Surprisingly, at least to me, there are really only two places in Colorado Springs where you can cut your own Christmas tree: Pike National Forest, and the Merry Christmas Tree Farm.
Most nurseries have “fresh-cut” Christmas trees, but they’re typically trees that have been cut somewhere else, and then dropped in the dirt to make you feel like you’re getting a fresh-cut tree. And of course, there are trees available at many grocery stores and corner lots.
If you want a real, fresh Colorado Christmas tree, here’s how to cut your own:
You can cut trees in the Pike National Forest off Rampart Range Road. A permit is required, and you can pick one up at the District Office from 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, or on site at the Woodland Park Middle School parking lot on Dec. 5-6, and 12-13 from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Permits are $10 and there is a limit of 5 per person. Make sure you bring cash or a check, no credit cards are accepted. More info here, including restrictions on what trees you are allowed to cut down.
If you don’t feel like traipsing through the forest, or want a more “civilized” tree, try the Merry Christmas Tree Farm in Monument. This is where we go every year, and we love the experience.
The Merry Christmas Tree Farm sells Scotch Pine ($30 for an 8-14 ft tree) and Blue Spruce ($50 for a 7-9 ft tree). We’ve always gotten a Scotch Pine – while they’re not as nicely shaped or as full as a Blue Spruce, you totally can’t beat the price and you can get a huge tree. We’re Jeremy’s trying to beat last year’s record 12.5 ft tree. If we get any bigger, we’ll need a bigger house, but at least we know a good Realtor®. 😉
The Merry Christmas Tree farm is open this Friday and every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. More info on their website.
