The annual apple harvest at Wasatch Mountain State Park's Huber Grove has been canceled due to low crop production, according to Utah State Parks. The cancellation impacts the seasonal event that had been scheduled to run through mid-September at the historic orchard, which features heirloom trees planted in the 1890s.
Impact on Seasonal Harvest
The cancellation follows a season of varying availability for the historic Huber Family orchard. The orchard, which is over 120 years old and remains in production, had been offering apple picking to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-August through mid-September.
According to Utah State Parks, the annual harvest is subject to cancellation at any time if apple production is insufficient. For visitors who had already secured reservations, the park stated that refunds would be available, though a $2.00 processing fee would be deducted from the amount returned.
Historic Orchard Varieties
The Huber Grove orchard is known for its organic heirloom varieties. Visitors typically visited the site to pick specific varieties depending on the time of year. For those seeking sweet apples for sauces, the park recommended reservations in August or early September to harvest Yellow Transparent apples.
For those preferring tart apples for use in pies or cobblers, the park suggested scheduling visits in September to pick Red Astrachan apples. The park's guidelines specify that each reservation allows for the picking of up to two baskets of apples, and the park provides two baskets and two apple pickers per reservation.
Access and Orchard Rules
The orchard site is located within Wasatch Mountain State Park and is accessible via several routes. From Salt Lake City, visitors can travel east on I-80 toward Cheyenne for approximately 24 miles, take the US-40 Heber/Vernal exit, and travel approximately 15 miles before turning right on River Road. From Provo, travelers can take US-189 North toward Heber City for approximately 22 miles, then turn left on Highway 113 and follow the road for several miles until a stop sign on Main Street, where they turn left, then right for 0.2 miles, then left on 200 North.
The site is located near the Wasatch Mountain State Park Visitor Center, with parking available behind the orchard. The terrain in the orchard consists of grass and uneven ground, and the park prohibits the use of ladders or climbing trees during the harvest.
Park Operations and Amenities
While the apple harvest has been canceled, Wasatch Mountain State Park remains open for other recreational activities. As of Sept. 7, 2026, current conditions indicate that the Soldier Hollow Camping Loops, Pine Canyon Camping Loops, and Little Deer Creek Campground are all open.
The park's visitor center remains open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the park continues to offer various amenities, including the Wasatch Mountain Sauna, which allows campers to book automated sessions for relaxation. The park also maintains several golf courses, including the Wasatch Golf Course and the Soldier Hollow Golf Course.
Fees and Restrictions
The park continues to enforce Stage 1 fire restrictions, which prohibit open fires except in approved fire rings or grills at developed campgrounds or day-use areas that have a pressurized running water system.
Day-use fees remain in effect year-round. The cost for a non-senior permit is $10 per car for up to eight people, while the senior rate for those 65 and older is $5 per car for up to eight people. Visitors are reminded to display a valid day-use tag or an Annual State Park Pass to avoid citations.
Community and Volunteering
The Friends of Wasatch Mountain State Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, continues to support the park's mission to preserve its historical and ecological integrity. The organization works with park staff to fund projects and events that benefit the community and visitors.
For those interested in volunteering, the park is currently accepting applications for Camp Hosts for the remainder of the season through October. Volunteer opportunities are also available at the visitor center, with typical shifts running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
