Fruita, Colorado
Encyclopedia
The City of Fruita is a Home Rule Municipality located in the western part of Mesa County, Colorado
, in the United States
. It is part of the Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical Area
and within the Grand Valley
. The geography is identified by the bordering Colorado River
(historically known as the Grand River) on the southern edge of town, the Uncompahgre Plateau
known for its pinyon-juniper
landscape, and the Book Cliffs
range on the northern edge of the Grand Valley. It is located 18 miles (29 km) east of the Utah
border near the 39° parallel. The population was 12,646 at the 2010 census. Originally home to the Ute people, white farmers settled the town after founder William Pabor in 1884. Ten years later, Fruita was incorporated.
Economically, it started out as a fruit producing region, but today it is well known for its outdoor sports such as mountain biking
, hiking
, and rafting
, its proximity to the Colorado National Monument
, and its annual festivals. Fruita has been the winner of the Governor’s Smart Growth and Development Award for four consecutive years. The city motto is "Honor the Past, Envision the Future".
s of many of the original pioneer
s still living in the area. The first permanent homesteaders in the Fruita area were possibly Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lapham who settled in late 1882. They resided in a pre-existing cabin with a dirt floor and a blanket door. They were followed by other settler
s, nearly all of whom were farmer
s of one sort or another. The present town was established on May 1, 1884, by William E. Pabor, when he formed the Fruita Town and Land Company. In 1886, for the cost of $500 a farmer could buy five acres, 200 fruit trees and water. Pabor recognized the great promise of the Grand Valley
and penned a 300-page volume, Colorado as an Agricultural State, in which he spoke of the fruit-growing potential of this area. Having worked with the Horace Greeley Union Colony, he founded the town in a similar way, including the provision that no liquor be sold or manufactured in the town. This provision lasted until it was voted out in the late 1970s.
The original town site was planned for 80 acres (32.4 ha) with a park in the middle. The first water reached the town from the Colorado River in 1907. By 1909, the town center was linked with electricity. In the 1930s, Fruita participated in several government projects, including the Grand Valley Resettlement Project (later Western Slope Farms). Settled in groups of two or three families per area, 34 families were relocated by 1937. Later, the Rural Electrification Project brought electricity
to around 800 or 900 farms. Fruita also had a Civilian Conservation Corps
, several Works Progress Administration
projects including the town library (now the Chamber of Commerce), a federal loan for the new central school (now the Civic Center) and the construction of the spectacular Rim Rock Drive
to the top of the Colorado National Monument, elevation 8000 feet (2,438.4 m). Today, the historic activities of Fruita are supported by the efforts of the Fruita Historic Preservation Board and the Lower Valley Heritage Chapter.
in Chicago
, found the first known Brachiosaurus altithorax at Dinosaur Hill located off what is now State Highway 340
in Fruita. Led here by communications with Dr. S.M. Bradbury of Grand Junction, Riggs had heard that ranchers had been collecting fossils around the area for 20 years. In 1901, Riggs and crew found nearly two thirds of an Apatosaurus excelsus skeleton (commonly known as a Brontosaurus) on the northeast side of the hill. This is still considered to be one of the finest specimens known. Later, Diplodocus
bones were also found, which eventually led to the landmark's name. The animals were from the late Jurassic
Age (150 million years ago) and within the 600 feet (182.9 m) Morrison Formation
.
Fossils of the Fruitadens
(Genus: heterodontosaurid dinosaur), the world's smallest known plant-eating dinosaur, were first found in the Fruita Paleontological Area (within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) off Kings View Road in the 1970s and 1980s. The name means "Fruita tooth". There is a replica on display at the Dinosaur Journey Museum. The museum is a part of the Museum of Western Colorado and has information on local archeology, paleontology
, and geology
.
The region is within the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway
and includes two other nearby dinosaur-related sites: Mygatt-Moore Quarry and Trail Through Time off Interstate 70
exit 2.
. Originally built as the Fruita Museum in order to house geological displays, it has served as the home of the Fruita Times, the town library (1948–1996), and is currently in use by the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce. Owned by the City of Fruita, it has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996.
The two-and-a-half-story, Queen Anne Style
stone house at 798 North Mesa Street was built in 1908 by builder A.B. Mahany and first owner Harry Alvah Phillips. It is known locally as the Phillips House and currently run as the Stonehaven Bed and Breakfast. It is bordered by mature cottonwoods
, agricultural land, and the Elmwood Cemetery. It is on the National Register of Historic Places
.
The two-story Neoclassical building
located on 325 East Aspen Street was built in 1912 with an addition added in 1936. It was built by the Works Progress Administration as the Central Grade School. In 1993, city and state funds enabled a major renovation, placing it on the State Register of Historic Properties. It currently is the home to the Fruita Civic Center.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 18.9 square kilometres (7.3 sq mi), of which 18.4 square kilometres (7.1 sq mi) is land and 0.5 square kilometre (0.193051079296268 sq mi), or 2.55%, is water. Surrounding the city limits is the Colorado River
, the Colorado National Monument
and the Book Cliffs
range which extends west into the state of Utah
via Interstate 70
.
Distance from Fruita to: Grand Junction
-15 mi (24 km), Utah
-17 mi (27 km), Montrose
-73 mi (117 km), Glenwood Springs
-99 mi (159 km), Denver-255 mi (411 km), Salt Lake City-265 mi (427 km).
of 2010, there were 12,646 people residing in the city. The population density
was 1,733 people per square mile (669.1/km²).
As of the 2000 census, there were 2,610 housing units at an average density of 439.6 per square mile (169.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.65% White, 0.37% African American, 1.16% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 5.45% from other races
, and 2.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.93% of the population.
At the 2000 census there were 2,447 households out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples
living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the city the 2000 census population was spread out with 27.9% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city at the 2000 census was $32,929, and the median income for a family was $38,487. Males had a median income of $31,372 versus $20,752 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $16,024. About 8.3% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.2% of those under age 18 and 16.8% of those age 65 or over.
