Christmas tree permits at Colorado national forests on sale

With the holiday season in full swing, the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree has officially begun.

Driving the news: For those looking to harvest their own tree in some of the most scenic spots in the state, permits are opening up at several national forests across Colorado.

• Of note: All fourth-grade students are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid Outdoors program.

Where to go:

🎄 Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests

• Permits: $20 per tree; up to 5 trees allowed
• Harvest locations: Canyon Lakes and Sulphur Ranger Districts
• Permitting cutting dates: Through Jan. 7, 2023, but varies based on location
• Size limitations: Entire tree must be cut down at ground level

🎄 Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

• Permits: $8 per tree; up to 5 trees allowed
• Harvest locations: Grand Valley, Gunnison, Norwood, Ouray and Paonia Ranger Districts
• Permitting cutting dates: Through Dec. 31
• Size limitations: Tree height — 20 feet max.; stump height — 6 inches; stump diameter — 6 inches max

🎄 Pike and San Isabel National Forests

• Permits: $10-20, based on location; between 2-5 trees allowed, depending on site
• Harvest locations: South Platte, Pikes Peak, South Park, Salida, Leadville, and San Carlos Ranger Districts
• Permitting cutting dates: Through Dec. 31, but varies based on location
• Size limitations: Tree height — 15 feet max; stump height — 6 inches; stump diameter — 6 inches max

🎄 Rio Grande National Forest

• Permits: $8 per tree; up to 5 trees allowed

• Harvest locations: Forest-wide, in designated areas
• Permitting cutting dates: Through Dec. 31
• Size limitations: Tree height — 20 feet max; tree diameter — 5 inches max at shoulder height; stump height — 6 inches max

🎄 San Juan National Forest

• Permits: $8 per tree; up to 5 trees allowed (Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir off limits)
• Harvest locations: Forest-wide, in designated areas
• Permitting cutting dates: Through Dec. 31
• Size limitations: Tree height — 20 feet max; stump height — 6 inches max

🎄 White River National Forest

• Permits: $10 per tree; up to 5 trees allowed (Colorado Blue Spruce off limits)
• Harvest locations: Forest-wide, in designated areas
• Permitting cutting dates: Through Dec. 31
• Size limitations: Tree height — 15 feet max; stump height — 6 inches max; stump diameter — 6 inches max.