Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: Firewood Permits (2026)
Price posted
How to get a personal-use firewood permit on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado: what it costs, how much you can cut, when, and the key rules.
Quick facts
- Price: $10 per cord on the E-Permits listing. The forest page says the cost varies by product, type of wood and district.
- How much: 2-cord minimum, 10-cord maximum (E-Permits listing).
- Season: Permits are sold year-round. A permit is valid for up to one year from the date it is issued, or until you have cut the amount you bought.
How much does it cost?
- $10 per cord on the E-Permits listing.
- The forest page says the cost varies by product, type of wood and district.
How much wood can I cut?
- 2-cord minimum, 10-cord maximum (E-Permits listing).
When can I cut?
- Permits are sold year-round.
- A permit is valid for up to one year from the date it is issued, or until you have cut the amount you bought.
How do I get a permit?
What's E-Permits? It's the Forest Service's own online permit website. You pick your forest, pay (or get a free permit), and print it. Most forests say a printed copy is required.
- Buy online through the E-Permits system, year-round.
Rules to know
- Trimming dead limbs from live trees is not permitted.
- Standing dead trees may only be cut if they meet specific standards.
- Check any dead tree for signs of wildlife before you cut it.
- No cutting in wilderness, campgrounds, picnic areas, summer home groups, trailheads or on private property.
- Harvest area maps are posted by ranger district on the official page.
- Services at offices may be limited; call 970-295-6600 before you go.
Before you go
- Check fire restrictions the day you cut. Chainsaw use is often limited or banned in hot, dry weather.
- Cut only on National Forest land in open areas, never on private, state, tribal or BLM land.
- Stay on open roads. Use the forest's Motor Vehicle Use Map.
- Keep firewood local. Moving it can spread insects and diseases that kill trees.
What to bring:
- Your permit and load tickets or tags (printed, if bought online)
- A chainsaw with a working spark arrester, or a hand saw or ax
- A shovel and a fire extinguisher (many forests require them)
- Gloves, eye and ear protection, and sturdy boots
- A truck or trailer that can carry the weight (a full cord can weigh thousands of pounds)
Cutting a Christmas tree? See the Arapaho and Roosevelt Christmas tree permit page.
Sources
More firewood in Colorado: Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison · Pike and San Isabel · White River · All forests · Colorado state page
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.