Denver Holiday Tree Cutting Guide: Where to Go & What to Know

Denver Holiday Tree Cutting Guide: Where to Go & What to Know

Best Spots, Permits & Tips for Your Colorado Holiday Tree Adventure

October 31, 2024 - The Schossow Group

Is your family ready for the year's Christmas Tree Hunt? Nothing says holiday tradition quite like venturing into Colorado's majestic forests to cut your own Christmas tree. For Denver residents and visitors, several nearby locations offer this cherished winter experience. The time-honored tradition of selecting and cutting a Christmas tree goes far beyond holiday decoration - it represents a harmonious blend of family bonding and environmental stewardship. When families venture into permitted forest areas, they're participating in a practice that even has surprising ecological benefits.

We've put together several tips, rules and locations so that your Colorado tree adventure is safe, successful, and Instagram-worthy – without the Clark Griswold-style mishaps...

Be sure to pack all the essentials to include a handsaw, measuring tape, gloves, rope and tarp. 

From a forestry perspective, selective tree harvesting helps prevent overcrowding in forest stands, allowing remaining trees better access to crucial resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. This natural thinning process reduces competition among trees and decreases the risk of disease spread and pest infestation. It also creates varied wildlife habitats and helps maintain healthy forest diversity.

5 Helpful Tips Before Embarking on Your Tree Cutting Adventure:

• Obtain Proper Permits: Purchase your permit online at recreation.gov prior to your tree cutting adventure. Some ranger stations sell permits depending on location, for more information visit the specific location websites below. Do not trespass on or through private land.
  
  
• Prepare Essentials: A measuring tape to measure your tree stump height and diameter and to ensure it will fit in your home, handsaw to cut your tree, gloves and boots, a tarp to wrap your tree for transport, and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle. Power saws including electric are prohibited. Pack snacks or lunch, winter gear and/or layers for all of Colorado's sudden weather changes. Keep in mind that hunting seasons are usually open during these times, so wearing brighter colors for safety may be advisable. Lastly, be sure to have a printed copy of your permit easily accessible in your vehicle. 
  
  
• Check Weather and Regulations: Road conditions and specific forest service updates should be double checked before departing. Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark and changes in road conditions occur. 
  
  
• Review Permit Guidelines: Thoroughly review all guidelines provided with your permit, as regulations vary by location. Keep in mind that permits typically become mid-October to mid-November depending on location, and popular sites often sell out quickly during peak weekends. 
  
  
• Time it Right: A fresh, well-cared-for Christmas tree typically lasts 4-5 weeks in your house, possibly stretching about 40-45 days.

When selecting your tree, choose one that fits the following criteria:

• At least 75 feet from roads and trails
• Has a diameter under 6 inches at the base
• Cut down the entire tree at ground level, no more than 6 inches above ground level should remain. If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height. 

Trees both big and small can be found, many locations and permits allow up to 5 trees per family - giving the kids a chance to have their own little tree!

8 Local Forests Near Denver Where You Can Cut Your Own Christmas Tree...

South Platte Ranger District: The South Platte Ranger District of Pike National Forest stands as one of the most coveted Christmas tree cutting destinations for Denver residents. Located just an hour from the city, this accessible district presents three distinct cutting areas - Buffalo Creek, Sugar Creek, and Camp Fickes - each with its own unique character and charm. These designated cutting areas showcase the remarkable diversity of Colorado's high-country forests, with spruce and fir trees dominating the landscape in various sizes and forms. Due to the close proximity to Denver, permits often sell out. 

Sulphur Ranger District of Grand County: Within the Roosevelt National Forest system, encompassing an awe-inspiring 442,000 acres of pristine Colorado wilderness. This vast expanse of protected land presents visitors with an almost overwhelming array of natural beauty, where dense forests give way to expansive mountain meadows. The district's accessibility (90 minute drive from Denver), despite its remote feel, makes it an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and convenience in their Christmas tree hunting tradition.

Canyon Lakes Ranger District of Larimer County: The Canyon Lakes Ranger District of Larimer County, also within the magnificent Roosevelt National Forest, rewards those willing to venture slightly farther from Denver with an exceptional tree-cutting experience. While the two-hour drive might initially seem daunting, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, winding through some of Colorado's most scenic terrain. This district has earned its reputation as one of the premier Christmas tree harvesting locations in the Front Range, particularly celebrated for its outstanding lodgepole pine specimens.

