7 Best Places to go Apple Picking Near Denver

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What better way to celebrate fall in Colorado than by going apple picking near Denver?

Luckily, there are quite a few different places for picking some nice, tasty apples in the Denver area. After you pick them, you can even bring them home and bake some nice apple crumble or apple pie – just don’t forget the vanilla ice cream!

Here are all the best places to go apple picking near Denver.

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Nelms Farm

📍5305 Orchard St, Golden, CO 80403

Easily one of the best apple orchards near Denver is Nelms Farm. Founded back in 2012, this family-run farm grows chemical-free apples right behind their home. Guests are welcome to come and pick them from the trees, and sometimes they even have different produce throughout the year.

Sometimes they’ll have jam, local honey, potatoes, pumpkins, and apple wood that can be purchased as well.

Because this is a smaller farm, they are only open for normally a few days each fall for picking and reservations normally have to be made the summer before. The 2022 season has already happened, but be sure to check their site to stay up to date for the 2022 season.

Orchard Valley Farms & Market and Black Bridge Winery

📍15836 Black Bridge Rd, Paonia, CO 81428

Another of the best spots to go apple picking near Denver is Orchard Valley Farms & Market and Black Bridge Winery. Apple picking normally takes place in September, though can change from year to year. This is also when peaches and nectarines can be picked, too.

Apples can be picked with their “u-pick” service, which usually occurs between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Try to visit earlier in the month to make sure you can pick some great apples!

Often, you can go back in October to get some pumpkins!

While you’re there, you could also consider stopping by the wine tasting room too to try some tasty Black Bridge Wines. They’re made in the local vineyards in limited batches, and if you really enjoy it, you could even join their wine club.

Orchard Creek Ranch

📍0150 Co Rd 137, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

apple tree with red apples hanging from it

Though it’s located in Glenwood Springs, if you’re up for the drive, Orchard Creek Ranch is a great apple-picking spot. What’s so great is that this is one of the older apple orchards in the state, as it’s more than 70 years old, and there is no reservation required.

Their opening day for apple picking is normally in late September, and then they are often open between Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The orchards are usually open until the apples are gone, so it’s recommended that you go earlier in the season.

Adam’s Apple Orchard

📍42135 Co Rd 43, Ault, CO 80610

Easily one of the best places to go apple picking near Denver is at Adam’s Apple Orchard. That’s because they have so many variations of apples here, and you actually don’t need a reservation.

Historically, this place was also known as Masonville Orchards Ault Operators, and it’s located not far from Fort Collins. Their picking season is fairly long, as it’s between 11-12 weeks and then pumpkins are allowed to be picked after the apple season.

When you go to pick apples, be sure to stop by the country store, too. There, you can purchase homemade salsa, jam, and even buy some great cider to take home to keep you in the fall spirit!

Ya Ya Farm & Orchard

📍6914 Ute Hwy, Longmont, CO 80503

Located not far from Denver, Ya Ya Farm & Orchard is a great spot to pick some apples but it is only by reservation, and reservations get booked quickly. Just like a traditional apple orchard, you go and pay by the bag.

Their fall season is often September to November, though their hours can be a bit short, so be sure to check online. Admission normally starts at $3 per person and then it’s also $12 per bag on top of that, but you can fit a lot of apples in those bags.

On your way out, be sure to try some of their tasty apple cider donuts, a fall treat that can’t be missed.

In case you forget to make a reservation, don’t worry. Apples are still available to purchase from their farm stand! There are also other things you can pick, like sunflowers, cherries, and pears.

Big B’s Delicious Orchards

📍39126 CO-133, Hotchkiss, CO 81419

Next is Big B’s Delicious Orchards in Hotchkiss, which has a lovely U-Pick season in the fall. Apples are normally available from September through November, and many other items are available throughout the year, too.

While there, be sure to stop by the lovely orchard cafe. They serve up tasty drinks (including amazing juice slushies and hard ciders) as well as salads, sandwiches, burgers, and of course, scrumptioius treats like homemade pie.

In addition to picking your own apples, Big B’s actually hosts a fun Cider Fest event normally in late October. They have live music, pumpkin carving contests, camping, and even a BBQ right at the orchard. How fun is that?

Happy Apple Farm

📍1190 1st St, Penrose, CO 81240

Located in Penrose, Happy Apple Farm is a great place to go apple picking. This local farm has been owned by the same family since 1984 and is perfect to visit with children, because they have tons of fun family activities.

In order to go apple picking, guests can even go on a free hayride that offers breathtaking views along the way. That very same hayride also brings visitors to the pumpkin patch.

The season for apple picking is normally in the late summer or early fall; however, sometimes, the season ends early due to heavy picking, such as in 2022. Just be sure to keep an eye on their website to see when apple picking will be available again in 2023!

Even when apple picking is ended early, apples can still normally be purchased from their country store in mid-fall. This is also when you can purchase some fresh apple cider to enjoy.

Sometimes, on the weekends, they will also have other tasty foods on offer, like hot dogs, so you can grab a bite to eat before heading back on the road to Denver.

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