Capitol Reef National Park Orchards

Capitol Reef National Park is a breathtaking destination located in central Utah, known for its stunning rock formations, deep canyons, and colorful orchards. The park’s orchards are a unique and historic feature that attracts visitors from all over the world, and provide a delicious and healthy treat for those who explore the park.

The orchards at Capitol Reef National Park have a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 19th century when Mormon pioneers first settled the area. These settlers were skilled farmers and orchardists, and they planted a variety of fruit trees such as apple, peach, pear, and cherry, as well as apricots, plums, and almonds. The settlers relied on these orchards for food, income, and trade, and they played an important role in the development of the region.

Today, visitors to Capitol Reef National Park can still see and taste the fruits of these early settlers’ labors. The park maintains several historic orchards that are open to the public, including the Fruita Orchard, the largest and most famous of the park’s orchards. The Fruita Orchard covers over 3,000 acres and features more than 2,500 fruit trees, many of which are over 100 years old.

Visitors to the Fruita Orchard can take a self-guided tour and sample the fruit in season, which typically runs from May through October. The orchard produces a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, and plums. Visitors can pick their own fruit or purchase it from the park’s store, where it is sold fresh or made into pies, jams, and other delicious treats.

In addition to the Fruita Orchard, Capitol Reef National Park maintains several other orchards that are open to the public, including the Gifford Orchard, the Lower Muley Twist Orchard, and the Behunin Orchard. Each orchard has its own unique history and charm, and visitors can explore them all to get a sense of the area’s agricultural heritage.

One of the best ways to experience the orchards at Capitol Reef National Park is by taking a scenic drive along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. This 7-mile paved road winds through the park’s stunning rock formations and offers stunning views of the orchards and surrounding landscapes. Along the way, visitors can stop at several historic sites and orchards, including the Fruita Schoolhouse, the Gifford Homestead, and the Hickman Bridge Trailhead.

Visitors to Capitol Reef National Park can also participate in a variety of educational programs and events that focus on the park’s orchards and agricultural heritage. The park offers ranger-led tours and talks, as well as workshops on fruit tree care and pruning. In addition, the park hosts an annual Harvest Festival in September, which features live music, food vendors, and activities such as pie eating contests, apple pressing, and orchard tours.

The orchards at Capitol Reef National Park not only offer a delicious and healthy treat for visitors, but they also provide an important link to the area’s agricultural heritage. The settlers who planted these orchards faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, pests and diseases, and limited resources. Despite these challenges, they were able to cultivate a thriving orchard industry that played a vital role in the region’s economy and culture.

Today, the orchards at Capitol Reef National Park are a living testament to the perseverance and ingenuity of these early settlers. They offer visitors a unique and memorable experience, where they can taste the fruits of the land and learn about the area’s rich history and culture.