One of the Coolest Times in Capitol Reef

Right now in Capitol Reef National Park, something really spectacular is happening! The orchards are blossoming! As you probably already know, Capitol Reef is very unique, in that it has working orchards of multiple varieties of fruit trees, which are maintained by the National Park Service. These trees were planted by the Mormon settlers of the area during the early-twentieth century. And after the area was designated public land, the rangers just keep the orchards going!

Which means that we, the visitors to the park, get to enjoy the sights and scents of the blossoms every spring as the Fruita valley bursts into soft shades of pink and white against the red cliffs. It’s really a sight to behold.

Photo by Valeria Bold via U=nsplash.com

Right Time, Right Place!

Now, our agriculturally-inclined readers might be saying, “Hang on, not all fruit trees blossom at once. And you just said that Capitol Reef has multiple varieties of fruit trees.” Well spotted. This is very true. You will find below a list of the approximate times that the various fruit trees are at peak blossom in Capitol Reef.

• Cherries – late March to mid-April
• Apricots – early March to mid-April
• Peaches – late March to late April
• Pears – late March to early May
• Apples – early April to early May

Photo by Red River Ranch.

Bearing Fruit

If all this talk of fruit has made you hungry, don’t worry! You can enjoy more than just the blossoms of Capitol Reef. In the summer and fall you’ll be able to revisit this same orchards and harvest their delicious bounty. Everything that you pick and eat in the orchard is completely free – which is perfect if you just want a healthy snack. And if you want to take some of fruit home with you, it only costs only a dollar per pound. Which is basically a steal. Weigh and pay for your fruit at the self-serve scales near the entrance of each orchard. Here are the approximate dates for when the fruit will be ripe:

• Cherries – mid-June to early July
• Apricots – ate June to mid-July
• Peaches – late July to early September
• Pears – early August to early September
• Apples – mid-August to mid-October