Fraser Experimental Forest Near Winter Park: In the heart of Colorado's winter wonderland near the renowned ski town of Winter Park, Fraser Experimental Forest provides tree hunters with an authentic high-country adventure within reasonable reach of the Denver metropolitan area. This unique location, approximately 90 minutes from the city, combines accessibility with a genuine alpine experience that feels worlds away from urban life. The forest's designation as an experimental area adds an interesting scientific dimension to the experience, as this living laboratory has been crucial to our understanding of Rocky Mountain forest ecosystems since its establishment in 1937. The Fraser Experimental Forest requires a permit for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest: The expansive Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest complex stands as a testament to Colorado's incredible botanical diversity, offering tree hunters an unparalleled selection of native evergreen species. Though nearly 4 hours from Denver, this vast forest system, stretching across some of the Western Slope's most dramatic landscapes, presents visitors with Colorado's most cherished Christmas tree varieties, each with its own distinct characteristics and charm.  Find out more about Gunnison, Colorado.

Pike National Forest - South Park District: The Pikes Peak Ranger District is a premier destination for Christmas tree harvesting, offering convenient access for residents of Colorado Springs and surrounding communities, with primary cutting zones situated near the charming mountain town of Woodland Park. This accessibility, combined with the district's open permit policy and beautiful views of Pikes Peak makes it an especially attractive option for families seeking a stress-free holiday tradition. 

White River National Forest: Nestled near the scenic town of Silverthorne, requires a longer journey from Denver, but the extra miles are rewarded with an unparalleled Christmas tree harvesting experience. While some might hesitate at the additional drive time, those who make the trek discover that this location offers some of Colorado's most coveted subalpine fir trees, prized for their soft, silvery-green needles and symmetrical shape.

The South Park Ranger District: Offers one of the most accessible and generous tree-cutting areas in the region (no permit quota), conveniently situated near several mountain communities. This expansive area centers around the historic towns of Fairplay, Jefferson, Como, and Lake George, making it easily reachable for both Denver metro residents and those living in surrounding mountain communities. 

The memories and charm of having your very own Colorado Christmas tree can help add to the magic of Christmas.

The fresh tree brought home fills the house with an authentic woodland fragrance that artificial alternatives simply cannot replicate. This natural aroma, combined with the unique character of each hand-selected tree, adds an irreplaceable element to holiday celebrations while supporting our beautiful states’s forest management practices.

What to do after the holidays?

After the season ends, give your tree new purpose through one of Denver's many eco-friendly disposal options. Local recycling centers transform holiday trees into nutrient-rich mulch for community parks, while many Colorado neighborhoods offer curbside pickup through January. If you have the space, consider seasoning the wood for next winter's fireplace – just be sure to let it dry properly. Check your city's website for free drop-off locations and specific recycling dates.

So, bundle up against the winter chill, walk among the evergreens while discussing the shape, size, and fullness of your perfect tree. With the crisp scent of pine and fir needles and the sound of snow crunching underfoot this experience may just become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

As the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band said best, "The closest thing to heaven on this planet anywhere is a quiet Christmas morning in the Colorado snow."

If you are thinking about your next home purchase in the Denver area, The Schossow Group is dedicated to providing unparalleled service and expertise to help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market, achieve your homeownership dreams, and secure your financial future. Learn more about our team here or search all Colorado homes for sale.

More from the Schossow Group:

• • More than a Game: Exploring 25 Benefits of the Private Club Lifestyle
  • 2024 Colorado Springs Parade of Homes Celebrates 70th Year and Runs Through September 22
  • Ravenna’s Exciting Year Ahead: The Schossow Group Reflects on Ravenna's History and Future
  • The Schossow Group recognized as RealTrends America’s Best
  • 9 Resolutions for a Tranquil Colorado Home in 2024
  • Making Dreams a Reality: A Night of Celebration in Denver at the Dream on 3 Gala
  • 25 Colorado Summertime Musts to Add to Your Bucket List
  • Meet the Schossow Group: Nick Schossow
  • Meet the Schossow Group: Dale Schossow
  • Meet the Schossow Group: Molly Petrelli
  • Meet the Schossow Group: April Stahl
  • 5 Local Colorado Trails to Run, Bike or Hike This Summer 
  • The Benefits of Adding House Plants Inside Your Colorado Home
  • 5 Date Spots in the South Denver Metro Area including Littleton, Centennial and Lone Tree
  • Douglas County is USA's Fastest-Growing Exurb
  • Q's Pub and Grille in Littleton Has Been Serving Food, Music and Fun for Nearly 30 Years...