2026 Tonto NF Christmas Tree Permits near Pine, AZ
By STaR Plus CoHost · October 30, 2026
pine aztonto national forestchristmas tree permitsfamily travel
If you want to cut your own Christmas tree near Pine this season, start at the Tonto National Forest permit page on Recreation.gov. As of October 30, 2026, the page is live but 2026 sale dates are not yet posted; for reference, 2025 permits opened Nov 13 with cutting beginning Nov 22 (per the Tonto National Forest Christmas Tree Permit page on Recreation.gov). This guide is for families and small groups staging from Pine who want the official links, maps, and rules in one place.
Key takeaways
Go to the Tonto National Forest Christmas Tree Permit page on Recreation.gov; that’s where the Forest posts on‑sale dates, cutting windows, and the georeferenced maps each season (Recreation.gov – Tonto permit). As of October 30, 2026, the page does not list 2026 dates; in 2025, permits went on sale November 13 and cutting began November 22 (same source). Check that page regularly—when dates post, permits can go quickly.
Tonto permits allow cutting only within designated areas shown on the permit’s georeferenced maps, which are compatible with Avenza (per the Recreation.gov – Tonto permit). Areas not marked as private property and not colored purple on the map are generally open to cutting. Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, plantations, active timber sales, or newly planted areas; Tonto permits are valid only on Tonto National Forest (all per Recreation.gov’s Need‑to‑Know for Tonto).
For outings starting in Pine, focus on the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts—Tonto’s Christmas tree cutting instructions reference designated cutting areas within these districts (see the Forest’s PDF: U.S. Forest Service – Tonto NF Christmas Tree Cutting Instructions). Always reconfirm open areas and any district‑specific notes on the Recreation.gov Tonto permit page before you go.
The permit page links to georeferenced PDF maps for the designated areas; these work in the Avenza app for offline use (per the Recreation.gov – Tonto permit). Practical steps:
Per the permit details, the maximum tree height is 10 feet (Recreation.gov – Tonto permit). The Forest’s cutting instructions add two key points: cut the whole tree (no topping) and leave a stump no higher than 6 inches—clear snow from the base so you can measure accurately (per the U.S. Forest Service – Tonto NF Cutting Instructions). Scatter leftover branches from the stump so the area looks natural and safe (same source).
You must print and bring your Christmas tree permit, and fill in the month and day before you leave the cutting site (per the Recreation.gov – Tonto permit). Expect winter conditions and limited cell coverage; the Forest advises checking weather, warnings, and road closures, knowing that roads may be unplowed, and carrying tire chains and essentials (same source). From Pine, start early and plan to be out before dark. Pack warm layers, food, water, and a first‑aid kit, and keep your vehicle’s fuel and windshield fluid topped up.
Host tip from Ashton Cabin: you’ll have free on‑site parking and Wi‑Fi to download maps before you head out, and the single‑level layout with some ADA amenities makes loading gear in and out easier. Please drive slowly at dawn and dusk—elk are often in the neighborhoods. We also ask guests to haul trash bags away from the home; plan to pack out any forest trash so your vehicle stays tidy and you’re set to dispose of waste after your outing.
Purchase online through the Tonto page on Recreation.gov and follow all “Need to Know” items and map links there (Recreation.gov – Tonto permit). In a prior season, in‑person sales were also offered at the Supervisor’s Office (Phoenix) and the Payson and Globe ranger stations (as noted by ABC15 Arizona); check the current‑year options on the official Tonto permit page when it updates.
The Tonto permit page illustrates common conifers you may encounter—pinyon, Douglas‑fir, and white fir (per the species examples pictured on the Recreation.gov – Tonto permit). Use the Forest’s maps to choose your area, then match your tree to the size rules before you cut.
Recreation.gov also lists Christmas tree permits for other nearby national forests, such as Coconino and Kaibab; dates and availability vary and can sell out quickly (see the overview at Recreation.gov – Get Your Christmas Tree Permit). If you miss Tonto’s window, check those pages promptly and read each forest’s specific rules.
When you’re ready to make Pine your home base for the trip, Ashton Cabin | Pine, AZ is a single‑level, family‑friendly spot with Wi‑Fi and free on‑site parking, close to town for easy staging. Book here: Ashton Cabin | Pine, AZ.
Not yet. As of October 30, 2026, the Tonto permit page is live but does not show 2026 dates; in 2025, permits opened Nov 13 and cutting began Nov 22 (per the Recreation.gov – Tonto permit). Check that page for the 2026 update.
Within designated areas of Tonto National Forest shown on the permit page’s georeferenced maps; areas in purple or otherwise excluded, plus private land, are off‑limits (per the Recreation.gov – Tonto permit). The Forest’s instructions note coverage within the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts (see the U.S. Forest Service – Tonto NF Cutting Instructions).
Your tree can be up to 10 feet tall, and your stump must be no higher than 6 inches; cut the whole tree—no topping (per the Recreation.gov – Tonto permit and U.S. Forest Service – Tonto NF Cutting Instructions).
Yes. Print your permit and fill in the month and day before you leave the cutting site (per the Recreation.gov – Tonto permit).
Yes. Nearby forests like Coconino and Kaibab also issue Christmas tree permits on Recreation.gov; availability and dates vary (see the overview at Recreation.gov – Get Your Christmas Tree Permit).
Photos: Tony Clevenger, Rom Huns via Google Maps.