The Colorado River runs within Fruita’s city limits. Visitors considering the city as a destination will find a range of activities to focus on during their stay: trails for running, cycling and walking, dinosaurs at the museum and in the surrounding area, and parks with their own stories and purposes.

Trails, Nature and Recreation

Fruita has nearly 10 miles of paved and unpaved trails for running, cycling and walking. This distance refers to the trail network as a whole, not to a single named route. So nearly 10 miles describes the extent of the network, not the length of a particular outing.

At Snooks Bottom Lake, a nature trail runs around the lake, where visitors can experience the natural surroundings. This offers a specific nature trail alongside an overview of the entire trail network: the lake is the focal point of this path, while the mileage describes the network as a whole.

Parks, trails and open spaces are generally open from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. Check the signage at each location when planning your visit.

The Fruita area also offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, rafting, climbing and fishing. The range of activities extends beyond the trails, with other types of outings available in the wider area.

Dinosaurs at the Museum and on the Trail

Dinosaur Journey in Fruita is an interactive museum featuring real dinosaur fossils, interactive exhibits and working paleontology labs. The museum features life-size skeletons, robotic reconstructions and a simulated earthquake exhibit. Fossils, interactive elements and different presentation styles come together here.

Dinosaur Hill, located near Fruita, has a 1-mile trail with ten stops featuring dinosaur bones, informational signs and scenic views. Dinosaur Journey explores the subject in a museum setting, while Dinosaur Hill connects it with a trail and several stops. The two locations therefore offer different kinds of visits: museum exhibits at one, and a trail with stops at the other.

Parks, Local History and Community

Circle Park is home to Grrreta, a large green dinosaur. Reed Park has a different story: before it was converted into a park in 1983, the site was home to Reed Dairy Farm and Fruita Union High School. Today, Reed Park offers space for youth sports practice, family picnics and walks. Reed Park’s past is therefore part of its story, alongside the ways it is used today.

The Mike the Headless Chicken Festival is one of Fruita’s recurring cultural and community events. Unlike trails or parks, a festival takes place on specific dates. If you’d like to include the festival in your stay, check the dates before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Grand Junction, Palisade, Redlands, De Beque

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