It's that time of year again. It's time for one of our favorite holiday traditions: the annual Angst Family Christmas Tree Hunting Adventure! Every year, we bundle up, head into the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains, and search for the perfect Christmas tree. It's always an adventure, complete with plenty of laughs, a touch of Griswold family chaos, and memories that make the holiday season special.
Luckily, living in Northern Nevada means we're just a short drive from some beautiful mountain forests and plenty of opportunities to create your own Christmas tree-hunting tradition. Whether you're planning a family outing, looking for a little outdoor adventure, or simply want to find a one-of-a-kind tree to bring home and decorate, cutting your own Christmas tree can be a wonderful way to kick off the holidays.
In this blog, we're sharing everything you need to know about Christmas tree permits, where to get yours, and some of the best places around Reno and the surrounding Sierra Nevada to find your very own Christmas tree!
Nearby Options for Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree
The Sierra Nevada Mountains offer many options for those living in the Truckee Meadows to head out and cut down their own Christmas Tree.
The Lake Tahoe Basin, including the Tahoe National Forest, is a popular place to find that perfect tree. You’ll also find plenty of options in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
within the Austin-Tonopah, Bridgeport, Carson, Ely, and Mountain City–Ruby Mountains–Jarbidge Ranger Districts. And north of Reno–Sparks, the Plumas National Forest offers another great place to cut your own Christmas tree.
Let's dive into all the important details, including where you can go and how to get your permit before heading out.
Regulations and Permits
Before you set out on your tree-cutting adventure, make sure you know the rules and regulations. Every area mentioned in this blog requires a permit for Christmas tree cutting, so be sure to secure yours in advance. Each permit includes specific guidelines and restrictions designed to promote sustainable harvesting and protect the beauty of our natural landscapes.
You can purchase Christmas tree permits for the Tahoe National Forrest online at Recreation.gov. These permits are specific to ranger districts within the Tahoe National Forest. The Districts include American River, Sierraville, Truckee, and Yuba River. For all Districts, tree permits cost $10 per tree, with a 2-tree limit (plus a $2.50 fee per transaction). All details for planning your tree-cutting adventure in the Tahoe National Forest are available on Recreation.gov.
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is offering Christmas tree-cutting permits for the Austin-Tonopah, Bridgeport, Carson, Ely, and Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger Districts online at Recreation.gov. You can also get permits in person at multiple locations through December 31st. Permit costs are $5 or $10 per tree, depending on the area you select. Tree permits cost $5 to $10 per tree, and the number of trees allowed is set by the Districts and ranges from two to five trees. Permits purchased on Recreation.gov include an additional $2.50 per-transaction fee. Recreation.gov has detailed information, helpful maps, tree-cutting instructions, tips, and alerts.
Permits to cut Christmas trees in designated areas of the Plumas National Forest are also available at Recreation.gov. Permits are good from November 1 through December 31st, and cost $10 per tree, with a limit of two trees (plus a Recreation.gov $2.50 fee per transaction). For detailed information, helpful maps, tree-cutting instructions, tips, and alerts, and to purchase your permit, visit Plumas National Forest Christmas Tree Permit.
Christmas Tree Permits for 4th Graders:
Free Christmas tree permits are available to fourth graders through the U.S. Department of the Interior's Every Kid Outdoors program at each of the areas mentioned in this blog. To learn more about the program and enroll, please visit the program’s website.
Be Prepared for Winter Conditions
Winter weather in the Sierras can be challenging, so it's important to be prepared. Safety should always come first!
Make sure you’re well-prepared. Bring the right tools, such as a sturdy saw and gloves, and dress warmly for changing weather conditions. Fill up your gas tank and check your tires before you go, and pack essentials like a shovel, tire chains, a map, food, water, warm drinks, blankets, and a first-aid kit. Don’t forget a rope and tarp to secure your tree for the drive home.
Because conditions can change quickly, always check the weather and road reports before your trip. It’s also best to start early in the day to make the most of daylight and ensure a safe return.
My Expert Tree Cutting Tips!
Making Memories and Enjoying the Outdoors
For my family, our annual Christmas tree hunt is about much more than finding a tree. It’s the drive into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the laughs along the way, and the moment someone finally declares, “That’s the one!” Those memories make this one of our favorite holiday traditions.
Whether it’s your first outing or a tradition you look forward to every year, I hope you’ll make time to enjoy the mountains with your favorite people this season. Get your permit, check the conditions, bundle up, and head out for an adventure of your own. The tree you bring home is just part of the fun!
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All permits are subject to change and availability. Check with each Ranger District for the latest details.