This can cause colder temperatures to be experienced in the city, however, despite this, there are plenty of orchards that are home to some of the most beautiful apples in the country.
In this article, we will look at some of the best apple picking sites near Denver that you have to try during your trip (Also check out Farmer’s Markets In Denver).
Best Apple Picking Farms Near Denver
There are numerous farms and orchards that offer visitors the opportunity to pick their own apples. However, there are only some that are definitely worth your time when you visit the city.
Below are some of the best apple picking farms near Denver, CO.
If you don’t want to travel too far from Denver, Ya Ya Farm and Orchard is a great place to pick some local apples. The most important thing to note about this orchard is that the apple picking is by reservation only.
This is a popular orchard and reservation slots get booked quickly.
The fall season in Denver is usually from September to November. This is when you are likely to get the best apple picking at the orchard.
The opening hours tend to be quite limited so it is important to book as soon as possible. On your way out of the farm, you can sample some tasty apple cider and donuts.
Nelms Farm was only founded in 2012. The U-Pick orchard was a way for the Nelms family to share their beautiful chemical-free apples with locals and visitors.
Because of the types of fruit and vegetables that are grown on the farm, it occasionally provides produce all year round. However, you will only be able to pick the produce that is in season.
This is an incredibly small, family-run farm that is normally only open for U-Pick for a few weeks each fall. Reservations are required months in advance to secure a place to pick the juicy raspberries.
This beautiful orchard is located in Glenwood Springs and is an incredible spot for some apple picking. Orchard Creek Ranch is one of the oldest orchards in Denver and in the whole of Colorado.
The orchard has been there for over 70 years and you don’t need to make a reservation to pick the apples.
The apple picking season at Orchard Creek Farm generally opens in late September. Once the picking season has begun, the orchard will usually be open between Thursday and Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.
These times and days are subject to change and you should check the orchard website before visiting.
If you are looking for an interesting and fun day out with your friends, Orchard Valley Farms & Market is a great option.
You can also bring your whole family to this orchard if you just want to focus on apple picking. The U-Pick orchard operations are between 10 am and 4 pm during picking season which is usually just September.
At Orchard Valley Farms & Market there is also Black Bridge Winery which is a great place to spend an afternoon with your friends. The winery offers wine tastings of local wines that are made in limited batches.
If you are as big a fan of puns as we are, Adam’s Apple Orchard will already be jumping out at you as a place to visit.
If the name alone wasn’t enough to convince you, this is also one of the highest rated apple picking orchards in Denver. The high ratings are largely the result of the huge variety of apples that are available for picking.
This orchard used to be called Masonville Orchards Ault Operators.
Aside from the wide variety of apples that are grown at the orchard, the best thing about Adam’s Apple Orchard is the long picking season that lasts between 11 and 12 weeks.
There is a country store on site that sells lots of locally made products.
The orchard at Happy Apple Farm has been owned by the same family since 1984 and is the perfect place to go apple picking with children thanks to the abundance of family-friendly activities that are on offer.
To get to the apple picking orchard, you can take a hayride that offers stunning views. You can also use the same hayride to go pumpkin picking if you are visiting later in the season.
The picking season at Happy Apple Farm usually stretches from late summer to early fall. However, the season can sometimes end early if there has been heavy picking. Updates can be found on their website.
Located in Hotchkiss, you will find Big B’s Delicious Orchards where you can pick your own apples during the fall season.
Aside from the sprawling orchard filled with perfectly ripe apples, there is also an adorable orchard cafe that offers refreshments including hard ciders and juices made from their own apples.
The apple picking season at Big B’s Delicious Orchards generally stretches from September through November but is dependent on the weather and the popularity of picking.
The orchard also hosts a cider festival in late October that can be great fun.
LuLu’s Farm is an orchard based in Brighton, Colorado. It is just a half-hour drive from Denver. The range of fresh produce that you can get at LuLu’s Farm is extensive and covers fruits and vegetables.
The list of fruits that you can pick is impressive, but the apples are some of the most beautiful in the state.
LuLu’s Farm offers seven varieties of apples that ripen at different stages throughout the year. This means that the picking season for apples is actually quite long, provided you aren’t picky about the type of apple you pick.
The earliest apples you can pick are the Granny Smith apples and the Red Delicious apples.
This beautiful orchard is located just outside of Colorado Springs.
The best thing about this orchard is that you are provided with a wagon so you don’t have to worry about hauling around your apples before you leave.
You can also indulge in some pumpkin picking if you are visiting at the right time. However, it is best to call ahead to ensure that what you are looking for is in season.
There is a beautiful little farmstand at the orchard that offers pre-picked apples if you are short on time. There are also locally made jams, jellies, and syrups.
Best of all, pets that are on a leash are allowed so your dog doesn’t have to miss out.
If you are looking for a U-Pick farm that is packed with activities to help the whole family spend a day together, Fritzler Farm Park is the place for you.
Not only are there some amazing varieties of apples that you can pick from the orchard at the farm.
There are plenty of other things that you can choose to pick while you are at the park to help provide your family with beautiful fresh produce.
There are also plenty of events that are held at the park throughout the picking season including Scream Acres at Halloween a Fall Festival.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of places to indulge in apple picking in Denver.
There are orchards that are dedicated to just apples and there are orchards that offer different fruits and vegetables for you to pick. Either way, there is something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Take Pets To A Picking Orchard?
The answer to this question is that it depends. There are some orchards that allow visitors to bring their dogs along.
However, these orchards often stipulate that the dog must be on a leash the entire time and you should keep a close eye on your pooch to make sure they aren’t getting into mischief.
The majority of orchards do not allow pets to be brought into the orchards for various health and safety reasons.
If you are unsure whether an orchard allows animals, it is best to contact them ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Are Picking Seasons The Same Every Year?
Most orchards aim to keep their picking season the same every year. This makes it much easier to run a business because you can tell your visitors when they can come and pick fruit.
However, the apples that you will be picking are part of nature and nature is famously unpredictable.
This means that picking seasons can be earlier or later than the previous year by as many as a few weeks. It all depends on what the weather has been like during the winter and the picking season.
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