What are pinon nuts and where do pinon nuts come from? Pinon trees are small pine trees that grow in the warm climates of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada and Utah, and are sometimes found as far north as Idaho.

Where can I pick pinon nuts?

Piñon pines are most abundant near Trout Creek Pass and near Limestone Ridge, according to the USDA Forest Service, but they can be found throughout the valley. Residents do not need a permit to harvest for personal use, but if they are collecting pine nuts to resell for commercial use of a permit is required.

Where does pinyon grow?

The Pinyon Pine tree is a slow growing, compact, long-lived, drought tolerant tree. Pinus edulis is native to the desert mountains of California, east to New Mexico and Texas, and north to Wyoming. Because of its relatively small size for a pine tree, it is well suited to gardens and containers.