Fruita

Fruita is a city in Mesa County, Colorado, sitting at about 4,500 feet elevation between the Colorado River, the juniper-covered Uncompahgre Plateau, and the Book Cliffs mountain range. This location mixes river valleys with dry highlands and distant mountains that shape the surrounding landscape.

William Pabor founded the city in 1884 through the Fruita Town and Land Company, promoting the region's potential for farming and fruit crops. This founding established the settlement as an agricultural center from its early days.

The Fat Tire Festival brings mountain biking fans to races and competitions, while the Fall Festival keeps agricultural traditions alive with parades and local activities. These events show how the community ties itself to outdoor sports and farming heritage through its celebrations.

The city offers access to the Colorado National Monument, extensive mountain biking trails, hiking paths, and rafting on the Colorado River. Visitors should prepare for dry weather and sun, bringing appropriate gear depending on the season and chosen activities.

The area around Fruita is known for dinosaur fossil discoveries, including Brachiosaurus, Brontosaurus, and the Fruitadens species that inspired the town's name. These paleontological remains draw people interested in exploring the ancient history locked in this landscape.

Location: Mesa County

Inception: 1884

Elevation above the sea: 1,376 m

Website: http://fruita.org

GPS coordinates: 39.15000,-108.71700

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:30