Christmas Tree Permits
Cutting a Christmas tree improves forest health. By removing the smaller trees, you are contributing to the overall wellbeing of the forest and reducing fire danger. Persons cutting or removing trees from the national forest without a valid permit are subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
Follow the steps below for successful Christmas tree cutting.
Visit our About the Area page or find your nearest district office to determine where you want to cut your Christmas tree.
Christmas trees and the associated permits are only available on the Pike National Forest and San Isabel National Forest.
Pike National Forest
- Pikes Peak Ranger District
- South Park Ranger District
- South Platte Ranger District
San Isabel National Forest
- Leadville Ranger District
- Salida Ranger District
- San Carlos Ranger District
| Forest | Ranger District | Permit Cost | How to Purchase | Purchase Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pike National Forest | Pikes Peak Ranger District | $20 per tree permit (limit of five per family) | In person or online | Online starting Nov. 18 In person starting Nov. 18 |
| South Park Ranger District | $20 per tree permit (limit of five per family) | In person or online | Online starting Nov. 7 In person starting Dec. 2 | |
| South Platte Ranger District | $20 per tree permit (limit of five per family) | Online only* | Starting Oct. 9 | |
San Isabel National Forest | Leadville Ranger District | $10 per tree permit (limit of two per family) | In person or online Cash, check or credit card | Starting Nov. 17 |
| Salida Ranger District | $10 per tree permit (limit of two per family) | In person or online Cash, check or credit card | Starting Nov. 17 | |
| San Carlos Ranger District | $10 per tree permit (limit of two per family) | In person or online Cash, check or credit card** | Starting Nov. 17 |
*Permits for South Platte Ranger District must be purchased online and are limited, so they may sell out.
**Westcliffe and La Veta offices accept cash or check only.
Purchasing a permit online
The funds from tree permits purchased through the recreation.gov system will go back to the participating forest through Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act funding requirements.
Visitors must create a recreation.gov account to purchase a permit and may access their permit through their account at any time.
Congratulations on choosing your family Christmas tree from a national forest!
Now that you have your permit, be prepared for your Christmas tree collection:
- Check for alerts such as road closures and fire activity.
- Wear proper attire in the forest according to current conditions, such as weather forecasts and alerts.
- Carry your permit with you while in the forest to cut your Christmas tree.
- Follow the terms of your permit.
Please also keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Please keep pets on a leash if you are near others.
- You may cut a tree up to 15 feet tall or 6 inches in diameter at the ground. DO NOT cut off the top of any trees. Cut the tree at the ground and limb and scatter any unused portion. Please do not leave high stumps.
- The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites and campgrounds. DO NOT cut in any recreation areas, timber sale areas, campgrounds, ski areas, wilderness or trailhead areas.
- Use an axe or hand saw only, chainsaws are not permitted
- Cut trees at least 50 feet from roads, trails or waterways.
- Attach permit tag to the main stem of the tree prior to transporting the tree.
More guidance on tree cutting can be found on the Forest Service's Know Before You Go webpage.
Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.
Be aware of road restrictions
Certain roads have seasonal closures that take effect annually on December 1. Check for road closure alerts before you head out.
Check with your local Forest Service office if you are unsure of seasonal closures. Please do not violate any of these closures.
The majority of Forest Service roads are not plowed. Forest Service roads will close once there is adequate snowfall, so snowmobile, skis or snowshoes will be needed in those areas.
Please check with the local office for current road information. Please do not tear up the road surface or leave debris on the road by trying to go beyond the plowed section.
Attention fourth grade students
Fourth grade students with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can apply for a free Christmas tree permit through the online system with recreation.gov by selecting the option and then entering their voucher or pass number when prompted.
Additional information
Be sure of the area you are purchasing a permit for. Be sure you are on National Forest System lands and not private, state or other federal lands.
Each permit has a unique number associated with it, so permits purchased through the recreation.gov website must be printed to be valid.
Visitors should display the printed permit on the dash of their vehicle on the day they visit the forest to cut their tree.