Golden Gate Canyon tree cut permit application window opens Nov 1
Kara Van Hoose
October 30, 2026
Golden Gate Canyon tree cut permit application window opens November 1, 2026
GOLDEN, Colo. — The permit application window for Golden Gate State Park’s 2026 Christmas tree cut will be open November 1-15. Applicants can enter the lottery system for a $35 permit by visiting the CPW Shop website and clicking on the “Visit a Park - Special Events - Christmas Tree Draw” tab. The 250 lottery winners will be notified after Nov. 15. Credit cards will only be charged the $35 fee if the applicant’s permit is drawn.
The annual tree cut will be Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the designated area from the Nott Creek trailhead. Power tools are not allowed; hand tools only. Trees must be carried back to a vehicle. Any tree species may be hewed. The Visitor Center will host a celebration with hot drinks, food, pictures with Santa Claus, ornament decorating and a sale on all retail items. Visitors must have a state parks pass.
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
DISCLAIMER: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website maintains press releases containing historical information that may no longer be accurate. Press releases are dated, which should be noted to determine whether the information provided is current. Please review our current regulations and brochures for up-to-date information.