Where can I cut my own Christmas tree in Colorado?
Short answer: Yes. You can cut your own Christmas tree in 4 national forests in Colorado.
Lowest listed price: Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison: $8 per tree.
Pick a forest
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Has 2026 info- Price: $20 per tree
- How many: Up to 5 trees on one Recreation.gov permit. Household limit not stated on the Forest Service page.
- Permit sales: Oct 8, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Has 2026 info- Price: $8 per tree
- How many: One tree per permit; 5 permits per household
- Permit sales: Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (4:30 p.m.)
Pike and San Isabel National Forests
Has 2026 info- Price: Pike NF districts: $20 per tree. San Isabel NF districts: $10 per tree.
- How many: Pike districts: 5 per family. San Isabel districts: 2 per family.
- Permit sales: South Platte RD: online only, from Oct 8 (8 a.m. MT), limited and may sell out. Pikes Peak, South Park, Salida, Leadville, San Carlos: Nov 16.
White River National Forest
Has 2026 info- Price: $10 per permit
- How many: 5 permits per person
- Permit sales: Online sales open Nov 12, 2026 (Recreation.gov).
Compare side by side
| Forest | Price | How many | When to buy | Size rule | 2026 info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arapaho and Roosevelt | $20 per tree | Up to 5 trees on one Recreation.gov permit. Household limit not stated on the Forest Service page. | Oct 8, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027 | Trunk 6 in. or less in diameter (strictly enforced). | Has 2026 info |
| Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison | $8 per tree | One tree per permit; 5 permits per household | Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (4:30 p.m.) | Max height 20 ft. | Has 2026 info |
| Pike and San Isabel | Pike NF districts: $20 per tree. San Isabel NF districts: $10 per tree. | Pike districts: 5 per family. San Isabel districts: 2 per family. | South Platte RD: online only, from Oct 8 (8 a.m. MT), limited and may sell out. Pikes Peak, South Park, Salida, Leadville, San Carlos: Nov 16. | Up to 15 ft tall or 6 in. diameter at ground level. | Has 2026 info |
| White River | $10 per permit | 5 permits per person | Online sales open Nov 12, 2026 (Recreation.gov). | Under 15 ft tall. | Has 2026 info |
Firewood permits in Colorado
Personal-use firewood permits on these forests: Arapaho and Roosevelt ($10 per cord on the E-Permits listing) · Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison ($5 per cord) · Pike and San Isabel (price not posted) · White River (price not posted). Compare all firewood permits.
Sources
- Forest Service: Christmas Trees (ARP)
- Recreation.gov: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Christmas Tree Permit
- Forest Service: Christmas Tree (GMUG)
- Recreation.gov: Pike and San Isabel Christmas Tree Permit
- Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (PSICC)
- Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (White River)
- Recreation.gov: White River National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
Independent site. Forest Permit Finder is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the USDA Forest Service or Recreation.gov. Permit rules change; always check the official page before you go. Information last verified Oct 2026.