Singletrack, World-Famous Pizza and a Headless Chicken in Fruita

The laid-back City of Fruita is the place to headquarter your trip to Colorado National Monument. An outdoor adventurer’s paradise, it’s still held on to its small-town feel. And, best yet, its vibrant downtown is just minutes from bountiful public lands that make finding solitude incredibly easy.

Colorado National Monument is referred to as the “Heart of the World” for a reason. It’s otherworldly red rock formations, sheer cliffs and star-filled skies will leave you gasping in awe in front of one of Colorado’s most underrated national park sites. Not to mention, the area’s prehistoric dinosaur stomping grounds.

Drive, or if you’re feeling adventurous, bike the monument’s 23-mile Rim Rock Drive for incredible views. For a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, spend the night in the Saddlehorn Campground. Watch the sunset over the rim and wait for the stars to come out.

Fruita is famous for its world-class mountain biking with endless miles of single-track trails. Beginners and experts alike should head to one of the city’s bike shops, Colorado Backcountry Biker or Over the Edge Sports (both located right downtown) for local advice and bike rentals. Before you head off for a day of adventure, stop by Bestslope Coffee Company to fuel up.

If you’re new to mountain biking, head to Rustler’s Loop at the Kokopelli Trailhead. It has a nice mix of terrain but will allow you to stay in control. The views into stunning McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area from the rim are breathtaking. Another excellent area is the North Fruita Desert off 18 Road. With 32 miles of new trails with options for every level and a newly paved road that makes climbing a breeze, it’s a great choose-your-adventure type spot.

Beyond the national monument and mountain biking trails you’ll find expansive–and uncrowded–public lands all the way to the Utah border and beyond. McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is a quiet spot full of winding canyons, hiking and off-road trails. You’re as likely to spot petroglyphs as you are other people many times of the year. Best of all, it’s free and dog friendly.

Locals note that time seems to slow down when you come to Fruita. It’s a chill spot where relaxation is easy to find, whether your preferred way to unwind is on the trails or on the patio sipping a beer. It’s pretty much guaranteed that there’s going to be something going on, no matter when you visit. Everyone here has the same purpose—to explore, enjoy, and connect with the small-town feel Fruita provides.

One of those community events is the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival in June. Yes, you read that correctly. Each summer, more than 20,000 people gather in Fruita to celebrate a very lucky chicken. Destined for a local farmer’s dinner table, a vital artery was missed when Mike was beheaded in 1945. The chicken lived for 18 months without a head and became the star of a traveling road show. The festival in his honor has a different theme each year, but the highlights include a Peep eating contest, a 5K run/walk, live music, a car show and other festivities at Civic Center Park.

Fruita is known as a year round destination. The temperate weather attracts those seeking relief from the Rocky Mountain snow, but any local will tell you, Fruita is incredible in the summer too–the key is getting wet. Check out the only full-service cable wakeboard park in the region or reserve a campsite along the Ruby Horsethief Canyon on recreation.gov and float all the way to Utah. You can rent a raft, kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard at Rim Rock Adventures. New to rafting? Rim Rock also offers guided trips through a variety of areas, so you can choose to float lazy river style or take on some rolling rapids.

Whether your day under the Colorado sun was spent mountain biking, hiking, trail running, floating or walking through town, there’s no better way to end it than at the famous Hot Tomato Pizza. A mecca for locals, tourists and mountain bikers alike, the Hot Tomato and its owners, Jen Zeuner and Anne Keller, are even the stars of a Patagonia film. Enjoy a slice and a cold Colorado craft beer on the patio while you’re planning what adventures tomorrow holds. Another great option is Josephine’s Italian Restaurant, an upscale spot that would feel right at home in downtown Chicago. It’s owned by the same folks as the Spoke & Vine and Fidel’s Cantina in nearby Palisade.

Learn more at gofruita.com

For more information:
City of Fruita, CO
325 E. Aspen Avenue, Fruita CO 81521
970-858-3663
gofruitaco@gmail.com
gofruita.com