Christmas Tree Permits

Christmas tree permits for the Carson Ranger District have sold out at Recreation.gov and at the following in person locations. Permits are still available for the Bridgeport and other districts on the forest.

Christmas Trees Sold from Nov. 1, or the first business day thereafter, thru Dec. 24.

Permits to cut Christmas trees on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Austin-Tonopah, Bridgeport, Carson, Ely, and Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger Districts are available for purchase seasonally at Recreation.gov as well as at multiple locations. Please be aware that if purchasing through Recreation.gov there will be an additional fee of $2.50 per transaction.

The U.S. Forest Service Christmas Tree Program is designed for families, businesses, and institutions wishing to cut their own trees for decorating.

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How to Purchase a Christmas Tree Permit 

Austin-Tonopah Ranger District 

Bridgeport Ranger District 

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Carson Ranger District 

The Carson Ranger District recommends the public not cut Christmas trees in the Dog Valley area unless they have a four- wheel drive and/or high clearance vehicle. The Dog Valley Road, which is located near Verdi, Nevada, about 15 miles west of Reno, is a steep dirt road that is extremely hazardous when snow and ice covered. The Road is not accessible once the Reno–Sparks Metropolitan area receives significant amount of snow. People with only two-wheel drive vehicles might want to cut a Christmas Tree off Nevada State Route 431 (Mount Rose Highway) in south Reno (Review MAP). Suggested cutting areas include the following locations:

  • Jones Creek area is located near the Galena Creek Visitor Center off of Mount Rose Highway. Please park in the Jones Creek/Whites Creek Trailhead parking lot and hike into the area by following posted signs to identified Christmas tree cutting areas.

  • Upper Whites Creek area is accessible from Forest Service Road 41047 (Whites Creek Road), which is off of Timberline Drive. Whites Creek Road is gated, so it will be necessary to hike into the area to cut a Christmas Tree.

Forest officials would like to remind the public that proper and responsible use of vehicles on Forest roads is important to ensure roads remain in good shape for all visitors. Causing damage to roads and other Forest resources can be a violation of federal regulations, which could carry a fine up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.

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Ely Ranger District 

  • Cost $5 each, with a limit of five trees per household.
  • Purchased online through Recreation.gov ($2.50 per transaction) or in-person and by phone (picked up or mailed) at the District office.​
  • Permits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
  • Tree Types: Juniper, Pinyon Pine, and White Fir
    • NO Bristlecone may be harvested.
  • REMINDER: Christmas Tree harvesting on the Ely Ranger District may take place anywhere that is outside of an established campground, Murry Watershed area, and all Wilderness areas. Cutting must take place at least 50 feet from a road. Resource protection makes these restrictions necessary.
  • Cutting Area Map
  • News Release

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Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District 

 

Christmas Tree Cutting Special Instructions 

EaChristmas Treech Christmas tree permit is valid for the cutting of one tree in specific areas on lands managed by the Ranger District for which the permit was purchased. A map and cutting rules and regulations will be included with the permit. The permit does not authorize cutting on private, state, or other federal lands. Christmas trees also cannot be harvested within developed campgrounds, administrative sites, or designated wilderness areas.

REMEMBER TOPPING TREES IS NOT PERMITTED! The topping of trees and leaving behind high tree stumps is visually undesirable and can cause resource management problems. Please ensure that the maximum height of the stump left behind is no taller than six inches above bare soil with no live branches left on the stump. Also attach the Christmas tree permit securely to the tree so it is visible during transportation. ​

Tips on How to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

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Safety Tips 

Father and Son Carrying Christmas TreeKeep your family and your own safety in mind as you head out to look for a Christmas tree on National Forest lands. Dress warmly, fill your gas tank, and bring along a saw, shovel, chains map, food, water, warm drinks, blanket(s), and first-aid kit. Bring a rope and tarp to pack your tree in or on your vehicle for the trip home. Remember to pack out your trash. Also, make sure relatives or friends know where you are going and when to expect you home.

Getting your tree early before the snow falls usually means better access on forest roads. High-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles and traction devices are recommended when driving on mountain roads at this time of year. Vehicles with inadequate tires and/or no chains have caused extensive problems in the past, blocking roads and preventing other drivers from being able to enter or leave the cutting areas.

Remember, most forest roads are not plowed in the winter, so access may be limited due to seasonal road closures. Leave early in the day to allow for maximum daylight. Be prepared for unpredictable weather, check road conditions before leaving, and always use caution when emerging onto main roads.

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Christmas Tree Permit Information for Other Areas 

National Forests

 

Nevada BLM

  • Battle Mountain District

  • Carson City District

  • Elko District

  • Ely District

  • Winnemucca District

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