Golden Gate Canyon offers Christmas tree cutting permits, applications open through Nov. 15
Nov 4, 2026, 1:20 PM | Updated: 3:14 pm
If your holiday movie moment includes flannel, fresh mountain air and the smell of a real Christmas tree, Golden Gate Canyon State Park may have your perfect December adventure.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering a limited number of permits for people who want to cut their own Christmas tree inside the park this holiday season. Only 250 permits will be issued through a lottery system, so this is one of those “set a reminder right now” situations.
Applications are open through Nov. 15 through the CPW Shop website, click here. Applications will not be accepted by phone, in person or at the visitor center.
Winners will be notified after the application window closes. Each permit costs $35 per tree.
Those selected can head to the designated cutting area near the Nott Creek trailhead on Saturday, Dec. 5. And because Colorado knows how to make tree day extra merry, the Golden Gate Canyon State Park Visitor Center will also host a holiday celebration with hot drinks, food, photos with Santa, ornament decorating and a retail sale.
A few important notes before you start picturing yourself as the star of a Christmas commercial: Any tree species may be cut, but you must use hand tools, such as a handsaw or an ax. Chainsaws and power saws are not allowed.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is about 30 miles northwest of Denver in Jefferson and Gilpin counties.
Nothing says “Colorado Christmas” quite like bringing home a tree with a little snow on your boots.
You can get more details here!
