A tried and true Rocky Mountain tradition, here’s everything you need to know before you go 🌲
Where To Go
Christmas tree cutting is allowed in most national forests (with a permit) during the holiday season typically from November to January. The options closest to Denver include the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests (via Fort Collins) or the Pike-San Isabel National Forest (via South Platte or Colorado Springs). But you can check out a full map of all the Colorado ranger districts that allow tree-cutting this time of year.
Permitting
Tree-cutting permits in Colorado range in cost from $5 to $20 depending on the ranger district. You can purchase yours online at recreation.gov or in-person at area-specific stores and ranger offices.
- Pro-tip: Get your tree permit for free if you have an Every Kid Outdoors pass!
What You’ll Need
- Your permit (to attach visibly to the tree or your vehicle dashboard)
- A printed map (GPS can be unreliable)
- Handsaw (chainsaws are prohibited in most national forests)
- Tarp (for wrapping up your precious cargo)
- Sled (for easier forest-to-car transport)
- Strong rope or straps (to secure your tree to your car)
- A four-wheel drive vehicle or tire chains (trust me)
- Tape measure (so you’re not stuck estimating if it will fit in the house)
- A Christmas playlist and a thermos of hot chocolate (optional, but highly recommended 😁)
Good To Know:
- No “tree-topping” — you must take the entire tree from ground level, leaving no more than 6 inches of stump
- Make sure you’re at least 75 feet away from roads and trails when cutting
- Once home, cut about 1 inch off the base of your trunk and place the tree in a basin of fresh water
