The Gifford Homestead is an oasis tucked in along the cliffs of the Waterpocket Fold at Capitol Reef National Park, where fruit trees grow beside a clear running stream. As you leave the parking lot and make your way toward the historic homestead, the smell of fresh-baked strawberry-rhubarb, cherry, peach, and mixed berry pies greets you halfway. Yes, it’s that idyllic, and on our last trip to Utah, we stopped in at the Gifford House for some pie after exploring some of Capitol Reef National Park.
History Of The Gifford Homestead And Fruita
Originally built in 1908 by Mormon settler Calvin Pendleton, the Gifford family lived in the home from 1928 to 1969, running a small motel in the 1940’s. Their small establishment catered to visitors of Capitol Reef National Monument, which was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937, before finally becoming a national park in 1971. The 200 acre farm is officially in the National Register of Historic Places. Much of the old farm equipment, barns and outbuildings of the Gifford Homestead remains in remarkably well-preserved condition, as is only possible in such a dry and sheltered place.
The Gifford family finally sold their home to the national park service and moved on from Fruita – the last residents to leave. The original orchards remain, fed by the waters of the Fremont river and cared for by the national park service. Some of the fruit the trees produce is used to make Gifford House pies, and lucky visitors arriving at the right time of the year may be able to pick their own fruit and pay for it “by the pound”.
How Are The Gifford House Pies, Really?
We bought three small pies, all of which were delicious. Our favorite was the mixed berry pie, which went well with a cup of fresh-brewed coffee that morning. The pie crust is not terribly thick, which means you get more fruit than dough in each bite, and the top crust was buttery and flaky. The filling of all 4 varieties of pie we tried was not too gooey, and contained lots of pieces of fruit, which we liked. Stevie Ray – below – got to have a smell (before having a delicious liver treat, which was better for him than pie.)
More Than Just Pie
The National Historic Association operates a gift store in what was once the home’s original kitchen. You can find homemade preserved goods, soaps, woven rugs, candles, postcards and other items for sale. We bought a couple jars of strawberry preserves, which paired nicely with a loaf of fresh sourdough bread that was baked onsite.
There’s lots to see in the quarter-million acres of Capitol Reef National Park, so plan on spending a few days to explore the many trails and back-roads. Below is a video of driving the Burr Trail Road in Capitol Reef.
Tips For Visiting The Gifford Homestead in Capitol Reef National Park
- Arrive early if you want to purchase a pie, as they tend to sell out quickly during the busy season.
- Be sure to explore the area around the Gifford House – there’s lots to see and the grounds are beautiful.
- The Gifford Homestead is pet-friendly, but please keep your dog on a leash, don’t let them bother farm animals, and be sure to pick up after them.
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- Stinchfield, Rick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 232 Pages - 05/01/2019 (Publication Date) - Bower House (Publisher)
How To Get There
The Gifford House is located 1 mile (1.6 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive in Fruita, Utah. You can get to Fruita and Capitol Reef National park via SH-24, heading east from Torrrey, UT, or heading west from Hanksville, UT.
More info on the Gifford Homestead can be found at the National Park Service website.
