Pick Heirloom Fruit in Fruita Orchards
Harvest apples and pears directly from the historic trees planted by Mormon pioneers in the heart of Capitol Reef. In October, the late-season harvest coincides with the stunning yellowing of the valley cottonwoods.
Itinerary tips
- 1Check the Capitol Reef fruit hotline at (435) 425-3781 before arriving to confirm which specific orchards are open for picking.
- 2Bring your own sturdy bags or baskets, as the park provides picking tools but does not supply take-home containers.
- 3Allocate at least 90 minutes to explore the Gifford House store nearby after you finish harvesting in the orchards.
- 4Look for the 'U-Pick' signs along Scenic Drive and Highway 24 to identify which fenced areas are currently authorized for public entry.
- 5Pay for your harvest at the self-service scale stations located at the orchard entrances using cash or the digital payment app.
- 6Park only in designated pull-outs or the main picnic area lot to avoid damaging the fragile desert soil near the trees.
More in Southern Utah Parks
Tour the Hole-in-the-Rock Road Petroglyphs
Scan the desert varnish along the base of the cliffs to find ancient Fremont and Ancestral Puebloan rock art.
CultureVisit the Anasazi State Park Museum
Walk through the ruins of an ancient Ancestral Puebloan village and see meticulously preserved pottery and artifacts. It’s a vital stop for understanding the deep human history of the Escalante region.
CultureStargaze at Mossy Cave Trail
Witness the Milky Way arching over Bryce Canyon's hoodoos in one of the world’s darkest International Dark Sky Parks.
ScenicPick Heritage Apples in Fruita Orchards
Harvest crisp, sun-ripened fruit directly from 100-year-old trees managed by the National Park Service in the heart of Capitol Reef.
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