Kick off your fall fun with a trip to one of Colorado’s many apple orchards.
When the summer fruit season starts dwindling, almost like clockwork, the cravings for my favorite fall fruit — apples! — begin. Apple-picking can be the perfect activity for the whole family, or for babysitters or nannies looking for a fun fall day trip.
With a late freeze in May, many Colorado farmers have struggled with their crops this year, including many at popular farms that aren’t offering pick-your-own apples as a result. But we found five orchards within just a few hours’ drive from Denver that will provide a fun and fruitful day for all!
YA YA Farm & Orchard
Address: 6914 Ute Highway, Longmont, CO 80503
Phone: 303-485-5585
Hours: Reservations required for pick-your-own apples. Farm Stand hours:
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August: Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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September & October: Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fees: Admission, $3 | Pick-Your-Own Apples, $12/bag
Less than an hour north of Denver, YA YA Farm & Orchard is a popular choice for families, as it has pick-your-own fruit and a farm full of animals for the kids to enjoy! Note that pick-your-owning is very popular at this orchard, so reservations sell out quickly for apples.
If the apples are gone, or if you’re looking for a variety, YA YA Farm & Orchard also has pick-your-own cherries, pears, pumpkins, and vegetables, along with flowers. You can also pick veggies or flowers, and visit the orchard for its already-picked produce, tasty apple cider, donuts, apple pies, and more. Hayrides and farm animal visiting are also free. No dogs are allowed.
Happy Apple Farm
Address: 1190 First St., Penrose, CO 81240
Phone: 719-429-6300
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fees: Admission, hayride, & bags are free. | Pick-your-own apples, $1.85/lb.
The Happy Apple Farm will keep the kids happy with hayrides and tons of farmland to play on. This orchard is a quick hour and a half drive south to Penrose, near Colorado Springs, and it’s popular with families all over the Centennial State.
Admission is free, and the farm offers pick-your-own apples, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, along with pumpkins. Enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider and visit the Country Store for fresh-baked pies and cobblers. If you don’t pack a picnic, try some of the farm’s tasty barbecue.
Third Street Apples
Address: 935 Third St., Penrose, CO 81240
Phone: 719-372-6283
Hours: (Aug. 25 – Oct. 31) Thursday – Monday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fees: Pick-your-own apples, $1.89/lb.
This orchard is also just outside of Colorado Springs. Grab a wagon and pick from one of more than a dozen apple varieties. The orchard also offers pumpkin picking, but be sure to call ahead to get details on what’s available.
Third Street Apples also has a farmstand that sells pre-picked apples, jams, jellies, and syrups. And you don’t even have to leave your pooch at home, because pets on a leash are OK!
Orchard Creek Ranch
Address: 0150 County Road 137, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone: 970-945-2224
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fees: Call ahead for availability and pricing.
The drive from Denver to this 75-year-old organic orchard is a little longer at about two and a half hours, but who wouldn’t want to pick apples right in the mountains? Orchard Creek Ranch is located between Glenwood Springs and New Castle, Colorado. Pack a lunch for the kiddos and make the day trip to pick Jonathan, Rome, and Double Red Delicious apples.
The farm store also sells pre-picked apples, organic apple cider, apple cider vinegar, dried apple chips, apple wood chips for barbecuing, and apple firewood.
Big B’s Delicious Orchards
Address: 39126 Highway 133, Hotchkiss, CO 81419
Phone: 970-527-1110
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fees: Prices vary. Call for current offerings.
If you’re up for a four-hour day trip to the North Fork Valley of Colorado, you won’t be disappointed by this apple orchard. Delicious Orchards has something for everyone — including pick-your-own nectarines, plums, pears, cherries and peaches.
Pack a picnic or enjoy food at the cafe, but be sure to try the tasty cider! Making a vacation out of it? You can camp right on the orchard’s property and enjoy live music during summer and fall months.
