Julian, California · Est. 1996
Julian's largest U-Pick — 7,000 trees, dog & kid friendly, no chemicals.
Volcan Valley Apple Farm is a U-Pick apple orchard in Julian, California, about 2.4 miles north of town. Seven apple varieties grow on more than 7,000 trellis-trained trees across ten acres — trellised means the fruit hangs at arm’s height, so nobody needs a ladder and children can pick their own. U-Pick season opens Sunday, September 6 and runs into mid-October, Friday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission is $5 per person; picking bags are $20 and hold six to seven pounds of apples, and only one bag needs to be bought per group. Dogs are welcome on a leash, the rows are wide enough for strollers and wagons, and the orchard is grown without chemicals.
Our Story
Nestled at the foot of Volcan Mountain along Julian Orchards Drive, our 10-acre orchard has been part of the Julian landscape since 1996. Under the care of Roger and Cindy Hedgecock, the farm has flourished into a destination where families, friends, and four-legged companions come together each harvest season.
We grow our apples on a unique trellis system that keeps fruit low and reachable for pickers of every age and height — from toddlers just learning to walk to grandparents who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground. Seven distinct varieties ripen in waves from late August through October, ensuring something delicious is always ready to pick.
At Volcan Valley, politics stay at the gate. This is a place for good apples, fresh mountain air, and the simple joy of harvest.
The Orchard
Our trellis rows are labeled by variety so you always know exactly what you're picking. Taste a sample at the gate, then head into the orchard to fill your bag with your favorites.
Tart · Complex · Aromatic
The earliest to ripen — tart, complex, and aromatic. We press these into our famous fresh cold apple cider sold right on the farm.
Best for: Cider, sauce, baking
Late AugustSweet-Tart · Bright · Bold
A beloved all-purpose apple with bright red skin and a sweet-tart flavor. Superb for fresh eating and baking alike.
Best for: Fresh eating, baking, salads
SeptemberCrisp · Juicy · Sweet
A McIntosh × Red Delicious cross. Crisp, juicy, and subtly sweet — a crowd-pleaser that holds up beautifully in pies.
Best for: Pies, fresh eating, snacking
SeptemberSweet · Mild · Snackable
One of the world's most popular apples for good reason. Mild, sweet, and endlessly snackable straight off the tree.
Best for: Fresh eating, kids' favorite
SeptemberHoney-Sweet · Crunchy · Dense
Dense, honey-sweet, and satisfyingly crunchy. Our Fujis are a perennial visitor favorite — bags fill up fast.
Best for: Fresh eating, snacking, salads
September – OctoberMellow · Sweet · Buttery
Mellow, mild sweetness with thin golden skin. Outstanding for fresh eating, salads, and applesauce.
Best for: Applesauce, salads, fresh eating
September – OctoberTart · Firm · Complex
The Newtown Pippin — one of America's oldest apple varieties. Tart and firm, it makes exceptional pies and sauces.
Best for: Pies, sauces, baking
OctoberPlan Your Visit
Every visit starts with apple samples at the gate so you can taste before you pick. Then you're off into the rows — no ladder, no strain, just great apples at arm's reach.
🍎 Harvest Season: September 6 – October 18
Sunday
9 AM – 5 PM
Last bags sold at 4:30 PM · Gates close at 5 PM
Friday – Monday
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Last bags sold at 4:30 PM · Gates close at 5:00 PM
Visiting vendors. Savage Bee-ches brings their honey most seasons, and we often see Julian barbecue, a lemonade stand and a much-loved Mexican food truck. They come as their schedules allow, so treat any one of them as a happy bonus rather than a promise.
Grab your bag, get a welcome sample of each variety — taste before you pick.
Clearly labeled trellis rows put ripe apples right at arm's reach — no ladders needed.
Mix varieties or focus on a favorite. The mountain air, the scenery, and the company make it unforgettable.
Finish with a cup of fresh-pressed Gravenstein cider — cold, golden, and pressed right here on the farm.
Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the orchard. We provide waste bags and a water bucket right at the gate.
Wide rows between the trellis trees give strollers and toddlers plenty of room to roam. Our youngest pickers love pulling apples off the low branches.
Volcan Mountain rises across the valley to the west. The crisp mountain air and panoramic views make every visit feel like an escape.
From Our Visitors
“We had little kids with us and they had a blast. The apples were all so delicious and the trellis system meant even the tiniest ones could reach the fruit. Great family activity.”
“We took our dogs and they were completely welcome. The farm even had water out for them. Beautiful setting with the mountain right there. We'll be back every year.”
“Moms with strollers everywhere and everyone was having a great time. Easy to navigate between the rows. The fresh cider at the end was the perfect finishing touch.”
“Apples were amazing! So many trees! Kids loved how sweet and small the apples were! Soooo cute and amazing for a snack on the go!”
Life at the Farm
Our seasonal newsletter — harvest news, exclusive product releases, opening date announcements, and a taste of farm life delivered straight to your inbox. Never miss a season again.
Getting Here
We're 2.4 miles north of downtown Julian on Julian Orchards Drive, right next to Menghini Winery. The mountain roads are winding — if motion sickness is a concern, consider the longer route via Ramona (Highway 78).
