An Awesome Fruit Harvest Season Is Anticipated This Summer At Utah's Capitol Reef National Park
By Courtnie Erickson|Published June 21, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s most splendid national parks. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get the attention it deserves and this park sees fewer visitors than others in the state. But for those who do take the time to explore this national park in Utah, there is so much to see and do — especially in its orchards.
Capitol Reef National Park is where you can enjoy a variety of exciting outdoor activities ranging from hiking to viewing petroglyphs left by the Fremont People years ago.
Although, one of my favorite activities at this Utah national park is to visit its orchards and 2023 is anticipated to be one fruit harvest that you don’t want to miss.
Fruita is a small community located within Capitol Reef National Park and is home to the Gifford Homestead. Here, you will find more than 200 acres of orchards with fruit trees that are cared for by the National Park Service.
A variety of fruit is grown in the orchards including cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, apples, and pears, and the 2023 fruit harvest is looking to be a good one.
Due to the weather this spring and the low pest pressure, it is anticipated that apricots, peaches, apples, and pears will produce a strong crop this year. Unfortunately, cherries and plums are expected to be limited.
The cherry trees, for example, are becoming quite old and are not producing as much fruit as in years past. This spring, 131 cherry trees were planted in the orchard to increase production in upcoming years.
You can visit the orchards in Capitol Reef National Park to pick your own produce and take it home with you. All money collected from the fruit is used to help pay for the maintenance of the orchards.
Apricot and cherries will be available in early July. Peaches, apples, and pears are expected to be available in late August and into early September. The National Park Service will provide ladders and tools to help gather the fruit. Keep in mind that climbing the trees is not allowed.
A day spent harvesting fruit in Capitol Reef is a day that your entire family will enjoy. You can learn more on the National Park Service website or by calling the fruit hotline at 435-425-3791.
Have you visited the orchards in Capitol Reef National Park? Did you pick your own fruit? Let us know in the comments! And if you have never spent time in Fruita, add a visit to your bucket list today!
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