. The city has 4 public schools: Fruita Monument High School
, Fruita 8/9 School, Fruita Middle School, Shelledy Elementary School (public), and Rim Rock Elementary School (academy).
Colorado Mesa University, founded in 1925, is the closest public higher education institution. It is located in the heart of Grand Junction and supports 13 departments and over 400 instructors. Western Colorado Community College
provides higher education instruction for academic transfer programs and career technical programs with nine month certificate programs, two year associate degree programs, as well as other courses for career upgrade.
is a 142 miles (228.5 km) continuous single and double track trail connecting nearby Loma
to Moab
, Utah. In nearby Grand Junction, the popular Tabeguache trail system includes a shorter trails and a longer connecting trail to Montrose
.
Road biking is also a favorite sport in the high desert climate of Fruita. Many ride the 46 miles (74 km) loop along the Colorado National Monument overlooking the Grand Valley. The Fruita Farms/Highline Lake Loop is also a favorite taking you from town to the lake and back. Heading west on old Highway 6 to Utah is another scenic road ride.
s, blue heron
s, pinyon jay
s, and peregrine falcon
s, as well as some rare breeds such as red-throated loon and red-necked grebe
. The best birding locations are the Colorado River, Colorado National Monument and Highline Lake State Park. The Grand Valley Audubon and the Colorado Birding Society are good sources of local information on birding. See also List of birds of Colorado.
for lake boating sports such as jet skiing, water skiing
, ice fishing
and fishing
, as well as birding, hiking
and camping
. The Colorado River's Ruby Canyon
is a favorite day and multi-day trip for kayaking
and rafting
. Boaters also put into the Colorado River at the James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park off State Highway 340.
There are hiking and horseback riding trails of variable lengths available in nearby McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
including Devil’s Canyon, Pollock Bench, Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
(Knowles Canyon, Mee Canyon
, Moore Canyon, Rattlesnake Canyon
), Colorado National Monument
(Canyon Rim Trail, Coke Ovens Trail, Liberty Cap Trail, Monument Canyon Trail, Otto’s Trail, Serpent’s Trail, Window Rock Trail), Dinosaur Hill, Highline Lake State Park
, and Rabbit Valley
.
encompasses 890 acres located on State Highway 340
.
The Colorado National Monument
is almost 20500 acres (83 km²) of semi-arid wilderness, rising more than 2000 feet (609.6 m) above the city of Fruita. Native wildlife such as eagle
s, bighorn sheep
, and mule deer
can be seen in the area.
The Riverfront Trail system follows the Colorado River through Mesa County through cottonwood groves, wetlands, and marshes. It is home to over 200 different species of birds, three endangered species of fish, and an abundance of small animals. The trail project is still in progress and plans to connect Fruita to Palisade
via a paved recreation trail. The project is a collaboration of several cities, Mesa County, and state agencies and overseen by the Colorado Riverfront Commission.
Major music events of the region include the Summer Thursday night concerts Country Jam and Rock Jam in the nearby town of Mack
. Shows also take place during the annual Fat Tire Festival and the Fruita Fall Festival.
The Mesa County Public Library - Fruita Branch is housed in the Fruita Community Center at 324 North Coulson Street. Nearly 7000 square feet (650.3 m²), the facility includes a reading room with fireplace, program room and meeting rooms.
The Fruita Times newspaper, the Grand Junction Sentinel, and the Grand Junction Free Press serve the current events needs of the region.
There are several active civic groups, including the Fruita Lions Club, Fruita Masons, and Fruita Rotary Club, as well as the non-profit Fruita Thrift shop that has been supporting the town's activities for over 50 years.
, a rooster who lived for 18 months after his head was cut off. Lloyd Olsen, the remover of Mike's head, continued to give him food and water with an eye dropper. He grew to be almost 8 lb (3.6 kg). Mike went on to tour the country as a side show. A festival in his honor is held each May in Fruita.
's readership in 2001, 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2009, the Fruita Fall Festival is the granddaddy of festivals on the Western Slope
. This festival started in 1910 as a harvest festival for the local fruit production industry and has evolved to a major event. It includes three days of events with music, carnival rides, a parade, a bed race, a baking and canning contest, a youth pet and talent show, two stages of music, and arts and crafts vendors. The event is celebrated on the last full weekend in September.
19 miles (30.6 km) east. Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines
, Skywest Airlines
(flying as both United Express
and Delta Connection
) and US Airways
provide direct service to Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles
, Las Vegas
, Phoenix
and Salt Lake City. Charter companies Colorado Flight Center and Denver Air Connection providing connections to nearby regional destinations.
, the operating regional bus transportation system. The bus connects Fruita stops with the Mesa Mall
on U.S. Route 6
and 50 at the 24 1/2 Road.
, along U.S. Route 6
and 50 and at the western end of State Highway 340
. The State Highway 139
connects 5 miles (8 km) west with the northern city of Rangely
and Dinosaur National Monument
.
. This station is served by the California Zephyr train
. It was originally built by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad
.
A Burlington Northern and Santa Fe
mainline runs east-west along the city which serves industrial rail use.
Mesa County, Colorado
Mesa County is the fourth most extensive and the eleventh most populous of the 64 counties of the state of Colorado in the United States. The county was named for the many large mesas in the area, including Grand Mesa. The county population was 146,723 at the 2010 United States Census. The...
, in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is part of the Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical Area
Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical Area
thumb|300px|Map of the Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical AreaThe Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical Area is a United States Census Bureau defined Metropolitan Statistical Area located in the Grand Junction region of the State of Colorado. The Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical...
and within the Grand Valley
Grand Valley (Colorado)
The Grand Valley is an extended populated valley, approximately 30 miles long and 5 miles wide, located along the Colorado River in Mesa County in western Colorado and Grand County, Utah in the United States. The valley contains the city of Grand Junction, as well as other smaller communities...
