Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (2026)
Has 2026 info
How your family can cut a Christmas tree on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado, 2026 season. Every fact below comes from the forest's official pages, linked at the bottom.
Quick facts
- 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.)
- Cutting season: Starts Nov 14, 2026; permits expire midnight Dec 31
Where can I cut?
- Cutting prohibited in administrative sites, picnic areas, campgrounds, trailheads, scenic pullouts, plantations, timber sales, Wilderness, ski areas and along trails.
When can I buy a permit?
- Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (4:30 p.m.)
- Cutting season: Starts Nov 14, 2026.
- Permits expire midnight Dec 31
How much?
- $8 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.
- Recreation.gov.
- Call your local ranger district for current availability.
Rules to know
- How many: One tree per permit.
- 5 permits per household
- Max height 20 ft.
- Max 6 in. diameter at the base.
- Stump no more than 6 in. high.
- 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)
Need firewood too? See the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison firewood permit page.
Sources
More in Colorado: Arapaho and Roosevelt · Pike and San Isabel · White River · All Colorado options
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.