8 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Colorado

Christine Johnson

By Christine Johnson

Updated

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Colorado has a lovely selection of orchards and farms to visit during apple-picking season. The Centennial State’s climate and geography are ideal for raising a range of apple breeds. 

Green and red apples on a tree branch on a sunny day.
photosvit/Bigstock

Every orchard in Colorado, from the foothills of Denver to the stunning vistas of Grand Junction, offers a different choice of apples that are just ready to be picked, ranging from the traditional Red Delicious to the modern popular Honeycrisp. 

We’ll tour the farms and orchards that make up Colorado’s apple-picking region in this guide. Whether you like classic apple orchards or cutting-edge locations that combine apples with wine and cider, visit Colorado if you’re looking for u-pick farms and unforgettable experiences. 

1. Adam’s Apple Orchard & Country Store 

Address: 42135 Weld County Road 43 Ault, Colorado 80610

Adam’s Apple Orchard & Country Store, formerly called Masonville Orchards Ault Operations, offers a dreamy apple-picking experience. It’s located 20 miles east of Fort Collins in a town called Ault (A Unique Little Town). Visitors can get the full U-pick experience with a wide selection of apples, plums, and pears. 

This orchard’s allure extends beyond its apple-picking appeal. The Country Store is a veritable gold mine of apple-based goods, including freshly pressed cider, home-baked pies, preserves, and salsas. While enjoying these goodies and the breathtaking views of the surroundings, you can take a break from picking and indulge in something delicious. Be sure to visit the orchard in the fall during their 11-12-week picking season. 

2. Early Morning Orchard 

Address: 3694 G 4/10 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526

True to its name, Early Morning Orchard provides apple lovers with a tranquil and gorgeous location. This orchard in Palisades has 10 acres of apples, peaches, nectarines, and plums. They focus on quality over quantity when it comes to their produce, which can be found in specialty grocery stores and local markets across Colorado and Utah. 

The apple-picking experience is made better by Early Morning Orchard’s seasonal festivities, which go beyond the simple joy of gathering apples. During the autumn, the orchard is filled with hayrides, pumpkin patches, and more to keep visitors entertained. It’s the perfect place for children to feel included in fall festivities. Families and groups of friends can find a day filled with seasonal delights at Early Morning Orchard. 

3. Happy Apple Farm 

Address: 1190 1st St, Penrose, CO 81240 

Happy Apple Farm, located in Penrose, entices guests with its vast orchards and upbeat environment. The farm offers a varied apple-picking experience that appeals to all tastes, with a wide selection of apples to choose from that range from tart to sweet. The farm’s commitment to organic farming and sustainable techniques adds another level of appeal.

You can also stop by the deli during your visit for apple pie, blackberry cobbler, and much more. They don’t charge an admission fee and offer free hayrides for children. They also welcome pets to come along for the adventure. 

4. Wag’s World Orchards 

Address: 20553 Nowhere Rd, Eckert, CO 81418

Wag’s World Orchards offers a beautiful getaway into the world of apple picking. It is tucked away in the picturesque town of Eckert, Colorado. They have all types of apples available for picking, from classic favorites to heirloom varieties, but they’re most famous for their juices. Don’t forget to try a glass of their 100% cold-pressed Honeycrisp apple juice at the Western Slopes Farmers Markets. 

The location in the Grand Mesa makes this orchard unique. The apples are grown on the floor of the valley, which gives them the ideal climate year-round. 

Wag’s World Orchards takes pride in being a retreat for tourists who value the environment. The orchard’s dedication to environmentally responsible operations and sustainable methods is evident in every facet of business operations. 

5. Fruit Basket Orchards 

Address: 253 32 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81503

Fruit Basket Orchards has one of the best selections of fresh fruit in the state. They’re known for their Gala and Honeycrisp apples during the fall season, along with peaches and green and red grapes. As the only full-service U-pick orchard in Western Colorado, they take pride in the quality of their products. 

Apple picking is available at Fruit Basket Orchards on Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors are welcome to choose their favorite apples from the abundant crop produced by the beautifully tended apple trees in the orchard that grow over 18 unique varieties. 

6. YA YA Farm & Orchard

Address: 6914 Ute Hwy, Longmont, CO 80503

YA YA Farm & Orchard is located on land that has been used to grow heirloom apples for over one hundred years. The farm focuses on natural and organic methods to grow their produce. 

They also go beyond the standard apple-picking experience with family-oriented fall activities. Visit the chickens, donkeys, and horses on the property. If you’re up for a picnic, you can pack your own basket and lay out a blanket for lunch surrounded by the trees. 

The orchard makes fresh apple pies, apple cider donuts, and more delicious treats that are available for purchase on the property. 

7. Fritchman Orchards 

Address: 13686 CO-65, Eckert, CO 81418

Fritchman Orchards is another orchard in Eckert, Colorado that offers a little piece of apple paradise tucked away in the breathtaking mountain scenery. It’s owned by a couple who live on the property in a mobile home. They have an inspiring story of meeting and falling in love and putting just as much care into growing their crops throughout the year. 

They grow tons of apples, along with eight to nine types of peaches throughout the year. Their produce is also available in local farmers’ markets if you happen to be in the area. 

Because the orchard is committed to using organic agricultural methods, the apples that are gathered here are of the best quality in terms of both taste and impact on the environment. The apple varieties available at the orchard range from well-known favorites to obscure jewels, satisfying a variety of tastes.

8. Big B’s Fruit Company 

Address: 39126 CO-133, Hotchkiss, CO 81419

Big B’s is known for crafting high-quality ciders and juices with the delicious fruit they grow on the property. The owners love welcoming visitors to the orchard for an unforgettable apple-picking experience, inclusive of live music and delicious food from the cafe. If you want to stay even longer, you can rent a space to sleep overnight at the campground, which promises breathtaking views of the surrounding orchard under the stars. 

In addition to its focus on artisan beverages, Big B’s Fruit Company stands out for its apples. While taking in the natural beauty of the orchard, visitors can partake in guided tastings that provide insights into the production of cider. Big B’s Fruit Company is a well-kept secret worth discovering if you’re looking for a sensory experience that blends apples and yummy drinks you can take home!