. The geography is identified by the bordering Colorado River
Colorado River
The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states...
(historically known as the Grand River) on the southern edge of town, the Uncompahgre Plateau
Uncompahgre Plateau
The Uncompahgre Plateau in western Colorado is a distinctive large uplift part of the Colorado Plateau. Uncompahgre is a Ute Indian word that describes the water: "Dirty Water" or "Rocks that make Water Red"....
known for its pinyon-juniper
Pinyon-juniper woodland
A Pinyon-juniper woodland is a forest type characteristic of many parts the Western United States, often in higher elevations of desert ecoregions.-Locations:...
landscape, and the Book Cliffs
Book Cliffs
The Book Cliffs are a series of mountains and cliffs in western Colorado and eastern Utah, in the western United States. They are so named because many of them have the triangular appearance of a book that has been opened up, then turned on its sides and set to rest on the open sides of the book,...
range on the northern edge of the Grand Valley. It is located 18 miles (29 km) east of the Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
border near the 39° parallel. The population was 12,646 at the 2010 census. Originally home to the Ute people, white farmers settled the town after founder William Pabor in 1884. Ten years later, Fruita was incorporated.
Economically, it started out as a fruit producing region, but today it is well known for its outdoor sports such as mountain biking
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is a sport which consists of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, using specially adapted mountain bikes. Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain.Mountain biking can...
, hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, and rafting
Rafting
Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational outdoor activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this...
, its proximity to the Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument
- Trails :The Monument contains many hiking trails, with lengths and difficulties to suit all tastes. Summer storms can cause flash floods as well as dangerous trail conditions. Rattlesnakes are found on the Monument, and rough terrain exists everywhere, but most trails are well-maintained...
, and its annual festivals. Fruita has been the winner of the Governor’s Smart Growth and Development Award for four consecutive years. The city motto is "Honor the Past, Envision the Future".
History
Fruita has had steady population growth for over a century, with descendantLineal descendant
A lineal descendant, in legal usage, refers to a blood relative in the direct line of descent. The children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc...
s of many of the original pioneer
American pioneer
American pioneers are any of the people in American history who migrated west to join in settling and developing new areas. The term especially refers to those who were going to settle any territory which had previously not been settled or developed by European or American society, although the...
s still living in the area. The first permanent homesteaders in the Fruita area were possibly Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lapham who settled in late 1882. They resided in a pre-existing cabin with a dirt floor and a blanket door. They were followed by other settler
Settler
A settler is a person who has migrated to an area and established permanent residence there, often to colonize the area. Settlers are generally people who take up residence on land and cultivate it, as opposed to nomads...
s, nearly all of whom were farmer
Farmer
A farmer is a person engaged in agriculture, who raises living organisms for food or raw materials, generally including livestock husbandry and growing crops, such as produce and grain...
s of one sort or another. The present town was established on May 1, 1884, by William E. Pabor, when he formed the Fruita Town and Land Company. In 1886, for the cost of $500 a farmer could buy five acres, 200 fruit trees and water. Pabor recognized the great promise of the Grand Valley
Grand Valley (Colorado)
The Grand Valley is an extended populated valley, approximately 30 miles long and 5 miles wide, located along the Colorado River in Mesa County in western Colorado and Grand County, Utah in the United States. The valley contains the city of Grand Junction, as well as other smaller communities...
and penned a 300-page volume, Colorado as an Agricultural State, in which he spoke of the fruit-growing potential of this area. Having worked with the Horace Greeley Union Colony, he founded the town in a similar way, including the provision that no liquor be sold or manufactured in the town. This provision lasted until it was voted out in the late 1970s.
The original town site was planned for 80 acres (32.4 ha) with a park in the middle. The first water reached the town from the Colorado River in 1907. By 1909, the town center was linked with electricity. In the 1930s, Fruita participated in several government projects, including the Grand Valley Resettlement Project (later Western Slope Farms). Settled in groups of two or three families per area, 34 families were relocated by 1937. Later, the Rural Electrification Project brought electricity
Electricity
Electricity is a general term encompassing a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in an electrical wire...
to around 800 or 900 farms. Fruita also had a Civilian Conservation Corps
Civilian Conservation Corps
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men from relief families, ages 18–25. A part of the New Deal of President Franklin D...
, several Works Progress Administration
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
projects including the town library (now the Chamber of Commerce), a federal loan for the new central school (now the Civic Center) and the construction of the spectacular Rim Rock Drive
Rim Rock Drive
Rim Rock Drive is a scenic road in Colorado National Monument. The 23-mile drive follows the upper rim of a series of canyons, extending from the vicinity of Fruita, Colorado in the west to near Grand Junction, Colorado in the east, connecting points only eight miles apart in a straight line...
to the top of the Colorado National Monument, elevation 8000 feet (2,438.4 m). Today, the historic activities of Fruita are supported by the efforts of the Fruita Historic Preservation Board and the Lower Valley Heritage Chapter.
Paleontology
In 1900, paleontologist Elmer Riggs and crew, from the Field Museum of Natural HistoryField Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History is located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It sits on Lake Shore Drive next to Lake Michigan, part of a scenic complex known as the Museum Campus Chicago...
in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, found the first known Brachiosaurus altithorax at Dinosaur Hill located off what is now State Highway 340
Colorado State Highway 340
State Highway 340 is a long state highway in the U.S. state of Colorado. The highway's eastern end is at the junction of US 50 and I-70 Business in Grand Junction and its western end is at U.S. Highway 6 in Fruita. This highway is mainly used by the residents of Grand Junction's suburb Redlands.-...
in Fruita. Led here by communications with Dr. S.M. Bradbury of Grand Junction, Riggs had heard that ranchers had been collecting fossils around the area for 20 years. In 1901, Riggs and crew found nearly two thirds of an Apatosaurus excelsus skeleton (commonly known as a Brontosaurus) on the northeast side of the hill. This is still considered to be one of the finest specimens known. Later, Diplodocus
Diplodocus
Diplodocus , or )is a genus of diplodocid sauropod dinosaur whose fossils were first discovered in 1877 by S. W. Williston. The generic name, coined by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1878, is a Neo-Latin term derived from Greek "double" and "beam", in reference to its double-beamed chevron bones...
bones were also found, which eventually led to the landmark's name. The animals were from the late Jurassic
Jurassic
The Jurassic is a geologic period and system that extends from about Mya to Mya, that is, from the end of the Triassic to the beginning of the Cretaceous. The Jurassic constitutes the middle period of the Mesozoic era, also known as the age of reptiles. The start of the period is marked by...
