Coconino National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
Coconino National Forest Recreation
This permit allows you to cut Christmas Trees within designated areas of the Coconino National Forest. For the 2024 season, online permits will go on sale starting November 14th at 10:00 AM EASTERN Standard Time and will be available for the Flagstaff and Mogollon Rim Ranger Districts. Permit owners will be allowed to begin cutting November 15th through December 31st. Maps displaying areas open to cutting on each Ranger District are available for download below.
Additional information is available on the Coconino National Forest website:
- Christmas Tree Information
- Drive safely and obey all Coconino National Forest Travel Management rules. Free paper Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are available at the district offices or can be downloaded from the Motor Vehicle Use Maps & Motorized Travel Aids website.
Please note: No modifications, cancellations, or refunds can take place once you complete your purchase so make sure you choose the correct permit area (Flagstaff or Mogollon Rim Ranger Districts) at checkout.
Need to Know
Selecting Your Tree
Each forest has limitations on the size of the tree you can cut and the species of trees that are permitted. See below to help you measure and choose a tree that meets your permit's guidelines.
The tallest tree you may cut from ground level is 10 feet.
Select a tree with a trunk six inches or less in diameter, and cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level.
Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree
If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.
Where to Cut Your Tree
Though you can purchase a permit online beginning Nov. 14th, cutting is not allowed until Nov. 14 and ends Dec. 31.
Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations.
Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
Planning Your Trip
Helpful Cutting Tips
Carry your tree carefully out of the woods. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark.
If the tree is too big to transport inside of your vehicle, wrap it in canvas to prevent wind damage.
Once home, cut the bottom of the trunk off and place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water. Replenish water.
If storing your tree outside for a few days before putting it in the house, keep it in an area protected from the wind, such as the north or east side of your house or under a shaded tree.
Tools you might want to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home; handsaw to cut your tree; gloves to protect your hands; boots to protect your feet; a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it's cut; and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle.
Choose a tree from a dense forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow.
Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them.
How to Plan Your Trip
Before you leave home, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place the tree in your home (height and width), and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree.
You must print and bring your Christmas Tree Permit with you.
Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back.
Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip.
Bring a map with you. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads.
Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds.
Some roads might be closed or impassable due to wet condictions. Carry tire chains, shovel(s) and a tow chain. Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. Bring a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don’t get locked out of your car! Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block gates.
Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded. Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark.
We don't recommend bringing your pets but, if you do, they must be on a leash.
