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Christmas Tree Permits for Leadville and Twin Lakes

November 29, 2025

Looking to chop your own Christmas Tree this year?

The Leadville Ranger District is in the San Isabel National Forest and offers tree cutting permits from mid-November through December.

The permit can be purchased online at Recreation.Gov or in person at the Leadville Ranger Station during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, holidays excluded).

Remember that permits are only valid in the district they were purchased, are non-transferable and cannot be extended from one year to the next.

What to Know:

  • Bring a hand saw. No chainsaws or power saws are allowed.

  • Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Bring a map and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with Forest Service roads and batteries die quickly in cold weather.

  • Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip.

  • Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds.

  • Forest roads may not be plowed. A four-wheel drive vehicle or tire chains may be needed to access some areas. Skis or snowshoes may also be used. Please use caution on icy and snowy roads and do not cause damage by creating ruts on muddy roads.

  • Bring plenty of food and water with you, as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded.

Where to Cut Your Tree

  • Do not cut on private land, in Wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations. Visit Recreation.Gov to see the permit area map for the Leadville Ranger District.

  • Do not cut trees in or within 200 feet of any developed areas, including Campgrounds, Picnic Areas, Recreation Areas, Trailheads, Scenic Overlooks and Administrative Sites.

  • Christmas tree cutting is prohibited in Timber Sale areas. Do not cut any tree marked with colored paint, flagging or signs.

  • Do not cut trees within 100 feet of any waterway, forest road or trail.

  • Maps showing public and private land boundaries are available online at Recreation.gov and at district offices.

Selecting Your Tree

  • You may cut a tree up to 15 feet tall or 6 inches in diameter at ground level.

  • Any species of tree may be cut, however cutting Bristlecone Pine is not recommended. This is due to their sappy nature, which is both messy and can be a fire hazard.

  • If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump at ground level. Trees must be cut within 6 inches of the ground.

  • Choose a tree from a densely forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow.

  • Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down and utilize the entire tree and don’t leave a high stump.

Did you know? Cutting a 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 a Christmas tree.

Learn more at Recreation.Gov

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