It’s challenging to find apple orchards in the Avon area, but their scarcity provides a benefit; it gives apple-picking hopefuls a reason to plan a road trip down the Colorado freeways. In fact, by putting a little pedal to the metal, you can reach a handful of orchards in a few hours or less, including the following:
Orchard Valley Farms
Orchard Valley Farms is located in Paonia, roughly two hours from Avon. It’s well-known for picking a variety of fruits and vegetables. Late summer and early fall allow for apple picking, peaches, nectarines, blackberries, and more before making way for pumpkins and winter squash come October. The orchard doubles as a winery, so you can reward yourself after a long day of harvesting.
Orchard Creek Ranch
Orchard Creek Ranch is located in Glenwood, roughly 60 miles from Avon. It only allows apple picking on certain days, and based on availability, it’s recommended that you call before making the trek. In addition to apple picking, the ranch offers fresh cider, potatoes, sweet and ornamented corn, honey harvested on-site, and lavender-handcrafted wreaths.
Ya Ya Farm and Orchard
Ya Ya Farm and Orchard is located in Longmont, making it a 2.5-3-hour drive from Avon but one packed with majestic mountain towns and an exquisite display of Mother Nature showing off. The farm is a century old and specializes in heirloom apples. Reservations are required, and the apple-picking slots fill up fast; in other words, plan in advance.
Apple-Picking Pointers
To ensure a fruitful and productive time on all your apple-picking adventures, consider the following pointers:
Dress appropriately in layers, as Colorado weather is notorious for turning quickly, especially during the autumn months
Apply sunscreen, even if the skies are cloudy
Wear shoes you can walk in as you’ll be traversing the orchard in search of the perfect pickings
While the orchards often supply buckets and bags, bring your own just in case
Wear clothes that can get dirty!
No matter what you’re after, a family day of fun, or a bushel of apples for your grandmother’s cider recipe, apple picking is an invigorating and unique activity you’ll love to your core.
The Piedmont Apartments in Avon, Colorado offers luxurious, modern homes for residents that blend privacy with epic views of the Rocky Mountains. Contact us today to learn more about mountain town living in our picturesque apartments.