Christmas Tree Cutting on the Rio Grande National Forest

• Christmas Tree permits are valid only for trees on land managed by the Rio Grande National Forest.
• Only 5 trees per family are allowed.
• Trees can be up to five inches in diameter at shoulder height.
• Cut trees as close to the ground as possible. Stumps should be no higher than 6 inches.
• All trees must be at least 100 feet away from any campground, picnic area or road.
• Cutting trees within designated wilderness areas is prohibited.
• Up to 10 additional boughs can be taken with each tree.
• Keep vehicles on the roads.

You must have a valid Christmas tree permit with you when you harvest your tree(s). To get a permit, please use one of three methods below:

• Visit one of our participating vendors listed below. These vendors make it convenient to get your permits, due to their extended business hours.
• Purchase a permit from one of our forest offices in Del Norte, La Jara, or Saguache. The offices have varied hours and we recommend calling before your visit.
• Purchase a permit online from Recreation.gov. You will need to create an account if you do not already have one. If you have made campground reservations at federal campgrounds in the past, you may already have an account.

Follow for an interactive map of our 2023 vendors

South Fork Visitor Center, 28 Silver Thread Ln, South Fork 719-873-5512

Kristi Mountain Sports, 3223 Main St, Alamosa 719-589-9759

The Green Spot, 711 State Ave, Alamosa 719-589-6362

San Juan Sports, 102 S Main St, Creede 719-658-2359

Creede/Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, 904 S Main St, Creede 719-658-2374

Monte Vista Library, 120 Jefferson St, Monte Vista 719-852-3931(Cash only)

Monte Vista Co-Op, 1901 US-160, Monte Vista 719-852-5181

• Dress warm and have emergency equipment handy.
• Tell someone where you are going.
• The Forest Service does not plow roads for snow removal.
• Please don’t litter. Pack out your trash.
• Keep vehicles on the roads and don’t park in front of gates.