is not a limit on permits, so no need to worry about selling out.
Permits: $20 per tree
Cutting dates: Nov. 25 – Dec. 18
Leadville Ranger District
Leadville, CO 80461
719-486-0749
The Leadville Ranger District is closest to the town of Leadville with most of the area open for cutting. Again, there is no quota, so permits won’t sell out.
Permits: $10 per tree
Cutting dates: Nov. 10 – Dec. 31
San Carlos Ranger District
Canon City, CO 81212
719-269-8500
The closest towns the San Carlos Ranger District serves are Canon City, Westcliffe, and La Veta. Most of the area is open for cutting and permits will not sell out.
Permits: $10 per tree
Cutting dates: Nov. 10 – Dec. 31
Salida Ranger District
Salida, CO 81201
719-539-3591
The Salida Ranger District serves the nearby towns of Salida and Buena Vista. Most of the district is open for cutting. There is not a quota, so permits will not sell out.
Permits: $10 per tree
Cutting dates: Nov. 10 – Dec. 31
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Permits to cut your own Christmas tree on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are on sale now on recreation.gov and remain available through January 7. Permits must be purchased in advance and cost $20 each.
Sulphur Ranger District
Granby, CO 80446
970-887-4100
For other Christmas tree cutting area forest offices throughout the state visit fs .usda.gov.
The Forest Service recommends downloading forest service maps onto your phone through Avenza before heading out. This app works even when there isn’t cell service and will help you make sure you don’t cut trees on private property or prohibited areas. Most roads will be closed to motor vehicles after Nov. 15, but snowmobiles or skis may be used to access some areas. Make sure the Forest Service Road you plan to drive is open using our Road Status Tables.
For more tips on what to bring, how to plan your trip, and helpful cutting tips be sure to visit recreation.gov/tree-permits.
Photos taken by Cora Marrama. All images were provided by the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest