The Best Pick Your Own Farms
Denver and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of pick-your-own farms that offer an enjoyable and authentic apple picking experience. Here are some of the top farms that are worth visiting:
Ya Ya Farm and Orchard 🌳
Located in Boulder County, Ya Ya Farm and Orchard is a historic century-old farm that specializes in heirloom apples. This U-Pick-It Apple Orchard offers family-oriented fall activities, including apple picking, meeting the cute farm animals, and enjoying some outdoor fun. Visitors can also pick peaches and nectarines when in season. The farm has a farm stand where visitors can purchase fresh produce, apple pie, and apple cider.
Happy Apple Farm 🍎
Happy Apple Farm is a family-owned and operated farm located in Weld County. This farm offers pick-your-own apples and pumpkins with free hayrides. Visitors can also enjoy B.B.Q. Brisket and Pulled Pork sandwiches, roasted chili, fresh-baked Apple Cider Donuts, and Blackberry Cobbler on the weekends. The farm has a farm stand where visitors can purchase local honey, apple cider, and other local produce.
Orchard Valley Farms & Market and Black Bridge Winery 🌱
Orchard Valley Farms & Market and Black Bridge Winery is another excellent spot to go apple picking near Denver. Located in Paonia, this farm offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, peaches, cherries, and berries. Visitors can also enjoy wine tasting at the Black Bridge Winery and purchase jams, jellies, and other farm products at the farm store.
Berry Patch Farms 🍓
Located in Brighton, Berry Patch Farms is a certified organic farm that offers pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. Visitors can pick strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and other fruits and vegetables when in season. The farm has a farm stand where visitors can purchase pre-picked produce, local honey, and other farm products. Visitors can also enjoy a tractor ride, hayride, or picnic on the farm.
These are just a few of the many pick-your-own farms in the Denver area that offer a fun and authentic apple picking experience. Visitors should make a reservation in advance and wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Apple picking is a great way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the health benefits of nutrient-dense fruits.
Planning Your Visit
When planning a trip to go apple picking near Denver, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to check the hours of operation for each farm you’re interested in visiting. Some farms, like Happy Apple Farm, are only open on weekends, while others, like Orchard Creek Ranch, are open daily.
It’s also a good idea to check if reservations are required. Some farms, like Adams Apple Orchard in Ault, do not require reservations, while others, like Ya Ya Farm & Orchard in Penrose, do. Making a reservation can ensure that you have a spot to pick apples, especially during peak season in October.
When visiting a farm, it’s important to bring bags or containers to hold the apples you pick. Many farms offer bags for purchase, but bringing your own can save you money and reduce waste. Additionally, some farms offer other produce, like plums or veggies, so bringing additional bags can come in handy.
For those looking for more than just apple picking, some farms offer additional activities like hay rides, tractor rides, or pumpkin patches. Happy Apple Farm, for example, offers free hay rides and a country store with apple cider donuts and apple pies. Orchard Valley Farms & Market and Black Bridge Winery in Paonia also offer wine tastings and live music.
Overall, planning ahead and knowing what each farm offers can make for a successful and enjoyable apple picking experience.
After Your Visit
Now that you’ve had a fun-filled day of apple-picking with your family, it’s time to relax and enjoy some of the fruits of your labor. There are plenty of ways to enjoy your freshly picked apples, including making apple cider donuts, apple pies, or even apple jam.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy treat, head to the tasting room at one of the local farms and try some of their delicious hard ciders or apple cider donuts. Don’t forget to grab a jar of local honey to sweeten up your breakfast or afternoon snack.
For those who prefer savory over sweet, many of the farms offer pork and other meats that pair perfectly with your freshly picked produce. You can also pack a picnic and enjoy your lunch in the beautiful outdoors surrounded by the stunning scenery.
If you’re looking for some post-apple-picking entertainment, some of the farms offer live music or craft activities for the kids. Take a hayride around the farm and enjoy the beautiful flowers and berries growing alongside the apple trees.
No matter what you choose to do after your apple-picking adventure, make sure to stay hydrated and protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen. And don’t forget to take some of your freshly picked pears, nectarines, or berries home with you to enjoy later.
Here is a list of the top farms to visit for apple-picking near Denver:
Orchard Valley Farms & Market and Black Bridge Winery
- Offers apple picking in September
- Also offers peach and nectarine picking
- Located at 15836 Black Bridge Rd, Paonia, CO 81428
Adams Apple Orchard
- Offers over 145 varieties of apples
- Open for picking each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- No reservations required
- Located in Ault, CO
Miller Farms
- Offers a wide variety of produce to pick from
- Open Labor Day through November from 9am to 6pm
- Adult tickets cost $25 while children 4-14 cost $14
- Located in Platville, CO
No matter which farm you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a fun and memorable experience with your family.
