Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Rocky Ford melons — Colorado grows a bounty of produce recognized nationwide. And, as anyone who has driven on the Eastern Plains can attest, we are a state that owes its heritage, at least in part, to hardworking farmers. While you can shop “Colorado Proud” in most grocery stores, you can also pick your own fruits and veggies, especially starting over Labor Day weekend and peaking in September.
There are a number of small farms and orchards near the Denver metro area (or at least within an hour’s drive). Here’s a list of those we found. Some offer a wide variety of product, others stick to one or two items such as pumpkins.
Be sure to check each farm’s website for current availability, hours and days of operation, as well as special events, facilities and fees.
Berry Patch Farms
The 40-acre farm is Certified Organic. Pick-your-own is limited to strawberries, raspberries, currants, pie cherries, plums, basil, flowers and pickling cucumbers from June through September.
All other produce they pick is available in the Barn Store. 13785 Potomac St., Brighton, 303-659-5050.
Ya Ya Farm & Orchard
Pick your own apples, pears, cherries, pumpkins, veggies and flowers. This is a seasonal activity and Mother Nature dependent. Reservations are required (and go fast) for fruit picking only. Find the form here.
Cost $3 per person, $12 per bag.
Pick your own veggies and flowers require no reservation and are open during farm stand hours July through November.
You’ll find mint, oregano, basil, lemon balm, dill, cucumbers, squash, heirloom tomatoes, peppers, carrots, horseradish, turnips, peas, beans, kale, arugula and more.
Pumpkin Patch will open the first weekend in October. You will pick your pumpkin off the vines.
Open Thursday to Sunday in August, Tuesday to Sunday in September and October. Check website for hours. 6914 Ute Hwy., Longmont, 303-485-5585.
Hill’s Harvest/Jake Hill Farm
U-pick pumpkin patch opens last week in September. Free hay rides on weekends. Open through October 31. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3225 E. 124th Ave., Thornton, 303-451-5637.
Rock Creek Farm
U-pick pumpkins, squash, gourds. Opens October 5. Open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 2005 S. 112th St., Broomfield, 303-465-9565.
Miller Farms
MHOTC Readers Favorite! Wide variety of vegetables including potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, Indian corn, squash, peppers, pumpkins and more.
Open Labor Day through mid-November from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Adults (13+) are $22. Children (4-12) are $15.
Cost of general admission allows each person to pick up to four (4) bags of produce each. If you pick over the 4 bag limit, each additional bag is $10 and if you don’t fill your four bags that is your decision – no refunds will be given.
Admission includes activities, antique tractors, petting zoo, hay pyramid, plus the hayride that takes you to the fields to harvest. 13912 CR 19, Platteville, 970-785-6133.
Nelms Farm
Closed for the season. Apples are back this year. There are also potatoes, pumpkins and honey. Farm is open over Labor Day weekend, August 31 & September 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 5305 Orchard St., Golden.
Bartels Land and Livestock
The farm grows corn, hay, wheat and barley, but is known for its beautiful pumpkin patch and vegetable garden. Pick sweet corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, spinach, beets, eggplant and more.
You may pick straight from the garden by making an appointment with Nancy. Open mid-June to November. 4400 Giddings Rd., Fort Collins, 970-493-3853.
Adam’s Apple Orchard
More than 150 varieties of apples, as well as pears and plums. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday through early November.
Check website or call ahead for dates, hours and what’s in season. 42135 County Road 43, Ault, 80610; 970-760-0279.
Garden Sweet Farm
Strawberries, raspberries, sunflowers and more. Best picking is available in August and September. They provide the baskets, you find the best berries.
Garden Sweet Farm operates on a membership basis (though fields are open to non-members on select dates) and members get free access to pick-your-own and pay only for the amount they pick.
Berry fields are open to non-members on certain weekends in August and September as supply allows. Flower fields are open July to September for members and non-members alike. Check the website or stop by the Farm Stand for details on picking and pricing. 719 W. Willox Ln, Fort Collins.
Various Locations
CO
Ava says
Love the list, only I’d like to know which farms have organic you pick produce?
Laura says
Ava, you will have to check with each farm or orchard. – Laura
Kaley A Alie says
Garden Sweet Farm in Fort Collins is another great Pick-Your-Own Berry and Flower Farm! They practice organic principles, but are not certified organic. There are over 50 varieties of flowers to pick from as well as strawberries and raspberries. The flower fields are open now, but the berry fields won’t open until late August.