Only 250 permits will be issued via a lottery system.
*Originally published on October 21, 2021:
Updated on November 1, 2022:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recently announced that a limited number of permits will be offered out this year for those who want to cut down their own Christmas tree at Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
"By cutting a Christmas tree, the permit holders will assist Golden Gate Canyon State Park in thinning overcrowded and dense vegetation," Golden Gate Canyon State Park officials said. "This selective thinning will improve the overall forest health and reduce the impacts of future wildfires."
Only 250 permits will be issued in select areas of the park. The permits will be distributed via a lottery system, which means names will be drawn randomly.
Between November 1–15, those interested in applying for a permit can do so online. The application goes live on November 11. Please note that applications will be accepted over the phone, in person, or at the Golden Gate Canyon State Park visitor center.
If selected, you'll be notified the week of November 15. The permit cost is $35 per tree.
Then, on December 3, Golden Gate Canyon State Park will allow the chosen applicants to choose and cut their trees between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The offered tree selections include Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Lodge Pole Pine, and Rocky Mountain Juniper.
All trees must be cut with hand tools (ex: a handsaw or an axe). Chainsaws and power saws are prohibited. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) recommends you bring the following to be prepared:
- Handsaw or axe
- Winter clothing
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Water, warm drinks, and snacks
- Sled for pulling tree
- Straps, cord, tarp, and work gloves
- Straps, strong cord, tarp, and work gloves for loading tree on a vehicle
- Vehicle safety kit: Shovel, blanket, first aid kit
- Full tank of gas
- Chains, if you don’t have four-wheel drive