The Apples of Orchard Canyon



   A legend is a story that captures the imagination such that is told over and over until it achieves a higher status than a mere story. Some legends are created around man made events, some it has been said, around events created by the gods, and others by the magic created by the confluence of the mystical forces of nature. Orchard Canyon is in the latter category. The magic of the canyon was set in motion long before man ever set foot there, long before the first apple tree was even imagined. Crystal clear, sweet water, brilliant bright sunlight, and rich high-mountain soil creates an ideal environment in which to grow.


The French have a word that they use to describe specific conditions of soil, weather, location, and character: Terroir. It is a wonderfully descriptive word in which English has no equal. Just think of the regions in France with names like Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne, where only the wines grown within those regions may carry that name.  The terroir at Orchard Canyon creates a unique set of conditions that produce an exceptional and unique variety of apples, and some peaches too. The cider pressed from these apples is extraordinary in its concentration of intense flavors. It simply must be savored.


Our rich 100 year history is rooted in our fruit trees and our approach to farming and organic gardening. The sensory experience of being outdoors on our property within the orchard is what generations have come to seek and experience. While our cabins offer warmth, rest and focus, our orchard and garden property offers space, peaceful tranquility and nourishment. Stroll through our ten acres, bring a book, play lawn games, take a nap, say hello to a visiting deer, and smell the apple blossoms.


With 350 apple trees and 12 varieties our dedication to the trees and the soil is a loving, serious undertaking. Peaches and other stone fruits are cultivated here, as well as our garden vegetables, flowers, and herbs located in the upper elevation of our property. Visit our family of hens that we lovingly care for that lay fresh eggs daily in their historic chicken coop. Growing season is April-October. The last apple to be harvested each year comes from our Arkansas Black trees in November located in the lower orchard. 


Our fruit trees, vegetable/flower garden, and fresh eggs sustain our guests. Maybe you’ve been here to visit and savor our farm-to-table cuisine fortified with ingredients from all corners of our property. You can buy extra apples & peaches for your trip home seasonally if the yield dictates! Every year and season is different and apple and peach fruit yields vary. It’s a special treat if you’re here during cider pressing in the fall. Our fresh cider has been an element of our guests' stay from the beginning and we can’t seem to ever make enough. Depending on the year, there might be extra cider to purchase and take home. Find an orchardist and culinary team on site for some lively conversation if you want to learn more. We request that you refrain from picking your own fruit in our working orchard and garden during your visit.


Our orchard property can be most beautiful at night. Look up and witness what a true dark sky without light pollution can offer; a multitude of bright constellations, shooting stars, and a clear picture of the moon! Our position in Oak Creek Canyon affords dark skies suitable for stunning astrophotography as we are close neighbors to the city of Flagstaff, Arizona, the first recognized International Dark Sky city!


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