Fruita in Wayne County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

It's Alive!

Photographed by James Hulse, April 2, 2025

1. It's Alive! Marker

Inscription. Why is this Chinese wisteria, Wisteria sinensis, in rehab? A long time resident of Fruita, this vine was planted by settlers as an ornamental in the early 1900s. It was used for decades as a living swing for both local residents and visitors.

Many brought their children and grandchildren to play on this historic vine and take their photo with it - as they did in their youth. This activity evolved into a family tradition for some. Unfortunately, the health of the vine was compromised.

Remarkably, a few new leaves emerged from its base during the summer of 2010 - tenacious signs of life. If this iconic vine is protected, there is hope that it will revive and flourish again for all, a reflection of Fruita's early days.

Please do not sit or swing on this vine. With your help and the help of this pole fence, this Chinese wisteria will thrive again.

Erected by Capital Reef National Park, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2010.

Location. 38° 17.165′ N,

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111° 14.819′ W. Marker is in Fruita, Utah, in Wayne County. It is on Scenic Drive 0.9 miles east of Utah Road 24, on the left when traveling east. The marker is located in a small park area along the the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 641 Scenic Dr, Torrey UT 84775, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Giving Groves (within shouting distance of this marker); Silent Sentinels (within shouting distance of this marker); Living Off the Land (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Community's Cornerstone (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pendleton-Jorgenson-Gifford Barn Story (approx. 0.2 miles away); Signs of a Thriving People (approx. 0.3 miles

The view of the vines and the It's Alive! Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 2, 2025

2. The view of the vines and the It's Alive! Marker

away); Holt Orchard (approx. 0.3 miles away); Stories in Stone (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fruita.

The view in the park area with the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 2, 2025

3. The view in the park area with the Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 2, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.