Christmas tree permits are available at San Juan National Forest offices, from local vendors and online through Recreation.gov. Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found on the San Juan National Forest’s Christmas Tree Permit webpage on Recreation.gov.
Visitors will need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account if purchasing a Christmas Tree permit online. Online permits are $8 plus a $2.50 fee to Recreation.gov. Tree permits are available for $8 at the San Juan National Forest Supervisor’s Office and the Dolores, Columbine and Pagosa district offices during normal business hours.
Permits may also be purchased for $8 at local vendor locations:
- Durango: Kroegers Ace Hardware, 8 Town Plaza.
- Dolores: Dolores Outfitters 341 Railroad Ave.
Recreation managers would like to remind permit holders in search of their perfect tree to harvest responsibly. To correctly cut a Christmas tree, cut the trunk off as close to the ground as possible, leaving no more than a 6-inch stump. Do not cut ponderosa pine or Douglas fir trees.
Christmas tree cutting is not allowed:
- In wilderness areas, recreation areas or research natural areas.
- Within 100 feet of any developed campground, county roads and state or federal highways.
- In tree plantation and active timber sales.
- In specific locations identified in the permit, including La Plata Canyon near Durango.
For information about the San Juan National Forest, call 247-4874, visit the forest website or on social media.