Age (150 million years ago) and within the 600 feet (182.9 m) Morrison Formation
Morrison Formation
The Morrison Formation is a distinctive sequence of Late Jurassic sedimentary rock that is found in the western United States, which has been the most fertile source of dinosaur fossils in North America. It is composed of mudstone, sandstone, siltstone and limestone and is light grey, greenish...
.
Fossils of the Fruitadens
Fruitadens
Fruitadens is a genus of heterodontosaurid dinosaur. The name means "Fruita tooth", in reference to Fruita, Colorado , where its fossils were first found. It is known from partial skulls and skeletons from at least four individuals of differing biological ages, found in Tithonian rocks of the...
(Genus: heterodontosaurid dinosaur), the world's smallest known plant-eating dinosaur, were first found in the Fruita Paleontological Area (within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) off Kings View Road in the 1970s and 1980s. The name means "Fruita tooth". There is a replica on display at the Dinosaur Journey Museum. The museum is a part of the Museum of Western Colorado and has information on local archeology, paleontology
Paleontology
Paleontology "old, ancient", ὄν, ὀντ- "being, creature", and λόγος "speech, thought") is the study of prehistoric life. It includes the study of fossils to determine organisms' evolution and interactions with each other and their environments...
, and geology
Geology
Geology is the science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which it evolves. Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth, as it provides the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates...
.
The region is within the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway
Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway
The Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway is a 512-mile National Scenic Byway in the U.S. states of Utah and Colorado. The highway forms a diamond-shaped loop with vertices at Moab, Helper, Vernal and Grand Junction....
and includes two other nearby dinosaur-related sites: Mygatt-Moore Quarry and Trail Through Time off Interstate 70
Interstate 70
Interstate 70 is an Interstate Highway in the United States that runs from Interstate 15 near Cove Fort, Utah, to a Park and Ride near Baltimore, Maryland. It was the first Interstate Highway project in the United States. I-70 approximately traces the path of U.S. Route 40 east of the Rocky...
exit 2.
Historic properties
The stone cottage building located at 432 East Aspen Street was built in 1938 by the Works Progress AdministrationWorks Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
. Originally built as the Fruita Museum in order to house geological displays, it has served as the home of the Fruita Times, the town library (1948–1996), and is currently in use by the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce. Owned by the City of Fruita, it has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996.
The two-and-a-half-story, Queen Anne Style
Queen Anne Style architecture
The Queen Anne Style in Britain means either the English Baroque architectural style roughly of the reign of Queen Anne , or a revived form that was popular in the last quarter of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century...
stone house at 798 North Mesa Street was built in 1908 by builder A.B. Mahany and first owner Harry Alvah Phillips. It is known locally as the Phillips House and currently run as the Stonehaven Bed and Breakfast. It is bordered by mature cottonwoods
Populus fremontii
Populus fremontii, the Fremont cottonwood or Alamo cottonwood, is a cottonwood poplar native to western North America, in California and east to Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, and south into Sonora in northwestern Mexico...
, agricultural land, and the Elmwood Cemetery. It is on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
.
The two-story Neoclassical building
Neoclassical architecture
Neoclassical architecture was an architectural style produced by the neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century, manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament, and in its architectural formulas as an outgrowth of some classicizing...
located on 325 East Aspen Street was built in 1912 with an addition added in 1936. It was built by the Works Progress Administration as the Central Grade School. In 1993, city and state funds enabled a major renovation, placing it on the State Register of Historic Properties. It currently is the home to the Fruita Civic Center.
Geography
Fruita is located at 39°9′N 108°43′W (39.156594, -108.724554). It is 4514 feet (1,375.9 m) above sea level in the high desert climate zone on the Colorado Plateau.Colorado Plateau
The Colorado Plateau, also called the Colorado Plateau Province, is a physiographic region of the Intermontane Plateaus, roughly centered on the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States. The province covers an area of 337,000 km2 within western Colorado, northwestern New Mexico,...
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 18.9 square kilometres (7.3 sq mi), of which 18.4 square kilometres (7.1 sq mi) is land and 0.5 square kilometre (0.193051079296268 sq mi), or 2.55%, is water. Surrounding the city limits is the Colorado River
Colorado River
The Colorado River , is a river in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The watershed of the Colorado River covers in parts of seven U.S. states and two Mexican states...
, the Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument
- Trails :The Monument contains many hiking trails, with lengths and difficulties to suit all tastes. Summer storms can cause flash floods as well as dangerous trail conditions. Rattlesnakes are found on the Monument, and rough terrain exists everywhere, but most trails are well-maintained...
and the Book Cliffs
Book Cliffs
The Book Cliffs are a series of mountains and cliffs in western Colorado and eastern Utah, in the western United States. They are so named because many of them have the triangular appearance of a book that has been opened up, then turned on its sides and set to rest on the open sides of the book,...
range which extends west into the state of Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
via Interstate 70
Interstate 70
Interstate 70 is an Interstate Highway in the United States that runs from Interstate 15 near Cove Fort, Utah, to a Park and Ride near Baltimore, Maryland. It was the first Interstate Highway project in the United States. I-70 approximately traces the path of U.S. Route 40 east of the Rocky...
.
Distance from Fruita to: Grand Junction
Grand Junction, Colorado
The City of Grand Junction is the largest city in western Colorado. It is a city with a council–manager government form that is the county seat and the most populous city of Mesa County, Colorado, United States. Grand Junction is situated west-southwest of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. As...
