Guide To Cutting Down Your Own Christmas Tree

Establishing family traditions, especially around the holidays, is one of my favorite things about being a mom and having a sweet family. There is something so special about knowing that my children will remember these moments for decades to come, and they may even pass our traditions on to their families someday. Our absolute favorite tradition is to cut down our own Christmas trees in Pike National Forest. Here is our guide to cutting down your own Christmas Tree.

WHY WE LOVE TO CUT OUR OWN TREE:

• It is $10 for a tree permit — TEN DOLLARS!  You can choose a big tree (which we love for our two story great room) or a small tree (we always get a second for our basement). You can experience a true Colorado tree for much, much less than the real trees sold in the tree lots.
• It is a true bonding experience. This day is truly always one of our favorites in the whole year, and we always come home with stories (read below in WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!)
• We are helping the health of our Colorado forests AND our trees stay SO fresh! Being married to a firefighter, and watching my In-Laws and many other families lose their homes in the Waldo Canyon Fire and the Black Forest Fire, this is important to me. It is a small act that can contribute to the overall well being of the forest and reduce fire danger.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• It does take some work and you will have more challenges with small children. We prefer to go with another family so there are several adults to help. You may have to hike in a bit to get the perfect tree, so carrying it out can be tough (and we always seem to have to carry it back UP HILL). The tree is much heavier than you expect (especially if you also have to carry a toddler!)
  
• The tree will be more Charlie Brown style. These are not the perfectly grown and groomed trees that you may see at a lot. I personally love this about the trees. The branches are sturdy and you can see all the ornaments on them. And I enjoy taking a tree that is a bit sparse and turning it into a beautiful centerpiece.
• Leave early in the day, and head out of the forest by at least 3 pm. Plan for at least 4 hours if you are traveling from Colorado Springs, and be sure to prepare for winter weather. 4 wheel drive or chains are required.
• Go with a full tank of gas, and bring a handsaw (chainsaws are not permitted). 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 and tarp to pack your tree home.
  

THE NITTY GRITTY DETAILS  (CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE)

• Permit Sales: You can purchase your permit(s) at the The Pikes Peak Ranger District Office (601 S. Weber St., Colorado Springs, CO) from November 28 through December 16. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also get permits on site at the Woodland Park Middle School East parking lot. Dates are December 3 and 4, December 10 and 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (CASH AND CHECK ONLY on weekends).  
• Cost: Permits are $10.00 per tree, with a limit of 5 permits per person.
• Cutting Dates: Trees may be cut any time after purchase of permit through December 16. REMEMBER TO ATTACH THE PERMIT TAG TO YOUR TREE AS YOU LOAD IT INTO YOUR VEHICLE. (Removing trees without a valid permit is subject to a fine of up to $5000 and/or 6 months imprisonment)
• Cutting Your Tree: Cut trees no greater than 6 inches in diameter and as close to the ground as possible. Remove the entire tree, PLEASE do not cut just the top of the trees.
• Area: Trees may be cut on National Forest lands just east and north of Woodland Park along the Rampart Range Road, #300. Follow the signs.  Click here to see the map for exact boundaries and open roads.
• Other Forests in Colorado:  Click here for information statewide.

If you have any additional questions, you can also call 719-477-4221 or 636-1602.

We would love to hear from you if you have cut your Christmas Tree in the past!  Share your stories below!