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[Updated 2018] Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Program

Posted by Susanna Haynie on November 27, 2018

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Rocky Mountain Regional Christmas Tree ProgramTo be Coloradoan: Go up into the mountains to cut your own Christmas tree

This is what it might be like….

I know what you’re thinking. “But I don’t want to cut down a piece of nature for my enjoyment.” I know where you are coming from. Really, I do. However, the trees need to be thinned out to reduce fire hazards and keep the forest healthy. By participating in this program, you are taking an active role in managing the forest BY cutting down the trees. The program is very carefully regulated with strict areas and rules for cutting down trees. (Please comply to keep Colorado pretty for everyone).

You might also be thinking, “Why in the world would you want to go out into the cold, hike through the woods, and cut your own Christmas tree that you then have to drag to your car or truck and tie to your car?” It does sound like a lot of work for what will probably be an imperfect Christmas tree. The trees tend to be a bit (or a lot) lopsided, have empty spots, and are just not as tight as the trees from the lot.

But this program gives you an opportunity to spend time with friends and family during an otherwise busy season. Additionally, forest health is important. By removing these smaller trees you are contributing to the overall well being of the forest and reducing fire danger.

Need more ideas for holiday fun? >> Check out our Top 10 Christmas Activities Near Colorado Springs post.

This program might be for you if:

Your don’t need a perfect Christmas tree.
You don’t mind taking your (hopefully 4WD or AWD) vehicle through the backcountry. In fact, you’ve always been looking for a reason to really test it out.
You think you can handle almost any kind of weather.
You like adventures.
You love Colorado and the outdoors….or would like to learn to like it 🙂
You like great family time.
You want to make cutting your own a Christmas tree a tradition.

What to Expect:

When you go with small children

It has always been a family tradition and sometimes even a family adventure! When the kids were little, we kept the tree hunt pretty short. If it was very cold, the little ones would play in the snow only for a short time. I would stay with them while Tim went to look for a tree for us. By the time he came back, I had all 3 of the kids cuddling under blankets in the back of the Suburban and sipping on hot cocoa and having cookies. The doors of the truck were open and they watched (maybe laughed at us parents) as we loaded the tree onto the roof. Happily, we packed up and drove home while singing Christmas songs.

When you go with teens

Once the kids were older, we went as a group with other friends and their kids at similar ages. As we hiked through the woods, the kids would have a fun time just being kids. Who would find the better Christmas tree? Bigger? Better? Hot cocoa was still a part of the event. And we still sang on the way home.

The tree isn’t perfect

I don’t think we ever had a PERFECT tree. In fact, one year we stapled a few small branches from the bottom of the tree into some bare spots toward the top. You gotta do what you gotta do. You know, it really didn’t matter. This was about us, the season, and being together. Mission accomplished. Try it.

Christmas Tree Program Info:

Most of my information in this post is about the Christmas Tree Program in the Pikes Peak Region. Find links to other regions in Colorado or in the Rocky Mountain Region at the bottom of this post.

2018 Details and Tips

$20 per permit <=== The price has changed from previous years
Permits are available November 26th-December 14th.
Get a free permit if you have a 4th grader via the Every Kid in a Park initiative
Limit 5 permits per person
You can still get the permits at most US Forest Service offices. The Colorado Springs this office is located at:
- Pikes Peak Ranger District,
  601 S. Weber St.,
  Colorado Springs, CO.
  Call: 719-477-4221 or 636-1602
- Open 8am to 4.30pm
Area Entry Hours: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
Permits will be available onsite at the Woodland Park Work Center on the following dates:
- December 1, 2, 8, 9 from 8am-2pm
- Address: 1408 Rampart Range Road
- CASH and CHECK ONLY!
  Christmas tree diameter
Cut trees no greater than 6 inches in diameter and as close to the ground as possible. Leave as little of the tree as possible
The permit has to be attached to the tree and be clearly visible.
Do not cut blue marked trees
Do NOT top trees
Pack out your trash
Check road conditions on the Colorado Department of Transportation website or call the closest Ranger District office to the area you want to cut in

Trees you can find

Cutting Areas

Cutting areas are along Rampart Range Road and to the east and north of Woodland Park. They are very well marked. Please only cut trees within these areas. Here is a map of the designated areas.

Your Car

You will need 4WD or chains are required! They have had quite a bit of snow so be prepared to really use those chains.

Time

The evening and cold temperatures start early in the back country. Make sure you are done and heading out no later than 3pm.

What to Bring:

Your permit! ($5000 for cutting trees without a permit).
Some trails require 4WD.
Handsaw/ax and work gloves. Chainsaws are prohibited.
Dress warmly for winter weather.
Have a full tank of gas.
Bring food, extra water, a shovel, a blanket, a first-aid kit, and a warm drink.
Leave pets at home or have them on a leash at all times.
Take a rope or bungee cord and tarp to pack your tree home.

Once You Have The Tree At Home:

Create your own fire retardant solution for your tree.

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[Updated 2018] Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Program