Cutting down your own Christmas tree is a thrilling holiday activity that combines exercise and fresh air with the holiday spirit.

Here are some locations across Colorado where you can chop down your own Christmas tree:

1. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

Search for your perfect Christmas tree in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests with a $20 permit this year. Dates for this year for the Canyon Lakes Ranger District are Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 7 2026, and Nov. 8 2025 – Jan. 7, 2026 for the Sulphur Ranger District: District- wide Dispersed Cutting. Find more information here.

2. White River National Forest

Traverse the mountains of the White River National Forest as you hunt for a Christmas tree this year. The season dates for White River National Forest this year are Nov. 16, 2025 – Dec. 31, 2025. Permits cost $10 per tree. Fourth graders also have the chance to get a free holiday tree through Every Kid Outdoors. Find more information about where to cut your tree and how to select it here.

3. Pike and San Isabel National Forest

Christmas tree permits are available for six districts in the Pike and San Isabel National Forest. Permits are available for $10-20, and are only valid in the district for which they were purchased. Season dates range from Nov. 7 to Dec. 31. Find more details here.

4. San Juan National Forest

Take your Christmas tree hunting adventure to the San Juan National Forest. The season dates are Nov. 12 – Dec. 31, 2025, and permits cost $8 per tree. You may cut White Fir, Subalpine Fir, and Spruce trees, but may not cut Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Firs. Fine more information here.

5. Rio Grande National Forest

Embark on your journey to find the perfect Christmas Tree at the Rio Grand National Forest. Permits are available between Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025 for $8 per tree. You may not cut trees in active timber sales or areas planted with new trees, in designated wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, special recreation areas, research natural areas, or within 100 feet of campgrounds, private lands, and administrative sites. You may also not cut trees within 100 feet of county roads or state or federal highways.