Where To Go Fruit Picking Around Denver

It’s finally fall here in Colorado, and that means enjoying all the cozy fall activities that make this season the best one of the year.

Fruit-picking is a must-do fall activity, and thankfully there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy fresh, locally-grown produce straight from the farms that grow them — especially if you live in or near our luxury Denver apartments. So, don your favorite sweater and head to one of the Denver area’s many farms for some fresh fall produce! Here, you can pick your own fruits and veggies straight from the tree, vine, bush or whatever they grow on, then enjoy them however you like!

Fall harvest fruits & veggies in Colorado

Apples

Colorado is known for its apple harvest in the fall, particularly in areas near the Front Range and Western Slope, where the cooler nights help develop sweetness and color. Varieties such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonathan and Fuji thrive here due to the region's high altitude and dry climate, which enhances their sweetness and flavor. 

Apples are typically harvested between August and October when the cooler nights and warm days allow these apples to develop a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them popular for fresh eating, baking and cider production. 

Pears

Pears, like apples, thrive in Colorado’s dry climate, particularly in the western parts of the state, though they are grown around the Front Range too. 

Bartlett and Anjou are the most common varieties, maturing in late summer to early fall. These varieties develop a sweet flavor and buttery texture which is further enhanced by Colorado’s cool autumn nights. Pear trees are relatively hardy and can withstand the state's cold snaps, making them well-suited to Denver’s fall growing season. 

Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a quintessential fall crop in Colorado and can be found in farms all across the state. They are grown throughout the late summer and harvested en masse in the fall for everything from pies to jack-o-lanterns to decorative pieces and more. 

Colorado’s semi-arid climate and sunny days provide pumpkins with the ideal growing conditions, while the cooler fall nights help them mature into the perfect size and firmness for carving or cooking. Varieties like the Jack-O’-Lantern, Sugar Pie and Baby Boo are popular, with Sugar Pie pumpkins being ideal for baking pies and soups.

Squash

Both summer and winter squashes, such as zucchini, butternut and acorn squash, grow well in Colorado's nutrient-rich soils. These plants benefit from Colorado's warm summer followed by cooler fall temperatures, which helps winter squash varieties develop their rich, sweet flavors. Squash are generally harvested from September through October — zucchini is harvested earlier in the season, while hard-skinned squashes like butternut can last late into fall.

Peppers

Peppers, including bell peppers, jalapeños and the state-favorite chili peppers, are fall staples in Colorado. The state’s dry and sunny growing conditions allow peppers to thrive, particularly in Southern Colorado and in the Arkansas Valley, which is known for producing roasted green chilies in the fall. Many farms also grow your classic bell peppers in shades of green, red and yellow. 

The chili-roasting tradition, often done at local farmers’ markets or festivals, makes peppers one of the highlights of Colorado’s fall season.

Root veggies

Carrots, beets and onions are among the hardiest of vegetables, making them perfect for Colorado’s fall season. These root vegetables are planted in late summer and harvested in early to mid-fall, benefiting from the cooler temperatures that help develop their sugars, giving them a sweeter taste. Carrots, in particular, grow exceptionally well in the clay-rich soils found around Denver and the Eastern Plains. Beets, prized for their rich, earthy flavor, are also popular, with both red and golden varieties available at local farms.

Cabbage

Cabbage grows best in the cooler months, making it a perfect fall crop in Colorado. Popular varieties like green, red and Savoy cabbages are commonly grown in the Front Range and Denver area, so you’re most likely to see these at farms stands and markets. 

The cooler fall weather helps cabbages develop their firm heads and crisp texture, after which they are harvested throughout October and November. 

Potatoes

Colorado-grown potatoes, particularly red and Yukon varieties, are a significant fall crop in the San Luis Valley and other farming regions near Denver. Potatoes benefit from Colorado’s long growing season, which allows them to develop their full flavor and texture before being harvested from late August through October. 

5 great U-pick fruit farms around Denver

Adam’s Apple Orchard and Country Store

Adam’s Apple Orchard & Country Store in Ault, Colorado, is perfect for apple enthusiasts, as you can pick a pretty wide variety of apples from as weary as mid-August through October! Be sure to visit their country store, which offers goodies like jams, apple cider and more made from the very orchards you can pick from! Overall, it’s a great day trip from Denver with an easy-going, rustic vibe.

Berry Patch Farm 

Berry Patch Farms, located in Brighton, is an organic farm offering a wide range of U-pick produce from June through October, where you can pick strawberries, raspberries, currants and pie cherries, depending on the season. Because of the popularity and limited supply, reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups​.

Big B's

Big B's in Hotchkiss has a fantastic fall apple-picking season, which usually ranges from September through November. While you're there, visit the Orchard Café for fresh-pressed cider or homemade pies made from their tastiest apples — plus plenty of farm goodies to bring back home. Their annual Cider Fest, with live music and pumpkin carving, makes for a perfect autumn celebration to cap off a day of apple-picking.

Miller Farms

Miller Farms in Platteville offers a wide selection of fall vegetables like carrots, potatoes and pumpkins from Labor Day through mid-November. Their U-pick experience is particularly popular with families due to the variety and the chance to harvest these more unusual U-pick veggies directly from the fields.

YA YA Farm and Orchard

Ya Ya Farm & Orchard, located in Longmont, specializes in apples, pears, cherries and pumpkins, with apple picking running from July to October. Be sure to make a reservation as slots fill up fast! You can also explore their farm stand for fresh cider and donuts, which is a must-try fall treat while you’re out!

Whatever your favorite fall fruit or veggie, head to these popular U-pick farms for a chance to grab some of the freshest produce you can get your hands on this season! 

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Featured photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash