Start a holiday tradition this year by cutting a native Christmas tree from a forest just 30 minutes outside Denver. On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Golden Gate Canyon State Park will hold a Christmas Tree Cut. The park is offering 250 permits (through a lottery) for cutting a tree in selected areas. Christmas tree permits are issued through a lottery system. You can apply for a permit from November 1 through November 15. The permit cost is $35 per tree, with a limit of one permit per household. Here’s how it works:
Pick out your own Christmas tree and cut it down yourself for $35 if you get one of the lottery permits. Source: DepositPhotos
The special permits must be bought through the CPW shop. The link will appear on the CPW Shop website under “Visit a park – Special Events – Christmas Tree Draw.”
You will only be charged if you’re chosen to chop.
No applications will be accepted over the phone, or in person.
A random drawing will be held on the 16th and the chosen applicants will be notified by email shortly thereafter. Again, you won’t be charged unless you are chosen.
On Saturday, December 6, applicants chosen for a permit can visit the park between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to choose and cut their tree.
A valid park pass is required for each vehicle (an annual state parks pass or a $10 daily pass), which can be purchased online here or at the park’s self-service station (exact change required).
The tree permits are valid rain or snow, and no refunds will be given for bad weather.
The annual tree cut will be in the designated area from the Nott Creek trailhead.
Power tools are not allowed; hand tools (such as a handsaw or axe) only.
Trees must be carried back to a vehicle.
Any tree species may be hewed. Tree selections include Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, Lodge pole pine and Rocky Mountain juniper.
The Visitor Center will host a celebration with hot drinks, food, pictures with Santa, ornament decorating and a sale on all retail items.
By cutting a Christmas tree, the permit holders will assist Golden Gate Canyon State Park in thinning overcrowded and dense vegetation. This selective thinning will improve the overall forest health and reduce the impacts of future wildfires.
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