Where to Chop Down a Christmas Tree (Legally) in Colorado

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is now accepting applications for Christmas tree-chopping permits, and so is the City of Denver.

By Jason Heller

November 18, 2024

Image: The Griswold Family looks at Christmas trees in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

The Griswolds chopped down a tree in Breckenridge. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

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As any fan of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation knows, there is no greater holiday tradition than chopping down (or, er, ripping from the ground by its roots) your own Christmas tree. In fact, that famously funny scene from Christmas Vacation was filmed here in Breckenridge, despite the film taking place in Illinois.

But you can cut down your own Christmas tree in Colorado. Here's how to do it legally:

Apply to chop down a tree

Golden Gate Canyon State Park's application window closed on November 15; the $35 permits will be awarded by lottery. The tree-capitation ceremony will be held Saturday, December 7. Lest it seem like wholesale fir genocide, any species of tree may be slaughtered and strapped to the roof of your car for your Christmas pleasure. Just remember, don't be like Chevy Chase's Clark Griswold: Bring a hand saw to Golden Gate Canyon. (Seriously: No power tools will be allowed.)

Denver Parks and Recreation is getting in on the axe-tion too. For the low, low price of nothing, you can apply for a tree-chopping permit anytime between now and December 21. The outdoor chopping mall is somewhere near Evergreen, and directions to the site will be provided with your free permit. Email DenverMountainParks@denvergov.org to snag one.

Locations farther afield

The U.S. Forest Service will be selling permits through December 31 for various federal lands across Colorado, including Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Kremmling, Little Snake, Royal Gorge, San Luis Valley, Tres Rios, Uncomphagre and White River.

Species available include subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, pinyon pine, Juniper, bristlecone pine, Douglas fir and ponderosa pine, although local restrictions may apply. The local district office will have more instructions.

In the meantime, you can find the basic info by signing up at recreation.gov.

Jason Heller is a staff writer at Westword. He's the author of the book Strange Stars: David Bowie, Pop Music, and the Decade Sci-Fi Exploded (Melville House/Penguin Random House), and has contributed to the New Yorker, The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and NPR.org. His work has won a Hugo Award and a Colorado Press Association Award.

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