A holiday tradition in Colorado’s high country
Driving to the mountains to find and cut down the perfect Christmas tree to bring home is a tradition many families celebrate to capture the spirit of the holiday season.
It is now easier than ever to get a permit in Colorado. Christmas tree permits are available to purchase online at recreation.gov/tree-permits/ and by visiting some Colorado State Forest Service offices. The cost is $20 with a limit of five permits per person. Permits are only valid in the district for which they are purchased.
There are six districts in Colorado that allow tree cutting. The two closest to Castle Pines are the Pikes Peak Ranger District and the South Platte Ranger District. The Pikes Peak Ranger District operates tree cutting along Rampart Range Road in Woodland Park. Permits will be on sale at the district office, 601 S. Weber Street, Colorado Springs, from November 29 through December 15. The South Platte Ranger District in the Pike National Forest has tree cutting near the towns of Fairplay, Jefferson, Como and Lake George.
Fourth-grade students who have an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free permit. Visit recreation.gov to apply using the Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher by checking the box indicating you have a pass and entering the voucher number (a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).
Cutting dates are from Friday, November 29 through Saturday, December 21.
Enjoy this memorable experience together as a family, creating memories that you will remember for years to come.
By Mindy Stone; courtesy photo
