It’s nearly Autumn, which means that it’s nearly time for Pumpkin Spice to become everyone’s favorite adjective and descriptor. This month and next, we’ll likely start to see the openings of many orchards, farms, and vineyards, where you can buy seasonal produce, pick apples straight from the tree, and indulge in cider and cider desserts. We can hardly wait for fall and neither can these orchards, so here’s the guide to getting a kick start on Autumn at these 7 orchards and farms.
1. Adam’s Apple Orchard
A fantastic U-Pick option for those who want to get into the autumn spirit. Adam’s Apple Orchard offers gourds and 150 different types of apples perfect to kickstart the fall season. They don’t require a reservation and while they haven’t announced an opening date yet, you can guarantee it’ll be sometime this month and will last all the way until November.
Where: 42135 Weld County Road 43 Ault, Colorado 80610
2. Berry Patch Farms
Looking for berries or other fruits and flowers? Berry Patch Farms is a great alternative to apples, with a variety of different produce available to pick during the autumn months. Reservations are needed, but in August, you can pick raspberries and strawberries and without a reservation, you can shop around for fresh basil, cucumbers for pickling, and even flowers. October is when they’ll have their pumpkins so be on the lookout for that.
Where: 13785 Potomac St, Brighton, CO 80601
3. Ya Ya Farm & Orchard
Located in Longmont, Colorado, Ya Ya is a family-friendly pick-your-own apple orchard that’s a great option for autumn activities. While you’re there, you can have a picnic, hang out with the farm animals, and indulge in all things apple, from cider to doughnuts. Pets aren’t allowed out of respect for the family animals and reservations are required, so snag yours before they sell out.
Where: 6914 Ute Hwy, Longmont, CO 80503
4. Miller Farms
Miller Farms in Platville Colorado has been around since 1949, making it one of the oldest on this list. They’ve got a wide variety of produce to pick from like potatoes, carrots, squash, peppers, pumpkins, and more. They’re open Labor Day through November from 9am to 6pm and adult tickets cost $25 while children 4-14 cost $14. With the cost of admission, each person can pick up to four bags of produce each, meaning you get quite a lot of bang for your buck.
Where: 13912 Co Rd 19, Platteville, CO 80651
5. Nelm’s Farm & Orchard
Nelm’s Farm over in Golden, Colorado and has a pick-your-own option for their apples that lets you pick them right from the tree. Their 2022 seasons starts a little bit later than others, on September 4th and 5th, Labor Day weekend. According to their website, these will be the only 2 days they’ll be open so grab a reservation before they sell out. If there’s any leftover produce, they’ll open for other weekends to follow. They noted on their website that they also have a lot of potatoes, honey, and jam.
Where: 5305 Orchard St. Golden, CO 80403
6. Peachfork Orchards & Vineyards
Peachfork in Palisade is an awesome little orchard that offers a pick-your-own apple orchard as well as a vintage wine shop and live music events. In September, they’ve got all kinds of events from their “Pickin’ on the Porch” fruit-picking event at their orchards to Bluegrass music and a “Taste of Palisade” food event with charcuterie samplers. They’re a great option for couples and families alike.
Where: 281 33 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526
7. Happy Apple Farms
This apple orchard is located 2 hours away from Denver so it’s perfect for a little getaway to the nearby city of Durango, which is about 20 minutes away. They’ll be opening for the 2022 season on Saturday, August 27th and Sunday, August 28th. After their opening weekend, all subsequent weeks they’ll be open Thursday through Sunday, 9:00am until 4:30pm. Their deli will open September 3rd on the weekends and their Pumpkin Patch and Hayrides will start on September 10th. No tickets or reservations are needed, and their U-pick apples are $2.99 a lb.
Where: 1190 First St., Penrose