Your Southern Colorado Guide to Cutting a Christmas Tree (2025): Permits, Dates, and Tips

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A Guide to Harvesting Your Own Christmas Tree

Last updated: November 20, 2025

Cutting your own Christmas tree is a timeless way to make memories, support forest health, and connect with the land. In Southern Colorado, permits are offered by the U.S. Forest Service (Pike National Forest) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Permit dates, prices, and rules vary by office, and the rules on your permit page always override general guidance—so please read your permit carefully and check official maps before you go.

Where you can cut in Southern Colorado (2025)

Pike National Forest — Pikes Peak Ranger District (Colorado Springs/Woodland Park area)

  • 2025 permits: On sale November 18; cutting available through December 23 (confirm end date on the permit page).
  • Cost: $20 per tree (plus a small Recreation.gov processing fee).
  • Where to buy + maps: Recreation.gov Christmas Tree Permits https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits 
  • Key rules (verify on your official permit): Tree size up to 15 feet tall OR up to 6 inches in diameter at ground level. Cut the stump at ground level, remove live branches from the stump, and scatter dead branches. No cutting on private land, in wilderness, campgrounds, or tree plantations, or within 200 feet of developed areas. Seasonal road closures can take effect December 1 in certain areas—plan accordingly. Print permits and display on your vehicle’s dash.

Pike National Forest — South Park Ranger District (Fairplay/Como area)

  • 2025 permits: On sale November 7; cutting through December 31 (check your permit page for exact end date).
  • Cost: $20 per tree (plus a small Recreation.gov processing fee).
  • Where to buy + maps: Recreation.gov Christmas Tree Permits https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits 
  • Key rules (verify on your official permit): Tree size up to 15 feet tall OR up to 6 inches in diameter at ground level. Cut the stump at ground level, remove live branches from the stump, and scatter dead branches. No cutting on private land, in wilderness, campgrounds, or tree plantations, or within 200 feet of developed areas. Seasonal road closures can take effect December 1 in certain areas—plan accordingly. Print permits and display on your vehicle’s dash.

BLM — Royal Gorge Field Office (Cañon City/Arkansas River corridor and surrounding public lands)

  • 2025 permits: Available November 24 (Monday before Thanksgiving) through Last business day before Christmas. Harvesting through December 31.
  • Cost: Commonly $10 per tree.
  • Where to buy + maps: BLM Forest Products Online Permit Portal (Colorado → Royal Gorge Field Office) https://forestproducts.blm.gov and office page https://www.blm.gov/office/royal-gorge-field-office
  • Key rules (per permit): Failure to tag a tree immediately after cutting will be considered unauthorized removal and can result in a violation notice being issued;  do not cut trees over 20 feet tall; respect private property and seasonal road conditions; follow size/tool requirements listed on your permit; Keep vehicles within 100 feet of open existing roads.

BLM — San Luis Valley Field Office (Alamosa/Saguache/Rio Grande counties)

  • 2025 permits: Typically available mid-November through December 24.
  • Cost: Commonly $10 per tree.
  • Where to buy + maps: BLM Forest Products Online Permit Portal (Colorado → San Luis Valley Field Office) https://forestproducts.blm.gov and office page https://www.blm.gov/office/san-luis-valley-field-office
  • Key rules (per permit): Tree must be less than 10 feet tall and less than 8 inches in diameter; No cutting Alder, Bristlecone Pine, cottonwood, or willow tree, Securely attach and validate (punching out the month and day of transport) one haul tag for each Christmas tree while the load is in transport, making sure haul tags are highly visible from the rear of the vehicle.

