GOLDEN, COLORADO — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has opened the application window for Golden Gate Canyon State Park’s annual Christmas tree cut event, allowing 250 lucky participants to harvest their own tree in the scenic foothills of Golden, Colorado. The lottery for $35 tree-cut permits is open through Nov. 15, and applicants can only enter online via the CPW Shop website.
This popular holiday event will take place on Dec. 7, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the designated cutting area near the Nott Creek trailhead. Winners, who will be notified after Nov. 15, will receive their permits via email and should prepare to bring their own hand tools, as power tools are not permitted.
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The lottery system aims to maintain a safe, sustainable event with limited participation, given its increasing popularity. Participants can cut any species of tree within the designated area and must carry trees back to their vehicles without mechanical assistance. This requirement emphasizes low-impact forestry practices, as CPW seeks to balance public recreational opportunities with responsible park management.
For more information on park access and event details, applicants can visit the CPW Shop site under the “Visit a park – special events” section.
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