144 places with a permit online · 110 on sale today144 online · 110 on sale today
Type your ZIP. We'll show you where it's legal, when sales open and what a permit costs, straight from the agencies.Type your ZIP for where it's legal, when sales open and what a permit costs, straight from the agencies.
79 national forests list a 2026 Christmas tree permit on Recreation.gov, and 65 Bureau of Land Management offices list one in BLM's permit store. We read both on Nov 12, 2026 and print what they say: the dates, the price, the limit and the rules, each with its source. Sale times are in each place's own time zone. Recreation.gov prints them in Eastern, and we convert. A permit is the agency's to sell, and the rules on it are the agency's. We quote them and link them. We don't sell permits, and nothing here is one.
2 forests have pages on Recreation.gov with no permit type named and no dates on them. We print what the page says and no date. 53 more Forest Service units and 50 BLM field offices don't list a permit in either store. We say "not posted yet" for those, never "no program": some sell at the office and never post one online. Distances are straight lines to a forest's boundary, not to the cutting area and not by road. The forest's own map shows where you can cut. How we read the agencies · Not a permit, not the agency
Christmas tree permit 2026 · National forest · California
Sequoia National Forest
Recreation.gov's page for the Sequoia National Forest says "Fees and season dates for this location are not currently available." No sale day, no cutting season and no price are posted.
The forest boundary, not the cutting area. Open the map.
Recreation.gov has a permit page for the Sequoia National Forest, and we opened it on Nov 12, 2026. Under "Fees and Season Dates" it says "Fees and season dates for this location are not currently available." The page carries the forest's rules, maps and phone numbers, and they are listed here. A date is not: we don't print one the page doesn't.
The Sequoia National Forest's own words, as Recreation.gov prints them. Read Nov 12, 2026.
SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS - 2026 SEASON INFORMATION
See information below for in-person permit opportunities and sale dates. No online permits will be available in 2026.
WESTERN DIVIDE RANGER DISTRICT - Sequoia National Forest Christmas Tree Cutting Permits for the Western Divide District can only be purchased at the office. Permits purchased at the office can then be exchanged onsite for pre-cut trees. Permit are available starting December 5th, 2026 at the Western Divide Ranger District Office - call (559) 539-2607 for more information. Address: 32588 Highway 190, Springville, CA 93265
HUME LAKE RANGER DISTRICT - Sequoia National Forest Christmas Tree Cutting Permits for the Hume Lake District can only be purchased at the office. Permits purchased at the office can then be exchanged onsite for pre-cut trees. Permits are available starting December 1st, 2026 at the Hume Lake Ranger District Office - call (559) 338-2251 for more information. Address: 35860 E Kings Canyon Rd, Dunlap, CA 93621
KERN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT - Sequoia National Forest Christmas Tree Cutting Permits on the Kern River District will be available in-person starting November 25th, 2026, 9am PST for the Kern River Ranger District - call (760) 376-3781 for more information. Address: 11380 Kernville Rd, Kernville, CA 93238
This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas on the Sequoia National Forest! Lifelong memories are built during these special trips, and we are happy to help with any information gathering you'll need to make this trip a safe and enjoyable one. Please be sure to read and agree to all the tips and guidelines when 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.
Stump height: 12 inches maximum.
Stump diameter: 6 inches maximum at ground level.
All conifer species are allowed, except for giant sequoia.
Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree and remove it.
If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump and tree height.
Permit is only applicable in areas shown on the maps.
The Sherman Pass roads designated for holiday tree cutting include: Sherman Pass Road (22S05) from its intersection with the Sherman Pass Jeep Road (Trail 33E48) to the Sherman Pass Vista. The Mosquito Road (22S19) to Forest Service Road 23S23A. See Attached Map. See Attached Map.
Greenhorn Mountain area segments include: Evans Rd (155) between Alta Sierra summit and Cedar Creek Campground, the 24S15 between 155 and Tiger Flat, 24S16 from the intersection of 24S15 to Black Mountain Saddle, Rancheria Rd (24S15) to the Alta Sierra ski area, Spur Rd 25S15C, and Windy Gap Rd (24S17) See attached map.
Areas open to cutting include trees found within 40 feet of the road segments discussed above and that are not on private or other non-forest system lands. No off road travel is authorized.
Do not cut within wilderness areas or within 100’ of a state highway.
Christmas tree harvest is not allowed in developed recreation areas, campsites or within 300 feet of a stream or on private lands.
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, and in the shade.
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.
Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them.
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.
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. 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.
Roads may not be plowed. 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.
We don't recommend bringing your pets but, if you do, they must be on a leash.
Buy in person
Starting November 25 – A limited number of Christmas tree cutting permits will be available for purchase in person at the Kern River Ranger District Office.
Starting December 1 – A limited number of pre-cut Christmas trees will be available for purchase in person only at the Hume Lake Ranger District Office.
Starting December 5 – A limited number of pre-cut Christmas Trees available for purchase in person only at the Western Divide Ranger District Office.
“Fourth Grade students with a valid 4th grade Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) pass or voucher can get a free Christmas tree or permit to enjoy with their family, while supplies last.”
