Stroll Through The Apple Orchards At This Majestic National Park In Utah

With some of the best national parks to visit in Utah, it is easy to find hidden gems all over the state. One of these gems comes in the form of fruit — a fruit orchard that is. For a truly delightful time in the best parks in Utah, check out the orchards at Capitol Reef National Park:

The little town of Fruita was settled by Mormons in 1880 and the Gifford Homestead still stands today as part of Capitol Reef National Park.

Fruita was a small community and no more than 10 families ever lived here at once. The Gifford Homestead was built in 1908 by Calvin Pendleton, who built the small, original house, barn, and smokehouse. The third family to occupy the home was the Gifford family, who moved in in 1928 and lived there for 48 years.

The homestead includes 200 acres of orchards with hundreds of trees, which are maintained by the National Park Service.

The orchards served as both a cash crop for the community and a source of delicious, fresh fruit for the residents. You'll find cherries, apples, pears, peaches and apricots, and a variety of nut trees here.

Visitors can stroll through the orchards at any time.

As long as the orchard gates are unlocked, feel free to stroll through the orchards and enjoy this shady oasis. The park asks that you don't pick fruit until it's in season, however. There are posted signs indicating which fruit is ripe and can be picked. However, all fruit taken from the orchard must be paid for at a self-pay station.

Once the fruit is ready to be harvested, visitors can join in the fun.

Ladders and hand-held pickers are available for guests to use during harvest season. Never climb these historic trees as approximately 1,000 trees have already died due to poor soil conditions, age, and disease.

To enjoy the harvest's bounty without the work, stop by the Gifford Homestead Kitchen.

The building that once housed the homestead's kitchen serves as a little store that offers handmade items, gifts, and tasty treats.

One of the most popular items for sale here? The fresh pies!

After you explore the homestead, you'll want to stop by for a fresh pie or cinnamon roll.

You can enjoy your pies at a picnic table under the shady trees, along with an old-fashioned soda. This is the perfect way to enjoy a visit to one of the best national parks in Utah.

Learn more about the Gifford Homestead's orchards on the Capitol Reef National Park website, and follow the park on Facebook for the latest updates about the fruit harvests and this national park to visit in Utah.

Have you ever harvested fruit from Capitol Reef's orchards? We'd love to see your photos and hear about your experiences! Make sure to share your stories and photos in the comments.

If you have never been to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah but are planning a visit, make sure to check out our previous article with just nine reasons why we consider this one of the best parks in Utah.