Fruita Rural Historic District
Fruita
A Mormon pioneer orchard village on the Fremont River in Capitol Reef's red rock canyons, with about 2,000 old fruit trees. Visitors can pick fruit freely during the harvest season.
In the late 19th century, Mormon pioneers established the village of Fruita in the Fremont River valley. Today it is the core area of the park, and it preserves about 2,000 cherry, apricot, peach, pear, and apple trees. During fruit season, 'orchard picking' is open. You can eat fruit on the spot for free, but if you take it away, you pay by the pound on the self-service scale. Mule deer are often seen grazing in the orchards. The visitor centre, campground, Gifford House, and schoolhouse are all nearby. It is about a 15-minute drive from Torrey along Highway 24.
Opening hours
Open all day; orchard picking open by season, per posted notices
Nearby sights
- Fruita Schoolhouse
- Gifford Homestead
- Cohab Canyon
- Petroglyph Panel
- Hickman Bridge
- Rim Overlook & Navajo Knobs Trail
- Cassidy Arch
- Sunset Point & Panorama Point