champion tree program
Similar to the National Champion Tree Registry, CTC’s Champion Tree Program maintains records of the three largest trees for each species in the state. These trees are the largest trees of their species in the state and are representative of Colorado’s rich history and diverse ecosystems. By documenting these important trees, we can promote their conservation and protection for future generations of Coloradoans.
State Champion Trees are measured in accordance with American Forests’ Measuring Guidelines and are checked and remeasured at least every 10 years. Through consistent measurement, we can ensure greater accuracy and track changes in the growth and health of trees over time.
Anyone can nominate a tree for the Champion Tree Program! CTC accepts nominations from rural and urban areas all over the state. To nominate a tree, click here. If you are re-measuring a tree, please send an email to to Neal Bamesberger listing the exact location of the tree, the new (verified) measurements and any other new information about the tree's condition, owners, etc..
Colorado’s Champions
State Champion tree registry
The Colorado Tree Coalition Champion Tree Program maintains a database with records of over 800 trees. Trees are listed in the registry by their common names. To explore Colorado’s Champion Trees in a digital map, click here. The listing only includes the general location of the tree. Contact Neal Bamesberger for more specific directions.
2025 State Champion tree list sorted alphabetically
Colorado’s National Champion Trees
Colorado currently has eight trees on the American Forests National Champion Tree Register. These trees are the biggest of their species as reported to American Forests in the current year. Click the images below to see each tree’s measurements and location. Learn more about Colorado’s National Champions and others at American Forests’ National Register of Champion Trees.
National Champion Trees that have died
Plains Cottonwood, Longmont, CO
This stately tree on the Western edge of Longmont was estimated to be over 145 years old, 105 feet tall and 11.5′ feet in diameter died in 2012. It was on the National Register of Big Trees since 1964. Read here to find out how Boulder County honored this large cottonwood.
Blue spruce, Hermosa Creek Drainage near Durango, CO
In 2018 this 166’ tree was destroyed in the 416 Fire in the Hermosa Creek Drainage Area. See this Durango Herald news story for more information.
Colorado State Champions
Pinus aristata (Bristlecone pine), San Isabel National Forest
Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa pine), San Juan National Forest
Salix bebbiana (Bebb willow), Rocky Mountain National Park
Picea englemanni (Englemann spruce), Grant
Picea pungens (Colorado blue spruce), San Juan National Forest
Pinus flexilis (limber pine), San Isabel National Forest
Chionanthus retusus (Chinese fringetree), Pueblo
Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), San Juan National Forest
Abies concolor (white fir), San Juan National Forest
Sapindus saponaria (western soapberry), Springfield
Pseudotsuga menziesii ‘glauca’ (Douglas fir), Poncha Springs
Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Washington Park, Denver
Celtis reticulata (netleaf hackberry), Springfield
Morus alba (white mulberry), Granada
Quercus rubra (northern red oak), Washington Park, Denver