Sen. Mark Udall told the Denver Post the tree will come from the White River National Forest. The exact location of the tree is being kept a secret, but Udall said it was between Meeker and Steamboat Springs.

Udall said he went out on a scouting trip to look for 10 or 12 candidate trees.

Next month the U.S. Capitol architect will travel to Colorado to make a decision.

Around Nov. 1 it will be chopped down and go on a national tour including the Carolinas, Texas and Pennsylvania before ending in Washington, D.C. Much of the journey is paid by donations.

The Association of Convenience Stores donates the gas. Others give food and hotel rooms to tour staff.

The tree will feature Christmas ornaments made by Colorado children.