11/21/2025
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests • Pawnee National Grassland
Plan ahead to cut your own holiday tree
Purchase your Christmas Tree permit online first
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Nov. 20, 2025) – Christmas tree permits are now available to purchase online through Recreation.gov. Details about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut may be found on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests webpage.
To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov and search for Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).
Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health. The permit system helps thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Local forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife.
Christmas tree cutting is allowed across most of the Canyon Lakes and Sulphur Ranger Districts. Areas closed to cutting include designated Wilderness and Roadless areas, the Cache la Poudre Wild and Scenic River Corridor, the Fraser Experimental Forest, Winter Park/Mary Jane Ski Areas and developed recreation sites like campgrounds and trailheads. Forest Service employees and partners will be staffing information sites in the Canyon Lakes Ranger District on varying weekends between Nov. 29 - Dec. 15.
Unlike previous seasons, the Elk Creek Cutting Area will not be staffed or open for drive-in tree cutting. The area will remain open for walk-in use only once gates have closed for the season on Nov. 24. If visiting the Elk Creek Cutting Area or other areas with closed gates, do not park in front of or block access to Forest Service gates. Cutting area maps and Motor Vehicle Use Maps can be downloaded onto your smartphone via the Avenza app, which provides offline maps. Seasonal road closures begin early this week, but snowmobiles and skis may be used to access some areas. Check if seasonal roads are open by using the Current Conditions Table. Tree cutting is not permitted on Clear Creek or Boulder Ranger Districts.
For more information, visit these online resources:
Recreation.gov Christmas Tree Permit page with map interface
Help Center article How Do I Purchase and Print a Christmas Tree Permit?
Cut a Tree for the Holidays from Your National Forest article
Every Kid Outdoors Fourth Grade Pass program
Don't forget essential tools and safety equipment when you head out
The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland are located in north central Colorado and encompass 1.5 million acres across five districts.
