Fruita, Colorado
Fruita (/ˈfruːtə/) is a home rule municipality located in western Mesa County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 13,395 at the 2020 United States Census. Fruita is a part of the Grand Junction, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and lies within the Grand Valley. The geography is identified by the bordering Colorado River (historically known as the Grand River) on the southern edge of the town, the Uncompahgre Plateau known for its pinyon-juniper landscape, and the Book Cliffs range on the northern edge of the Grand Valley. Originally home to the Ute people, farmers settled the town after founder William Pabor in 1884. Ten years later, Fruita was incorporated.
Fruita, Colorado | |
|---|---|
Home rule municipality | |
Interstate 70 sign at Fruita exit. | |
| Motto(s): Honor the Past, Envision the Future | |
Location of the City of Fruita in Mesa County, Colorado. | |
Fruita Location of the City of Fruita in the United States | |
| Coordinates: 39°09′17″N 108°43′50″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Mesa |
| Established | 1884 |
| Incorporated | April 18, 1894 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Home rule municipality |
| • Mayor | Joel Kincaid |
| Area | |
| • Total | 8.183 sq mi (21.193 km2) |
| • Land | 7.892 sq mi (20.439 km2) |
| • Water | 0.291 sq mi (0.754 km2) |
| Elevation | 4,508 ft (1,374 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 13,395 |
| • Density | 1,697/sq mi (655/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−07:00 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−06:00 (MDT) |
| ZIP code | 81521 |
| Area code | 970 |
| FIPS code | 08-28745 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2410553 |
| Website | www |
Fruita started out as a fruit-producing region. Today it is well known for its outdoor sports such as mountain biking, hiking, disc golfing and rafting, its proximity to the Colorado National Monument, and its annual festivals, such as Mike the Headless Chicken. 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".