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Fruita, CO Area Guide

Fruita is a Home Rule Municipality located in Mesa County, Colorado. It is part of the Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was approximately 6,478 as of 2000. The area is well known for nearby mountain bike and hiking trails.

History

The first permanent homesteaders in the Fruita area were possibly the Lapham family when they settled in late 1882. They were followed by other settlers, nearly all of whom were farmers. Community organization was unsuccessful until the present day town of Fruita was established in 1884, by William E. Pabor, who formed the Fruita Town and Land Company for selling town lots.

Pabor recognized the fruit producing potential of the area. In the 1889-90 period fruit was planted throughout the area, mostly hardy apples and pears. During the early years, Fruita's Chamber of Commerce worked to have area products shown in expositions and fairs throughout the U.S.

The telephone reached Fruita by about 1900 and electricity came with the Interurban Railway from Grand Junction in 1910. In the 1930's, there was a Public Service gas line, and sewers were installed within the water system. In the 1930's Fruita also participated in several government projects including the Grand Valley Resettlement Project. Settled in groups of two or three families per area, thirty-four families were relocated by 1937.

Parks and Recreation

  Fruita Parks and Recreation

The Fruita Parks and Recreation System is dedicated to providing residents and visitors alike with beautiful parks and recreational opportunities. Fruita is committed to hosting great activities for community members of all ages.

Attractions and Activities

Fruita offers some of the areas best attractions and activities. No matter what age, you’re sure to find something enjoyable here. If you like the outdoors, Fruita is the place for you! Take a hike on one of the beautiful trails, take in the scenery on a mountain bike, or go rock crawling. The possibilities are endless here in Fruita!

Dinosaur Journey Museum

The Museum of Western Colorado's Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita is right in the heart of dinosaur country. Dinosaur Journey tells the story of the history of life in western Colorado and surrounding areas with real fossils, cast skeletons and robotic reconstructions of dinosaurs. The hands-on, interactive museum includes paleontology displays, a working laboratory where dinosaur bones are prepared for display, a collections room where scientists study dinosaurs and other animals, a simulated earthquake ride, a dinosaur library reading area, a sandbox for making your own dinosaur tracks and a “quarry site” where kids can uncover actual Jurassic dinosaur bones.

Hiking & Climbing

There’s nothing like escaping into the Colorado wilderness on one of the many hiking trails in Fruita. The area offers an incredibly diverse terrain and beautiful views of the surrounding Colorado Rockies. Fruita has established itself as one of the premiere hiking destinations in Colorado.

Mountain Biking

Fruita has the perfect combination of terrain to challenge riders of all skill levels and abilities. If you’re looking for a quick and relaxing mountain biking experience, take a spin on the 18 Road Trails and check out the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado landscape. For more of a challenge, the Kokopelli trails are packed with trails suited for intermediate to expert riders.

Four-wheel driving & Rock Crawling

Fruita is the ideal destination for your next ATV trip. With a great mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain, the ATV trails of Fruita are sure to deliver adventure and excitement to every rider. With the North Fruita Desert and Rabbit Valley trail system just minutes away, access to our extensive selection of trails has never been easier.
Rock crawlers are also attracted to the area. This huge expanse of public land offers crawlers a variety of landforms, from flat land for beginners to boulders and near-vertical hills for more advanced crawlers. In the spring, a running creek provides and exciting challenge to crawlers by disguising the terrain that lies below the flowing water.

Events

Fruita’s got something for everyone in your family! Come enjoy the fun events taking place throughout the year. From the Fruita Fat Tire Festival to the Fall Festival, there’s fun in store waiting for you!

Fruita Calendar of Events

Fruita Fat Tire Festival

Join Fruita in April for the celebration of another great season of Fruita Singletrack Mountainbiking. Hundreds of miles worth of world class mountain bike trails to ride across the high desert and red rock canyon country of western Colorado

Mike the Headless Chicken Festival

Come enjoy chicken, a car show, great music, entertainment, the Chicken Dance Contest, food, vendors, the 5k "Run Like a Headless Chicken", chicken games, eating contests and more. Great fun for the whole family!

Fruita Fall Festival

The Fruita Fall Festival is a 3-day event with over 150 vendors selling their arts, crafts and foods to a crowd of 50,000-plus. The weekend is filled with events including a youth pet and talent show, a parade, the famous bed race, and a baking and canning contest. Planned by the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce as its major fundraiser, the fest is a free community event.

For more details about Fruita, CO please visit
http://www.fruita.org/cityhome.htm