Christmas Tree permits are available to purchase online and at local ranger stations on the Carson National Forest.
Permits are priced based on tree height:

• $5 for trees 10 feet tall,
• $10 for trees up to 15 feet tall
• $15 for trees up to 20 feet tall

As many as three permits can be purchased per person. Visitors must have their permit(s) with them when harvesting.
Online purchase: you will need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Then visit www.Recreation.gov and search for Carson National Forest Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information, which outlines how to be prepared for unpredictable weather changes. Check out the helpful tips at Know Before You Go to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience harvesting a Christmas tree.

Fourth-graders can get a free Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid Outdoors initiative, which encourages them to discover with their families, the nation’s natural resources and history. Follow links to “get your pass,” print a pass from the Every Kid Outdoors website at https://everykidoutdoors.gov, and then present the pass at the Ranger Station to exchange it for your free Christmas tree permit. Or, to get it online, enter the student’s pass number during checkout. All online purchases, including those for free permits, will incur a $2.50 processing fee.

NOTE: Through December 2, computer updates on the point-of-sale platform will be underway, so offices will be closed through that time.

Please call any of the following Carson National Forest offices Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm to learn more or to purchase permits. Local offices include:

Questa Ranger District: (575) 586-0520
Supervisor’s Office (Taos): (575) 758-6200
Visit the forest’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Carson and on Facebook and Twitter.