We pulled into Fruita campground on the Friday lunchtime, only to find that it is so popular that the campground was about 10 minutes from being full! Fortunately there was a handicapped space available for us, we were greatly relieved. Apart from being a very popular campground this was Friday of a holiday weekend - Monday would be Columbus Day.
Fruita is an Oasis. The trouble with the term Oasis is that it is largely a fictional concept, fed by 50’s ‘B’ Movies, of some lush trees, perhaps in a valley, water running through, under a red hot sun in a clear blue sky, surrounded with baking sands. Well that is Fruita! Only instead of palm trees there a a number of small, green, grassy, orchards where they have grown apples, pears, peaches, apricots, almonds, cherries, etc since the Mormons first arrived in the 1880’s. It is on the only road which passes through the Water Pocket Fold, it is the only place to have constant water for many miles, the Fremont River. The early settlers irrigated the flat valley floor either side and produced the orchards, which now we camp among, in season you can pick the fruit right off the trees, they even provide ladders and pickers for you. We missed the last crop (apples) by a day! But we did get the lovely autumn colours in the stands of Cottonwod and fruit trees. However, Fruita has to be on any campers list of campgrounds if you are within 100 miles of it. It is a truly beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert.
3 comments:
Oh We love Fruita campsite! did you get the beautiful pies they sell in the shop nearby?
Photos are great reminds me of all the stunning places we have visited
I must admit i fell for a Peach pie!
I finally found you!. My husband and I talked with you at the Ranger campfire and the next day on the Goosenecks Trail. We wanted to get your card, but by the time we got to your space in the campground, you had already left for Zion. I've been searching for your blog ever since. Please let us know how things are going!
Gayle and Mike Brown
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