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An Apple Day

As a family activity, apple picking in Colorado is one of the best.

Growing up in Colorado my family created many amazing traditions that I continue to share with my children today. Yet there still has been a lingering adventure to be experienced. I have always wanted to spend a day with my family apple picking in an orchard.

As soon as the children went back to school a few weeks ago I started researching and much to my amazement nestled in and around the Rocky Mountains are the best apple orchards in Colorado. Though the mountainous state isn’t known for its fruit production, you’d be surprised at the hidden gems you can find throughout the region.

If you have had similar dreams to experience this activity with your own family. Please enjoy this curated list of some of the most beloved locations to spend the day loving one of the most classic and nostalgic activities of apple picking.

Adam’s Apple Orchard & Country Store

Formerly known as Masonville Orchards Ault Operations, Adam’s Apple Orchard & Country Store is a u-pick apple orchard in Ault, Colorado. Located 20 miles east of Fort Collins and 13 miles north of Greeley, the town of Ault stands for A Unique Little Town and we are happy to call this place home.

Apples grown include Autumn Crisp, Bella, CandyCrisp, Early Fuji, Gala, Golden Supreme, Hawkeye, McIntosh, Ozard Gold, Pink Lady, Snowsweet, Winecrisp, and Zestar. Adam’s is not only one of the biggest orchards but also one of the best apple orchards in Colorado!

YA YA Farm and Orchard

YA YA Farm & Orchard is part of a historic centennial farm specializing in heirloom apples. This is a U-Pick apple orchard in Boulder County, Colorado that practices both natural and organic growing methods.

YA YA also offers a farm stand and a variety of livestock available for visitors to interact with. The orchard also sells apple cider donuts, apple pies, and other fresh products.

Big B’s Fruit Company

Big B’s Fruit Company is an orchard and juice company located in Hotchkiss, Colorado. Established in 1973, Big B’s produces juices and hard ciders from their orchard fruits, making it one of the best apple orchards in Colorado.

Fruit Baskets Orchard

This Orchard is a full-service U-Pick apple orchard in western Colorado. Located in Grand Junction, the owners of Fruit Basket pride themselves on letting visitors pick any of the fruits grown on-site. 

These include stone fruits like sweet and tart cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, and apricots. Over 18 varieties of apples accompany raspberries, table grapes, and pears for a well-rounded orchard experience.

Be sure to bring cash, as Fruit Basket does not take credit or debit cards.

Wag’s World Orchards

Located in Eckert, Colorado, Wag’s World Orchard grows a few fruits including apples, nectarines, berries, pears, peaches, cherries, and plums. 

These orchards are in the shadow of the Grand Mesa which lends it a temperate climate suited for fruits and vegetables.  Local wildlife like the red fox, grey fox, coyote, and even wild turkeys add extra charm for visitors.

Nelms Farm

Established in 2012, Nelms Farm was founded to share the fruit of a family orchard behind their home. Nelms Farm is located in Golden, Colorado, and offers a U-Pick orchard full of fruit and vegetables grown as naturally as possible. 

The owners of the farm pride themselves on growing produce without pesticides or artificial chemicals. Different types are available throughout the year. Apple and potato picking reservations are available for groups. 

Jenkins Farms Apple Valley Orchard

Jenkins Farm Apple Valley Orchard is located in Penrose, Colorado. Offering a U-Pick orchard that is smoke-free and family-friendly, Jenkins Farms specializes in delicious Colorado apple wine. No reservations are required and visitors are welcome to come anytime during business hours.

Colon Orchards

Colon Orchards is a fourth-generation farm located in the Arkansas River Valley. The apples at Colon Orchards are heritage varieties that have been grown in the Valley for centuries. You’ll be able to taste fruit here that you can’t find anywhere else, as well as popular varieties like Pippin, Stayman, Winesap, Pink Lady, and Yellow Transparent. 

You can also find apple cider and farm-fresh eggs, meat, and baked goods like fruit pies and pizzelles. 

Peachfork Orchards and Vineyards

Peachfork Orchard and Vineyards is one of Colorado's quintessential and best apple orchards. It is nestled in the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Here, you will find fruit grown with care and attention as well as specially made estate wines. 

Visitors can pick their own grapes, apples, pears, plums, and pluots here. Apple varieties include Jonathan, Fuji, and Pink Lady, with the harvest running from August to October. During this time, visitors can help themselves to fresh, delicious fruit in view of the mountains. 

Peachfork Orchards is a solar-powered farm and the property is in conservation with the Mesa Land Trust.

Ela Family Farms

Ela Family Farms has been growing delicious fruit in Hotchkiss in western Colorado in the same way since 1907. Not only are they one of the best apple orchards in Colorado, they are also one of the oldest!

You can find more than 20 apple varieties here from August through October. These include Sanza, Granny Smith, Esopus Spitzenberg, Gala, Fuji, and many more. You can also find many other fruits, such as cherries, peaches, plums, pears, tomatoes, and rhubarb.

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