Top 14 Must-Do Activities in Fruita, Colorado

Fruita is a town with approximately 14,000 residents situated in west-central Colorado’s Mesa County, immediately west of Grand Junction along Interstate 70.

This area was historically inhabited by the Ute Native Americans for centuries before its official settlement in the 1880s, and it is located just a few miles from the Utah border to the west.

Fruita, along with the rugged terrain nearby, attracts outdoor enthusiasts and individuals who appreciate expansive natural landscapes.

The town features a remarkable range of attractions, spanning from historical landmarks and museums to golf courses and diverse dining establishments.

Outlined below are 14 noteworthy activities and attractions in and around Fruita, Colorado.

1. Adobe Creek National Golf Course

Amidst a multitude of 18-hole golf courses, Adobe Creek National Golf Course distinguishes itself by offering three unique 9-hole segments that can be played in various combinations.

The course features notably low greens fees. For those intending to stay in the area for an extended period, seasonal passes are available, valid from the beginning to the final day of the year.

Adobe Creek is recognized for its immaculate greens and fairways, breathtaking vistas, and competitively priced carts and merchandise available in the pro shop.

Tee times can be arranged online, and it is advisable to reserve your spot during peak hours to ensure availability.

2. Hot Tomato Pizzeria

Hot Tomato Pizzeria, situated on Mulberry Street in Fruita, is highly regarded for its fresh dough, prepared on-site each day.

In an industry where many establishments receive their dough via delivery every few days, this meticulous approach, though costly and labor-intensive, ensures the highest quality, earning the enduring loyalty of its patrons.

Dedicated pizza aficionados describe their offering as an exceptional fusion of traditional and innovative styles; however, due to limited daily dough production, popular items may occasionally sell out on busier days.

It is advisable to dine before the typical lunch rush to ensure availability.

3. James M. Robb Colorado River State Park – Fruita Section

The Colorado River serves as one of the state’s premier outdoor recreation sites, offering year-round opportunities for kayaking and nature exploration.

James M. Robb Colorado River State Park in Fruita consists of five unique sections, featuring islands, wooded areas, and numerous impressive rock formations.

During the warmer months, activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and swimming are particularly popular. The fishing opportunities are favorable throughout the year, often improving as temperatures decrease and inclement weather arrives.

The park provides ample multi-use trails, a playground, and various picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

4. Camilla’s Kaffe

For those seeking to refuel after exhilarating outdoor activities, Camilla’s Kaffe provides the perfect dining option in Fruita.

Located on East Aspen Street, this establishment serves breakfast and lunch, offering an array of traditional favorites such as hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and Mexican cuisine. Additionally, options for vegans and individuals with gluten sensitivities are available.

Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate Camilla’s offerings, and visitors from the East Coast have noted that the bagels rival those found in New York.

5. Museum of Western Colorado – Dinosaur Journey

A significant portion of Colorado is dotted with ancient dinosaur skeletons and fossils that once inhabited the region.

The Museum of Western Colorado – Dinosaur Journey serves as a unique and economically accessible attraction, providing visitors with insights into the prehistoric past rarely found elsewhere.

Interactive robotic dinosaurs that mimic realistic movements and sounds captivate younger audiences, while the museum boasts an extensive collection of authentic dinosaur bones.

Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the museum, which, while not the largest, remains one of the most memorable destinations on many itineraries.

6. McInnis Canyons Conservation Area

Encompassing over 120,000 acres, McInnis Canyons Conservation Area is located in Colorado’s high desert, on the state’s border with Utah.

This captivating landscape features stunning rock formations, layered rocks, and deep canyons, making it one of the most photographed areas in the state.

Continuously excavated over the years, it has yielded both Native American artifacts and fossilized dinosaur remains.

Presently, it is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts eager to engage with the natural world.

The conservation area provides multi-use trails that vary from relatively easy walks to challenging climbs, along with several petroglyphs scattered throughout the park.

