Fruita sits on the edge of something rare: more than 1,000,000 acres of public land in nearly every direction, plus the kind of close-to-town trail access that most places only dream about. It’s a huge part of why people fall in love with this corner of Colorado.
That access only stays special if we all treat it that way. Do Fruita Right means traveling thoughtfully—sticking to designated routes, packing out everything you bring, respecting wildlife, and giving other trail users space to enjoy it too. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about leaving the landscape the way you hoped to find it.
Help keep Fruita’s trails, desert canyons, and wide-open views open, clean, and thriving—for your next visit, and for the people who live here year-round.
Maximize your adventure, minimize your risk.
Fruita is full of epic outdoor experiences, and a little planning will help you enjoy them all. Check current trail maps and conditions, review activity guidelines, and prep for remote desert conditions. Some areas are set aside for certain uses, and a quick glance at the map will tell you if bikes or furry friends are allowed on your chosen path. Stay happy and hydrated by bringing more water than you think you need. Use apps like COTREX to download your maps in advance, let someone know your plan, and check back in when you return. The better prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have, and the more confident you’ll feel in wild places.
Mind where you step, roll, or ride.
Fruita’s high-desert landscape is home to a living carpet – biological soil crust. It might look like dirt, but it’s actually a vital part of the ecosystem that holds soil in place, retains moisture, and even supports plant life. By sticking to established routes whether you’re hiking, biking, or just pulling over for a view, you are helping protect this sensitive soil. Keeping it crusty keeps our trails (and the landscapes they wind through) healthy for the long haul.
There’s room for everyone.
Fruita’s trails are ready to be enjoyed by all – whether you’re hiking, running, or riding. Staying aware of others helps keep a smile on everyone’s face. Let uphill folks pass, slow down around corners, and give a wave or a quick “hey there” as you go by. And when you need to make room for others, try the “Fruita Lean” by gently tilting yourself and your bike off to the side without stepping onto sensitive soil. Planning a big group ride? Discover a new adventure on one of Fruita’s lesser-known trail systems for a more relaxed and memorable outing, or plan your group ride during the weekday when it’s a bit quieter. Sharing the trail helps keep it fun and flowing for everyone.
Embrace our place and our pace.
Life moves at a different rhythm out here. Whether cruising along Rim Rock Drive, pedaling past the rocky cliffs, or enjoying downtown, slowing down lets you soak up more beauty – and helps keep wildlife, other people and you safe. Bighorn sheep sightings, wildflower blooms, and sandstone silhouettes are easier to spot when you’re not in a hurry. In town, follow posted speed limits, and take the time to connect with our community. Go at Fruita’s pace and you’ll see and experience a whole lot more.
You’re good to go! Just bag it up.
Wherever you are in Fruita – on the trail, by the water, or walking through town – properly disposing of trash helps keep the places we all love clean and welcoming. Bring a bag and pack out everything you came with, including pet and human waste. Be prepared with a disposable WAG bag (found at the Fruita Welcome Center and in most local outdoor stores), and conveniently pack out your waste. Pack in the beautiful views by packing out the trash and leaving a place better than you found it. And make sure not to forget the peels and cores. Just because it’s good for you, doesn’t mean it’s good for the wildlife. A little cleanup goes a long way in protecting Fruita’s beauty, for today and for the next crew who comes through.
Camp on durable, previously used sites, and leave only memories.
Camping on public lands is one of Fruita’s greatest pleasures, and a little care goes a long way. To make adventuring easy and fun, start your trip at one of Fruita’s designated camping areas before exploring more remote options. Stick to previously camped-in areas, choose durable surfaces like rock or sand, and stay only in places clearly marked for overnight stays. If conditions are safe for campfires, source firewood locally, not only for convenience but also to reduce the risk of introducing invasive species to our delicate desert ecosystem. When it’s time to extinguish the flames, embers should be thoroughly cold to the touch to prevent any chance of reignition. And remember to pack out everything you brought in. Thoughtful campers help keep these lands beautiful and ready for the next adventure.
