Tis’ the season for fresh-cut Christmas decor. Believe it or not, there are plenty of forests around Colorado that allow visitors to chop down their very own tree for the holiday season.

“For many families, venturing into a National Forest to cut their Christmas tree for the holidays is a treasured tradition carried on for generations,” San Juan National Forest Supervisor Kara Chadwick said. “For families creating new traditions, a trip to their local forest to cut their own Christmas tree may be a thrilling experience as they discover the joy of hiking through the forest in search of the perfect holiday centerpiece.”

If you’re looking to chop down a tree during the final weeks of 2020, know that rules vary from forest to forest and that tree-cutting is heavily regulated, with illegal tree cutting carrying a fine of up to $5,000 and up to six months in prison. It’s crucial to follow the rules and participate in this activity responsibly.

Here’s a look at a few places that allow tree-cutting under certain circumstances:

1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

When permits go on sale: A maximum of 250 Christmas tree permits will be awarded via a lottery system. Applications will be accepted online from Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 15. 

Find more info about a permit here: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/goldengatecanyon

Cost: $35 with a limit of 2 per household (plus daily park pass – $9 in exact change)

Trees: Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, Lodge pole pine, and Rocky Mountain juniper.

Restrictions: All trees must be cut with hand tools, including a handsaw or an axe. Chainsaws and power-saws are strictly prohibited.

2. Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

When permits go on sale: November 13 online

Cost: $8.00 with a limit of 5 permits per household and one tree per permit

Cutting Dates: November 13 and through December 31 (4:30 PM).

Trees: Subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, Pinyon pine, Juniper, Bristlecone pine, Douglas-fir, Ponderosa pine. Local restrictions may apply. 

Find more info here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gmug/home/?cid=stelprdb5345974

Restrictions: Maximum tree height of 20 feet. Tree may not be greater than 6 inches in diameter at the base of the tree and the stump height should be no greater than 6 inches high. Topping of trees is also not allowed. Tree(s) should be tagged before leaving the cutting area. Permits must be clearly visible on trees when transporting by vehicle.

Where to buy a permit: Recreation.gov

3. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

When permits go on sale: Now through December 31st.

Cost: $10 per tree with a limit of 5 per household.

Where to buy a permit: Recreation.gov

Restrictions: Don’t top trees by leaving the lower part of the tree standing. Leave a stump less than six inches and cut below the lowest live limb. Do not cut trees greater than 20 feet in height or more than six inches in diameter at the stump. Scatter any unwanted branches to lie 24” or less from the ground.

4. Pike National Forest (Pikes Peak Ranger District)

When permits go on sale: Trees may be cut any time after purchase of a permit from Friday, November 27th through Wednesday, December 16th.

Cost: $20.00 per tree with a limit of 5 permits per person.

Trees: Douglas-fir, Ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, and Limber pine.

Where to buy a permit: Recreation.gov

Restrictions: Cut trees no greater than 6 inches in diameter and as close to the ground as possible. Remove the entire tree. Chainsaws are not permitted. Bring a handsaw and equipment to load and tie the tree to your vehicle. Do not cut trees on private land.

There will be no onsite permit sales in Colorado Springs or Woodland Park this year due to public health concerns.

5. San Juan National Forest

When permits go on sale: November 12 at local vendors (see below) or online

Costs: $8 + $2.50 fee from Recreation.gov or $8 from local vendors

Trees: white fire, subalpine fir, and spruce trees.

Where to buy a permit: Recreation.gov or at any of the following local vendors: Dolores Outfitters at 341 Railroad Avenue in Dolores; Kroeger’s Ace Hardware at #8 Town Plaza in Durango; Cox Corner Store at 18794 Highway 491 in Lewis; Cox Conoco at 201 East Railroad Avenue in Mancos.

It’s also important to note that cutting down trees in specific areas is prohibited including La Plata Canyon, Chimney Rock National Monument, Williams Creek Research Natural Area, Piedra Management Area, Sage Hen Wildlife Area, and McPhee & Lone Dome Recreation areas from the dam to Bradfield Bridge, Narraguinnep Research Natural Area. A quarter mile off both sides of the West Mancos Road (FS#561) between the National Forest boundary and Transfer Campground is also off-limits.

6. San Isabel National Forest

When permits go on sale: Friday before Thanksgiving (November 20) through the end of 2020.

Cost: $10 per tree (2 tree limit per household)

Trees: Douglas-fir, lodge pole pine, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, white fir, ponderosa pine, piñon pine, and Rocky Mountain juniper. Not all species are found in all districts.

Where to buy a permit: Recreation.gov

Restrictions: Trees should be cut at the ground with unused portions scattered. Trees with a diameter of up to 6 inches, at the base, may be cut. Permitted cutting lengths are from 3 feet to 15 feet. Chainsaws are prohibited. A good handsaw or an axe is adequate. Trees must be cut at least 50 feet from roadways, waterways, or trails.

Christmas tree cutting is allowed throughout the San Isabel National Forest with the exceptions of campgrounds, trailheads, ski areas, wilderness areas, and recreation areas, such as Turquoise Lake or Lake Isabel.

7. White River National Forest

When permits go on sale: November 15 online and November 16 in-person

Cost: $10 with a limit of 5 permits per person.

Where to buy a permit: Recreation.gov

The Forest Service is offering fourth-grade students with an “Every Kid Outdoors” pass or voucher a free Christmas tree cutting permit. Learn more by visiting everykidoutdoors.gov.

The Forest Service says Christmas tree cutting plans are still being evaluated for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests due to the wildfires and ongoing pandemic. 

Editor’s Note: Additional fees, costs, restrictions, and limitations may apply. Due to wildfire activity, some forest areas may still be closed to the public. Please check current state park and forest orders prior to planning your travels. Be prepared for snow at higher elevations. Always check the weather forecast venturing out. Get the latest on road conditions around the state by visiting COtrip.org. Bundle up, steer clear of avalanche-prone areas, and get ready to find the perfect Christmas tree!