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Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (2026)

Has 2026 info 2026 season dates published by the Forest Service; price and tree limit from the Recreation.gov listing.

How your family can cut a Christmas tree on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado, 2026 season. Every fact below comes from the forest's official pages, linked at the bottom.

Where can I cut?

• Only on the Sulphur Ranger District (Grand County) and Canyon Lakes Ranger District (Larimer County).
• Elk Creek cutting area is walk-in only this season.
• No cutting within 75 ft of any road or trail, or trees marked with blue paint.

When can I buy a permit?

• Oct 8, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027
• Cutting season: Canyon Lakes RD: Nov 21 – Jan 6.
• Sulphur RD: Nov 7 – Jan 6.

How much?

• $20 per tree

How do I buy it?

What's an online permit? It's a permit you buy on Recreation.gov, the U.S. government's official booking website. You pay there, then follow the instructions that come with your permit.

• Online at Recreation.gov (in advance).
• No refunds.

Rules to know

• How many: Up to 5 trees on one Recreation.gov permit.
• Household limit not stated on the Forest Service page.
• Trunk 6 in. or less in diameter (strictly enforced).
• Cut 6 in. or less from the ground.
• No topping.

Before you go

• Check this forest's official page and alerts the week you go. Rules, roads and closures can change.
• Cut only on National Forest land, never on private, state or tribal land.
• Forest roads are often unplowed. Check the weather and road conditions.
• Follow your permit's instructions for carrying, tagging or displaying it.

What to bring:

• Your permit (printed, if your forest asks you to print it)
• A hatchet, ax or saw (check your forest: some ban chainsaws)
• Warm gloves, boots and extra warm clothing
• Rope to tie your tree down
• A flashlight, first aid kit and tire chains
• Water, a hot drink, lunch or snacks (it always takes longer than expected)

Packing list based on the Forest Service's Christmas tree safety tips for the Chippewa National Forest. Before you leave, tell someone where you plan to cut.

Need firewood too? See the Arapaho and Roosevelt firewood permit page.

Sources

• Forest Service: Christmas Trees (ARP) (page updated: Oct 8, 2026)
• Recreation.gov: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Christmas Tree Permit (page updated: 2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026))

Data Source: Recreation.gov

Last verified: Oct 2026 (2026-10-29).

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