Rules and regulations (summarized—always follow your permit)

  • Species:
    • USFS (Pike National Forest): Follow your district’s species guidance. High-elevation bristlecone and limber pine are commonly prohibited unless your permit explicitly allows them.
    • BLM: Follow the permit guidance. San Luis Valley: Alder, Bristlecone Pine, cottonwood, or willow tree are prohibited
  • Size limits (Pike NF): Up to 15 feet tall OR up to 6 inches in diameter at ground level (as stated on current permit pages). BLM size limits vary—check your permit.
  • Cutting method: Tool rules vary by office. Some permits allow chainsaws; others require hand tools only. Follow your permit.
  • Setbacks and closures: Expect buffers from roads, trails, campgrounds, structures, and waterways. No cutting in wilderness, developed sites, timber sales, or plantations; never cut painted/flagged/posted trees.
  • Stump height and slash: Cut at ground level: less than 6 inches; remove live branches off the stump; scatter dead branches as directed by your permit.
  • Land boundaries: Only cut within designated areas shown on your official cutting map; respect private lands. Seasonal road closures may begin December 1 in certain areas.
  • Permit display and free youth permits: Print permits purchased through Recreation.gov and display on your vehicle’s dash. Fourth-grade students with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can apply for one free Christmas tree permit via Recreation.gov (where available).

How to buy permits and find maps

What to bring: winter checklist

  • Printed permit and cutting map; paper atlas as backup
  • Warm, layered clothing; waterproof gloves; sturdy boots; eye protection
  • Saw or permitted cutting tool; work gloves; small hand shovel
  • Tarp, rope/ratchet straps, padding to protect and secure your tree, and a neon flag if your tree hangs more than three feet off the back of your vehicle
  • Vehicle traction (chains or socks), shovel, traction boards, jumper cables
  • Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
  • Water, snacks, and a charged phone with offline maps
  • High-visibility vest or blaze orange during active hunting seasons

Safety tips

  • Winter driving: Expect snow/ice, limited plowing, and changing conditions. 4WD or chains recommended on backroads. Tell someone your plan and when to expect you back.
  • Cell coverage: Often limited—download offline maps.
  • Parking: Don’t block gates/roads; park fully off the travel lane on firm ground.
  • Weather + daylight: Start early; December days are short and storms can arrive quickly.
  • Pack out all trash; keep noise down; respect other visitors.

How to choose and cut your tree

  • Select from dense stands to help thin overcrowded areas and leave healthy, well-spaced trees.
  • Fur and spruce species are ideal for a traditional authentic. These species are most often found on the eastern and northern slopes. Check your map to find a suitable site before heading out.
  • Measure before cutting—a 10–12 ft tree outside can overwhelm a living room.
  • Clear snow around the base to avoid a high stump; cut at ground level; take the entire tree (no topping).
  • Wrap/cover the tree for transport and secure with multiple tie points to prevent wind burn and needle loss.

At-home care and recycling

  • Recut 1/2 inch off the base; get the tree in water immediately.
  • Keep the stand filled (water uptake is highest in first 48 hours).
  • Keep away from heat sources and direct sun to prolong freshness.
  • Recycling: Most programs run the first two weekends of January. Check:
    • Colorado Springs “TreeCycle” (program details posted each December)
    • Your county/solid waste site for drop-off locations and hours

Frequently Ask Questions

How much are permits in 2025?

  • Pike National Forest (South Park + Pikes Peak): $20 per tree (plus a small processing fee on Recreation.gov).
  • BLM (Royal Gorge + San Luis Valley): Commonly $10 per tree (confirm current fee in the portal).

When do permits go on sale?

  • South Park RD: November 7. Pikes Peak RD: November 28. BLM offices: typically mid-November (confirm in the portal).

Can I use a chainsaw?

  • Tool rules vary by office. Some permits allow chainsaws; others require hand tools only. Follow your permit.
  • What species can I cut?
    • BLM: typically pinyon and juniper only. USFS: species vary by district; bristlecone and limber pine are often prohibited unless explicitly allowed on your permit.
  • What are the size limits?
    • Pike National Forest: Up to 15 ft tall OR up to 6 inches in diameter at ground level (as stated on current permit pages). BLM: varies by office—check your permit page.
  • Do fourth-graders get a free permit?
    • Yes—students with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can apply for one free Christmas tree permit via Recreation.gov (where available).
  • Where can I find cutting maps?
    • On your permit’s Recreation.gov page (USFS) or within the BLM Forest Products portal for your field office.

Official sources

BLM — San Luis Valley Field Office: https://www.blm.gov/office/san-luis-valley-field-office