-15 mi (24 km), Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
-17 mi (27 km), Montrose
Montrose, Colorado
The City of Montrose is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Montrose County, Colorado, United States. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the city population was 15,479 in 2005. The main road that leads in and out of Montrose is U.S...
-73 mi (117 km), Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
The City of Glenwood Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Garfield County, Colorado, United States. The United States Census Bureau estimated that the city population was 8,564 in 2005...
-99 mi (159 km), Denver-255 mi (411 km), Salt Lake City-265 mi (427 km).
Climate
The coldest and hottest months of the year are January and July respectively. The annual average precipitation is 8.81 inches and the average annual snowfall is 13.2 inches. The average annual number of growing days is 145 days. in 2006, the average temperature was 52.2°F (11°C). Fruita experiences an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2010, there were 12,646 people residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,733 people per square mile (669.1/km²).
As of the 2000 census, there were 2,610 housing units at an average density of 439.6 per square mile (169.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.65% White, 0.37% African American, 1.16% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 5.45% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.93% of the population.
At the 2000 census there were 2,447 households out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the city the 2000 census population was spread out with 27.9% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city at the 2000 census was $32,929, and the median income for a family was $38,487. Males had a median income of $31,372 versus $20,752 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $16,024. About 8.3% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.2% of those under age 18 and 16.8% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Fruita is a part of the Mesa County School District No. 51Mesa County Valley School District 51
Mesa County Valley School District 51 is a school district in Mesa County and the tenth largest school district in Colorado. It comprises the Grand Junctionarea.-Elementary schools:Broadway Elementary Chatfield Elementary Chipeta Elementary...
. The city has 4 public schools: Fruita Monument High School
Fruita Monument High School
Fruita Monument High School is a high school located in Fruita, Colorado, just a few miles from Colorado National Monument. It is part of the Mesa County Valley School District 51.As of 2006, Fruita Monument enrolls about 1750 students...
, Fruita 8/9 School, Fruita Middle School, Shelledy Elementary School (public), and Rim Rock Elementary School (academy).
Colorado Mesa University, founded in 1925, is the closest public higher education institution. It is located in the heart of Grand Junction and supports 13 departments and over 400 instructors. Western Colorado Community College
Western Colorado Community College
Western Colorado Community College is a branch of Colorado Mesa University specializing in vocational studies. Unlike other institutions deemed "community college," the WCCC is not a separate entity from its parent institution. A student takes core curriculum courses at CMU but completes his or...
provides higher education instruction for academic transfer programs and career technical programs with nine month certificate programs, two year associate degree programs, as well as other courses for career upgrade.
Recreation
The Fruita Community Center opened its doors in January 2011 supporting community recreation such as basketball, elliptical training, exercise classes, indoor and outdoor swimming, running, volleyball, and weight training. It is a city-owned facility and is located on 324 North Coulson Street.Biking
The area surrounding Fruita is renowned for its mountain biking trails. The most notable include the North Fruita Desert/18 Road trail system (Chutes and Ladders, Zippety-do-da, Edge Loop, Joe’s Ridge, Prime Cut, Kessel Run, and others), Kokopelli Trailhead region (Mary’s Loop, Horsethief Bench, Lion’s Loop, Moore Fun, Rustler’s Loop, Steve's Loop, Troy Built, and others). Kokopelli TrailKokopelli Trail
Kokopelli's Trail is a 142 mile multi-use trail in the U.S. states of Colorado and Utah. The trail was named in honor of its mythic muse, Kokopelli...
is a 142 miles (228.5 km) continuous single and double track trail connecting nearby Loma
Loma, Colorado
Loma is an unincorporated town and a U.S. Post Office located northwest of Grand Junction in Mesa County, Colorado, United States. The Loma Post Office has the ZIP Code 81524.Loma is home to Loma Elementary School, whose mascot is the lion...
to Moab
Moab, Utah
Moab is a city in Grand County, in eastern Utah, in the western United States. The population was 4,779 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat and largest city in Grand County. Moab hosts a large number of tourists every year, mostly visitors to the nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks...
, Utah. In nearby Grand Junction, the popular Tabeguache trail system includes a shorter trails and a longer connecting trail to Montrose
Montrose, Colorado
The City of Montrose is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Montrose County, Colorado, United States. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the city population was 15,479 in 2005. The main road that leads in and out of Montrose is U.S...
.
Road biking is also a favorite sport in the high desert climate of Fruita. Many ride the 46 miles (74 km) loop along the Colorado National Monument overlooking the Grand Valley. The Fruita Farms/Highline Lake Loop is also a favorite taking you from town to the lake and back. Heading west on old Highway 6 to Utah is another scenic road ride.
Birding
Many common and rare birds can be seen here, including ash-throated and gray flycatchers, bald eagleBald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. This sea eagle has two known sub-species and forms a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle...
s, blue heron
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North and Central America as well as the West Indies and the Galápagos Islands. It is a rare vagrant to Europe, with records from Spain, the Azores and England...
s, pinyon jay
Pinyon Jay
The Pinyon Jay is a jay between the North American Blue Jay and the Eurasian Jay in size. It is the only member of the genus Gymnorhinus, . Its overall proportions are very Nutcracker-like and indeed this can be seen as convergent evolution as both birds fill similar ecological niches...
s, and peregrine falcon
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon , also known as the Peregrine, and historically as the Duck Hawk in North America, is a widespread bird of prey in the family Falconidae. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-gray back, barred white underparts, and a black head and "moustache"...
s, as well as some rare breeds such as red-throated loon and red-necked grebe
Red-necked Grebe
The Red-necked Grebe is a migratory aquatic bird found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Its wintering habitat is largely restricted to calm waters just beyond the waves around ocean coasts, although some birds may winter on large lakes...
