Cherries will be ready for picking early this year at the historic Fruita cherry orchards of Capitol Reef National Park.
Located in Fruita, Wayne County, the orchards will be open to picking by the public beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, June 17. July 3 was the opening date for cherry picking last year. Picking will continue until all cherries are harvested.A price of $1 per pound will be charged for cherries picked by visitors and $2 for those picked by someone else. Proceeds will be used to help defray the cost of caring for the orchards, which are the largest in the National Park system. They were established about 1900 by pioneer residents.
For more information about cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, apples or other fruit-picking opportunities throughout the summer, call the Capitol Reef fruit hotline at 801-425-3791. Press 1 after hearing the voice mail menu, then press 6.