7. Rib City

From burgers to steaks, barbecue to brisket, residents of Colorado have a longstanding admiration for beef.

Rib City, located on Kokopelli Boulevard in Fruita, is renowned as a comfortable and family-oriented restaurant offering generous portions of traditional barbecue at reasonable prices.

The menu features all the classic barbecue favorites, including pulled pork and their signature baby back ribs, alongside non-barbecue options such as fried fish and salad.

A variety of homemade sauces are available at each table, leading many patrons to frequently return to Rib City during their visit.

8. Colorado National Monument

Situated along Rim Rock Drive in Fruita, the Colorado National Monument is recognized as one of the state’s most iconic natural sites. It is an ideal location for amateur photographers eager to capture the spirit of Colorado.

The monument is celebrated for its towering spire-like rock formations, alongside deep gorges, narrow canyons, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

For those preferring to admire the scenery from the comfort of their vehicle, Rim Rock Drive extends over 20 miles through the park, with several scenic pullouts offering spectacular views.

9. Kokopelli’s Trail

Stretching nearly 150 miles through an extraordinary array of natural environments in both Colorado and Utah, Kokopelli’s Trail is among the largest and most remarkable trails in the American West. It begins in Loma, Colorado, a short distance from Fruita.

This trail accommodates mountain bikers, backpackers, and wildlife observers alike. Open year-round, it also features camping areas for those embarking on multi-day journeys.

Wildlife such as elk, foxes, and, occasionally, bears can often be spotted along the trail, especially during the low-light hours of morning and evening when they are most active.

10. Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial

The free-to-visit Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial is conveniently situated and, despite a brief visit, often leaves a profound impact on those traveling through the Fruita region.

The memorial features a prominent Vietnam-era Huey helicopter, positioned as if caught in a moment of time, serving as the centerpiece.

This site honors those who served during the Vietnam War, including individuals who were killed, went missing in action, and endured severe conditions in POW camps prior to their release.

All military branches are represented, and most visitors typically spend approximately thirty minutes at the site.

11. Cavalcade Performing Arts Center

Located on East Aspen Avenue in Fruita, the Cavalcade Performing Arts Center stands as one of the region’s foremost live entertainment venues, presenting theater, music, comedy, and recitals throughout the year.

This non-profit establishment operates largely with the support of local volunteer production personnel and artists. This venue serves as an economical option for those seeking entertainment after visiting the state’s natural wonders, particularly when weather conditions are less favorable.

Located in the historic downtown area, the center is in proximity to a variety of restaurants and bars that provide excellent dining options before or after a performance.

12. Rattlesnake Canyon

Colorado features an array of captivating and majestic canyons, and for avid explorers and brave backcountry hikers, Rattlesnake Canyon is one of the most accessible options.

Located within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, it is in close proximity to one of the state’s largest concentrations of natural arches.

For those who prefer not to trek lengthy distances, access roads are available just outside the town. For those with good fitness and confidence, a moderately difficult seven-mile trail exists; however, it may become slick and hazardous during snowy and icy conditions.

13. Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area

Many visitors from other regions may be surprised to discover that herds of wild horses continue to roam the Colorado landscape. For travelers wishing to observe these magnificent creatures, the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area presents an ideal opportunity.

This viewing area is located just a ten-minute drive from Grand Junction and encompasses nearly 40,000 acres of rugged, undeveloped terrain, featuring canyons, prairies, and plateaus.

Numerous trails lead to areas where sightings are relatively frequent; however, access roads are limited to specific seasons, making the optimal visiting period between May and November.

14. Western Colorado Botanical Gardens

Despite a brief growing season and rocky soil conditions, Colorado is home to some distinctive botanical gardens.

The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, located on Struthers Avenue in Grand Junction, spans 15 picturesque acres and features a variety of themed areas showcasing both native and exotic flora.

Well-marked paths connect each area, supplemented by shaded seating regions throughout the gardens.

Among the favorite attractions are the cactus and succulent gardens and the koi pond, with staff hosting various special programs during the year.