. The best birding locations are the Colorado River, Colorado National Monument and Highline Lake State Park. The Grand Valley Audubon and the Colorado Birding Society are good sources of local information on birding. See also List of birds of Colorado.
Boating
Locals recreate at Highline Lake State ParkHighline Lake State Park
Highline Lake State Park is a Colorado state park. It is home to two lakes, the Highline Lake and the Mack Mesa Lake. It is well known for its birdwatching opportunities and has two wildlife migratory waterfowl overlook kiosks where it is possible to watch Great blue heron, white pelicans and...
for lake boating sports such as jet skiing, water skiing
Water skiing
thumb|right|A slalom skier making a turn on a slalom waterski.Waterskiing is a sport where an individual is pulled behind a boat or a cable ski installation on a body of water, skimming the surface.-History:...
, ice fishing
Ice fishing
Ice fishing is the practice of catching fish with lines and fish hooks or spears through an opening in the ice on a frozen body of water. Ice anglers may sit on the stool in the open on a frozen lake, or in a heated cabin on the ice, some with bunks and amenities.-Locations:It is a popular pastime...
and fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
, as well as birding, hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
and camping
Camping
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no...
. The Colorado River's Ruby Canyon
Ruby Canyon
Ruby Canyon is a roughly 25 mile long canyon on the Colorado River located on the Colorado-Utah border in the western United States, and is a popular destination for rafting...
is a favorite day and multi-day trip for kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking and canoeing are also known as paddling. Kayaking is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle...
and rafting
Rafting
Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational outdoor activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this...
. Boaters also put into the Colorado River at the James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park off State Highway 340.
Golf
Adobe Creek National Golf Course, located at 876 18 1/2 Road, offers three nine-hole courses nestled along Adobe Creek and the Colorado River. There are four golf courses available in Grand Junction.Hiking and horseback riding
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is a National Conservation Area located in Mesa County, west of Grand Junction, Colorado. The MCNCA has rugged sandstone canyons, natural arches, spires, and alcoves carved into the Colorado Plateau, through which runs a stretch of the Colorado...
including Devil’s Canyon, Pollock Bench, Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is located in western Colorado and eastern Utah, USA, within the arid Colorado Plateau region approximately west of Grand Junction, Colorado. The wilderness lies on the northwest flank of the Uncompahgre Plateau...
(Knowles Canyon, Mee Canyon
Mee Canyon
Mee Canyon is a remote scenic area within the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness which in turn forms the core of the Bureau of Land Management administered McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area in west central Colorado...
, Moore Canyon, Rattlesnake Canyon
Rattlesnake Canyon (Colorado)
Rattlesnake Canyon is a scenic area within the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness which in turn forms the core of the Bureau of Land Management administered McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area in west central Colorado. The canyon contains 9 natural arches, the second highest concentration of...
), Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument
- Trails :The Monument contains many hiking trails, with lengths and difficulties to suit all tastes. Summer storms can cause flash floods as well as dangerous trail conditions. Rattlesnakes are found on the Monument, and rough terrain exists everywhere, but most trails are well-maintained...
(Canyon Rim Trail, Coke Ovens Trail, Liberty Cap Trail, Monument Canyon Trail, Otto’s Trail, Serpent’s Trail, Window Rock Trail), Dinosaur Hill, Highline Lake State Park
Highline Lake State Park
Highline Lake State Park is a Colorado state park. It is home to two lakes, the Highline Lake and the Mack Mesa Lake. It is well known for its birdwatching opportunities and has two wildlife migratory waterfowl overlook kiosks where it is possible to watch Great blue heron, white pelicans and...
, and Rabbit Valley
Rabbit Valley, Colorado
Rabbit Valley, Colorado is located in the far west area of the state near the Utah and Colorado state line. The area is generally used for paleontology, camping, hiking, mountain biking, off road vehicle recreation, and hunting. Rabbit Valley is accessed by Interstate 70.Coordinates for Rabbit...
.
Parks
Town parks in Fruita include Circle Park at the junction of Mesa Street and Aspen Avenue, Comstock Park at 725 Galena Circle, Heritage Park at 210 I-70 Frontage Road, Little Salt Wash at 1135 18 Road, Raptor Skate Park at 273 North Cherry, Reed Park at 250 South Elm, Roberson Park at 280 West Roberson Drive, Triangle Park at 103 South Coulson Street, and Veteran’s Memorial Park at 342 Hwy 340. The James M. Robb Colorado River State ParkJames M. Robb - Colorado River State Park
The James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park is a Colorado State Park along the Colorado River in Mesa County near Grand Junction, Colorado. The park established in 1994 has five distinct sections providing access to the river. The Island Acres and Fruita segments have campsites and swim beaches...
encompasses 890 acres located on State Highway 340
Colorado State Highway 340
State Highway 340 is a long state highway in the U.S. state of Colorado. The highway's eastern end is at the junction of US 50 and I-70 Business in Grand Junction and its western end is at U.S. Highway 6 in Fruita. This highway is mainly used by the residents of Grand Junction's suburb Redlands.-...
.
The Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument
- Trails :The Monument contains many hiking trails, with lengths and difficulties to suit all tastes. Summer storms can cause flash floods as well as dangerous trail conditions. Rattlesnakes are found on the Monument, and rough terrain exists everywhere, but most trails are well-maintained...
is almost 20500 acres (83 km²) of semi-arid wilderness, rising more than 2000 feet (609.6 m) above the city of Fruita. Native wildlife such as eagle
Eagle
Eagles are members of the bird family Accipitridae, and belong to several genera which are not necessarily closely related to each other. Most of the more than 60 species occur in Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just two species can be found in the United States and Canada, nine more in...
s, bighorn sheep
Bighorn Sheep
The bighorn sheep is a species of sheep in North America named for its large horns. These horns can weigh up to , while the sheep themselves weigh up to . Recent genetic testing indicates that there are three distinct subspecies of Ovis canadensis, one of which is endangered: Ovis canadensis sierrae...
