News Release

2018 Fruit Harvest

Date: March 8, 2018
Contact: Visitor Center, 435-425-4111

Fruit season is upon us. Cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, apples, and pears are typically available for harvest each summer at Capitol Reef National Park. The prediction for the 2018 fruit season shows that the bloom will begin in mid-March and will last two to three weeks. This year we expect to have cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, apples and pears available. Apricots are expected to be available the first week of July. Apples and pears will begin being available in mid-August and the main peach harvest is expected to occur the last week of August. Apples and pears will be available through September.

“Fruit harvest times should range from June through October” says horticulturist Amanda Snodgrass. Current fruit harvest information and pricing is recorded on the Capitol Reef Fruit Hotline as fruit ripens and specific harvest start dates are determined. The fruit hotline may be reached by calling [phone]. Once the park number connects, press one for general information and, at the next prompt for the orchard hotline, press five. Fruit harvest information is also posted on the park’s Facebook page and Twitter feed. Information on the Fruita orchards is available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/care under “plan your visit.”

Climbing fruit trees is not permitted in the park. The National Park Service provides special fruit picking ladders. Use care when picking fruit and carefully read and follow posted instructions on fruit picking and ladder use. Please bring your own bag.

Capitol Reef National Park uses the money collected from fruit sales to defray the cost of maintaining the orchards. The historic Fruita orchards are among the largest in the National Park System and were established beginning in the 1880s by Mormon pioneer residents of Fruita.

For more information about Capitol Reef National Park, visit www.nps.gov/care.