, and mule deer
Mule Deer
The mule deer is a deer indigenous to western North America. The Mule Deer gets its name from its large mule-like ears. There are believed to be several subspecies, including the black-tailed deer...
can be seen in the area.
The Riverfront Trail system follows the Colorado River through Mesa County through cottonwood groves, wetlands, and marshes. It is home to over 200 different species of birds, three endangered species of fish, and an abundance of small animals. The trail project is still in progress and plans to connect Fruita to Palisade
Palisade, Colorado
Palisade is a Statutory Town in Mesa County, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Grand Junction Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,692 at the 2010 census....
via a paved recreation trail. The project is a collaboration of several cities, Mesa County, and state agencies and overseen by the Colorado Riverfront Commission.
Rodeo
Rimrock Rodeo takes place from June through August every Tuesday evening through the summer. A series of events showcase riders: there is a “Mutton Busing” event and the Professional Rodeo Riders “Grand Entry” event.Running
Fruita runners take part in town races such as the July PteRANodon Ptrot, the February Sweet Heart Run, and the annual Rim Rock marathon held in November atop the Colorado National Monument. Trail running is also popular and takes place on any of the hiking trails. The Desert RATS Trail Running Festival includes 5, 10, 25, and 50 miles (80.5 km) trail races in April, as well as the Desert RATS multi-day supported trail race along the Kokopelli's Trail from Loma to Moab.Arts and culture
The city is scattered with public art sculptures, some metal, some stone. There are no private galleries, but several businesses rotate displays of local artists' work. Every summer the City of Fruita puts on a summer arts camp for children and adults. The natural landscape and recreation have inspired countless painters, photographers, and sculptures to create works of art. The Fruita Arts & Culture Board supports and advocates for artists and activities in town.Major music events of the region include the Summer Thursday night concerts Country Jam and Rock Jam in the nearby town of Mack
Mack, Colorado
Mack is an unincorporated town and a U.S. Post Office located about 10 miles east of the Colorado/Utah border in Mesa County, Colorado, United States. The Mack Post Office has the ZIP Code 81525...
. Shows also take place during the annual Fat Tire Festival and the Fruita Fall Festival.
The Mesa County Public Library - Fruita Branch is housed in the Fruita Community Center at 324 North Coulson Street. Nearly 7000 square feet (650.3 m²), the facility includes a reading room with fireplace, program room and meeting rooms.
The Fruita Times newspaper, the Grand Junction Sentinel, and the Grand Junction Free Press serve the current events needs of the region.
There are several active civic groups, including the Fruita Lions Club, Fruita Masons, and Fruita Rotary Club, as well as the non-profit Fruita Thrift shop that has been supporting the town's activities for over 50 years.
Tourism
Fruita town events include the summer Farmers Market, Summer Thursday night music concerts and arts & crafts fairs three times a year.Fat Tire Festival
Single-track mountain biking enthusiasts and friends have been celebrating the hundreds of miles of world class mountain bike trails around the area of Fruita and western Colorado at this festival since 1996. The three-day fest includes races, live music every evening, a beer garden and legendary parties. It is held every year at the end of April. http://www.fruitamountainbike.com/Mike the Headless Chicken Festival
Fruita is known for Mike the Headless ChickenMike the Headless Chicken
Mike the Headless Chicken , also known as Miracle Mike, was a Wyandotte chicken that lived for 18 months after his head had been mostly cut off...
, a rooster who lived for 18 months after his head was cut off. Lloyd Olsen, the remover of Mike's head, continued to give him food and water with an eye dropper. He grew to be almost 8 lb (3.6 kg). Mike went on to tour the country as a side show. A festival in his honor is held each May in Fruita.
Fruita Fall Festival
Voted "Best of the West" by the Grand Junction Daily SentinelGrand Junction Daily Sentinel
The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel is the largest daily newspaper in western Colorado, with distribution in six counties.The Sentinel’s companion website, , was founded in 1996. Together, the news organization provides daily community, state, national and international news coverage.The Daily...
's readership in 2001, 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2009, the Fruita Fall Festival is the granddaddy of festivals on the Western Slope
Colorado Western Slope
The Western Slope of Colorado refers to a region of the U.S. state of Colorado incorporating everything in the state west of the Continental Divide. The Colorado River and its tributaries divide the region into north and south at Grand Junction, Colorado...
. This festival started in 1910 as a harvest festival for the local fruit production industry and has evolved to a major event. It includes three days of events with music, carnival rides, a parade, a bed race, a baking and canning contest, a youth pet and talent show, two stages of music, and arts and crafts vendors. The event is celebrated on the last full weekend in September.
Air
The nearest commercial airport is Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Grand JunctionGrand Junction, Colorado
The City of Grand Junction is the largest city in western Colorado. It is a city with a council–manager government form that is the county seat and the most populous city of Mesa County, Colorado, United States. Grand Junction is situated west-southwest of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. As...
19 miles (30.6 km) east. Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines, Inc. is the world's fourth-largest airline in passenger miles transported and operating revenues. American Airlines is a subsidiary of the AMR Corporation and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas adjacent to its largest hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport...
, Skywest Airlines
Skywest Airlines
Skywest Airlines Pty Ltd is a regional airline company based in Perth, Western Australia, Australia; servicing key towns in the state of Western Australia, Darwin, Northern Territory and Melbourne, Victoria; as well as charter flights to Bali, Indonesia....
(flying as both United Express
United Express
United Express is a brand name under which eight regional airlines operate feeder flights for United Airlines. They primarily connect smaller cities with United's domestic hub airports and “focus cities,” although they offer some point-to-point service such as Sacramento to Eureka.As of Sept...
and Delta Connection
Delta Connection
Delta Connection is the name under which a number of individually owned regional airlines and one wholly owned regional carrier operate short and medium haul routes in association with Delta Air Lines Inc...
) and US Airways
US Airways
US Airways, Inc. is a major airline based in the U.S. city of Tempe, Arizona. The airline is an operating unit of US Airways Group and is the sixth largest airline by traffic and eighth largest by market value in the country....
provide direct service to Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
and Salt Lake City. Charter companies Colorado Flight Center and Denver Air Connection providing connections to nearby regional destinations.
Bus
Fruita is on Route 8 of the Grand Valley TransitGrand Valley Transit
Grand Valley Transit is the public transportation agency that serves the Grand Junction area. Fixed route service began in 2000, and by 2009, approximately 900,000 passengers were using bus service each year...
, the operating regional bus transportation system. The bus connects Fruita stops with the Mesa Mall
Mesa Mall
Mesa Mall is the Western Slope's largest indoor shopping centre, serving western Colorado and eastern Utah and the largest regional shopping center between Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver. Mesa Mall dominates a service area of over in any direction. Located in Grand Junction, Colorado, the mall is...
on U.S. Route 6
U.S. Route 6
U.S. Route 6 , also called the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, a name that honors an American Civil War veterans association, is a main route of the U.S. Highway system, running east-northeast from Bishop, California to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Until 1964, it continued south from Bishop to...
and 50 at the 24 1/2 Road.
Highways
Fruita lies off exit 19 of Interstate 70Interstate 70
Interstate 70 is an Interstate Highway in the United States that runs from Interstate 15 near Cove Fort, Utah, to a Park and Ride near Baltimore, Maryland. It was the first Interstate Highway project in the United States. I-70 approximately traces the path of U.S. Route 40 east of the Rocky...
, along U.S. Route 6
U.S. Route 6
U.S. Route 6 , also called the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, a name that honors an American Civil War veterans association, is a main route of the U.S. Highway system, running east-northeast from Bishop, California to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Until 1964, it continued south from Bishop to...
and 50 and at the western end of State Highway 340
Colorado State Highway 340
State Highway 340 is a long state highway in the U.S. state of Colorado. The highway's eastern end is at the junction of US 50 and I-70 Business in Grand Junction and its western end is at U.S. Highway 6 in Fruita. This highway is mainly used by the residents of Grand Junction's suburb Redlands.-...
. The State Highway 139
Colorado State Highway 139
State Highway 139 is a long state highway in far western Colorado.-Route description:SH 139 begins in the south at exit 15 of Interstate 70 at Loma roughly fifteen miles west of Grand Junction. From there the road proceeds northward through very remote, very sparsely populated land to its...
connects 5 miles (8 km) west with the northern city of Rangely
Rangely, Colorado
Rangely is a Statutory Town in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, United States. The population was 2,096 at the 2000 census. The town is home to one of two campuses of the Colorado Northwestern Community College.-Geography:...
and Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument is a National Monument located on the southeast flank of the Uinta Mountains on the border between Colorado and Utah at the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers. Although most of the monument area is in Moffat County, Colorado, the Dinosaur Quarry is located in Utah...
.
Rail
The nearest passenger train station is 11 miles (17.7 km) southeast at the Grand Junction Amtrak stationGrand Junction (Amtrak station)
Grand Junction is a train station in Grand Junction, Colorado. It is served by Amtrak's California Zephyr train. It was originally built by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad....
. This station is served by the California Zephyr train
California Zephyr
The California Zephyr is a long passenger train route operated by Amtrak in the midwestern and western United States.It runs from Chicago, Illinois, in the east to Emeryville, California, in the west, passing through the states of Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California...
. It was originally built by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad
Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad
The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad , often shortened to Rio Grande or D&RGW, formerly the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, is a defunct U.S. railroad company. The railroad started as a narrow gauge line running south from Denver, Colorado in 1870; however, served mainly as a transcontinental...
.
A Burlington Northern and Santa Fe
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
mainline runs east-west along the city which serves industrial rail use.
Notable people
- Charlie Glass (?-1937), popular African-American cowboy buried in the Elmwood Cemetery
- Will Minor, naturalistNaturalistNaturalist may refer to:* Practitioner of natural history* Conservationist* Advocate of naturalism * Naturalist , autobiography-See also:* The American Naturalist, periodical* Naturalism...
, journalist and authorAuthorAn author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
of Footprints in the trail and More Footprints in the Trail - John OttoJohn Otto (park ranger)John Otto was the first park custodian at Colorado National Monument, and had been a key advocate for its creation and its later inclusion in the National Park Service....
(1870–1952), trailblazer and first superintendent of the Colorado National Monument - Elmer Riggs (1869–1963), paleontologist from the Chicago Field Museum
- James Van PeltJames Van PeltJames Van Pelt is an American science fiction author who began publishing in the mid-90s. He is also a teacher in the language arts department at Fruita Monument High School in Fruita, Colorado. He is also the former advisor of The Catalyst, the student-run monthly magazine of Fruita Monument High...
, award-winning science fiction author and Fruita Monument High School teacher
See also
- Colorado municipalitiesColorado municipalitiesThe U.S. state of Colorado currently has 271 active incorporated municipalities, including 196 towns, 73 cities, and two consolidated city and county governments.-Municipal government:...
- Colorado National MonumentColorado National Monument- Trails :The Monument contains many hiking trails, with lengths and difficulties to suit all tastes. Summer storms can cause flash floods as well as dangerous trail conditions. Rattlesnakes are found on the Monument, and rough terrain exists everywhere, but most trails are well-maintained...
- FruitadensFruitadensFruitadens is a genus of heterodontosaurid dinosaur. The name means "Fruita tooth", in reference to Fruita, Colorado , where its fossils were first found. It is known from partial skulls and skeletons from at least four individuals of differing biological ages, found in Tithonian rocks of the...
- James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park
- Old Spanish Trail (trade route)Old Spanish Trail (trade route)The Old Spanish Trail is a historical trade route which connected the northern New Mexico settlements near or in Santa Fe, New Mexico with that of Los Angeles, California and southern California. Approximately long, it ran through areas of high mountains, arid deserts, and deep canyons. It is...