Plan Your Road Trip

Volcan Valley Apple Farm is in Julian, California — roughly an hour and a half from San Diego or Oceanside, and about two and a half from Los Angeles. The drive is half the adventure: grab some pie, tour a gold mine, and find yourself surrounded by giant metal dinosaurs in the desert, all before you pick your first apple.

The orchard is at 1284 Julian Orchards Drive, 2.4 miles north of downtown Julian. U-Pick season opens Sunday, September 6 and runs into mid-October. The orchard is open Labor Day Monday, September 7, and from September 11 onward it is open Friday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM — last bags go out at 4:30 and the gates close at 5:00. Admission is $5 per person and children five and under are free with a paying adult; picking bags are $20 and hold six to seven pounds of apples, and only one bag needs to be bought per group. No reservation is needed, most families stay one to two hours, and there are shaded picnic tables if you want to bring lunch. Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and water — bags are sold at the gate.

From LA & Riverside

I-15 South · ~2.5 hours with stops
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  1. 1
    Cabazon Dinosaurs

    Iconic roadside attraction right off I-10. Kids love climbing inside the T-Rex. Quick 30-min photo stop.

  2. 2
    Old Town Temecula

    Walkable historic downtown with antique shops, wine tasting rooms, and great food. 1909 is a local favorite gastropub in a converted barn.

  3. 3
    Bates Nut Farm

    Free admission family farm with a great country store in Valley Center. In fall they run a massive pumpkin patch — pairs perfectly with apple picking.

  4. 4
    Ramona Ranch Winery

    Beautiful hilltop winery with killer valley views. Quick tasting stop on the 78 heading east. Dog-friendly patio.

  5. 🍎
    Volcan Valley Apple Farm

    10 acres of heritage apple orchards in the Volcan Mountain backcountry.

From Oceanside & North County

78 East · ~1.5 hours with stops
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  1. 1
    Mission San Luis Rey

    The "King of the Missions" — largest of California's 21 missions. Beautiful grounds, museum, and gift shop. $5 self-guided tour.

  2. 2
    San Diego Zoo Safari Park

    Make it a full day — Safari Park in the morning, apple picking in the afternoon. The Africa Tram alone is worth it.

  3. 3
    San Pasqual Battlefield State Park

    Hidden history gem right next to the Safari Park. Site of a major Mexican-American War battle in 1846. Free.

  4. 4
    Henshaw Scenic Vista Overlook

    Stunning panoramic views of Lake Henshaw and the valley. Free, open 24/7. Great birding spot and peaceful break.

  5. 🍎
    Volcan Valley Apple Farm

    10 acres of heritage apple orchards in the Volcan Mountain backcountry.

From Downtown SD & South Bay

8 East / 67 North · ~1.5 hours with stops
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  1. 1
    Heritage County Park — Old Town SD

    Hidden gem above Old Town — restored Victorian homes, a tea house, and the old synagogue. Free admission. Most tourists walk right past it.

  2. 2
    Mt. Woodson / Potato Chip Rock

    If you're up for a morning hike, this iconic trail near Poway is on the way. 8 miles round trip to the famous Potato Chip Rock photo op.

  3. 3
    Wynola Junction Antiques

    Quirky antique barn right on the 78 before Julian. Vintage clothing, records, cookware. Has donkeys and chickens out back. A locals' favorite.

  4. 4
    Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza

    Right next to Wynola Junction. Excellent wood-fired pizza, burgers, and a veterans-honoring vibe. Great fuel-up before or after the farm.

  5. 🍎
    Volcan Valley Apple Farm

    10 acres of heritage apple orchards in the Volcan Mountain backcountry.

Julian Town — Make a Day of It

Already in the area · Full day itinerary
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  1. 1
    Julian Pie Company (Santa Ysabel)

    The less crowded outpost on the 78 — same legendary pies. Get the Natural Apple with cinnamon ice cream.

  2. 2
    Dudley's Famous Bakery & Cafe

    A San Diego County institution since 1963. Famous breads, pastries, and sandwiches. Everyone stops at Dudley's. It's the law.

  3. 3
    Eagle Mining Co. — Gold Mine Tour

    Walk through an actual 1870s gold mine. $20, about an hour. Dog-friendly! Kids love the gold panning.

  4. 4
    California Wolf Center

    Conservation center for Mexican gray wolves. Book the Enrichment Tour — watch wolves being fed and learn their stories. Small groups, deeply moving.

  5. 5
    Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve

    Free hiking right near the farm. Moderate climb to summit with 360° views of mountains, desert, and Julian below.

  6. 6
    Julian Beer Co.

    Craft brewery on Main Street with excellent BBQ and live music. Great wind-down after a day of picking.

  7. 🍎
    Volcan Valley Apple Farm

    10 acres of heritage apple orchards in the Volcan Mountain backcountry.

From the Desert Cities

Palm Springs / El Centro · ~2 hours with stops — the most dramatic approach
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  1. 1
    Shields Date Garden — Indio

    100+ year old date farm with a restaurant, legendary date shakes, and a quirky vintage film about date pollination.

  2. 2
    Salvation Mountain — Niland

    Folk art masterpiece near the Salton Sea. A man-made mountain of paint and adobe. Free, otherworldly, unforgettable. Detour from El Centro route.

  3. 3
    Galleta Meadows Sculptures — Borrego Springs

    130+ massive metal sculptures scattered across the desert — dinosaurs, elephants, serpents, miners. Free, 24/7, absolutely surreal. THE hidden gem.

  4. 4
    Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center

    Underground visitor center with excellent exhibits. Palm Canyon Trail starts here. In spring, the wildflower superbloom draws thousands.

  5. 5
    Fonts Point Overlook

    California's Grand Canyon. 4WD recommended for the sandy access road. Sunrise and sunset here are life-changing.

  6. 6
    Santa Ysabel Mission

    Historic asistencia church with a peaceful cemetery. Quiet stop as you climb from the desert into Julian country.

  7. 🍎
    Volcan Valley Apple Farm

    From the desert floor to the orchard in under an hour.

Bonus — The Palomar Mountain Detour

Add to any route · Add 1–2 hours for the ultimate backcountry loop
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  1. 1
    Palomar Observatory

    Home of the famous 200-inch Hale Telescope. The winding drive up the mountain is sports-car-worthy. Free admission to the museum. Giant sequoias at the visitor center.

  2. 2
    Keys Creek Lavender Farm

    Seasonal lavender farm in Valley Center with tea parties, workshops, and a gift shop. Peak bloom June–July.

  3. 🍎
    Volcan Valley Apple Farm

    10 acres of heritage apple orchards in the Volcan Mountain backcountry.

Before you go

Visiting & Hours

When is U-Pick season, and when does it usually open?
The 2026 season opens Sunday, September 6, and we are open Labor Day Monday, September 7 as well. From September 11 onward we are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each week, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, running into mid-October for as long as the apples last.
What are your hours?
During U-Pick season we are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Last bags are handed out at 4:30 PM and gates close at 5:00 PM. We are also open Labor Day Monday, September 7, the same hours. Apart from that one Monday we are closed Monday through Thursday.
When will you open this season — do you know the exact date yet?
Yes — we open Sunday, September 6, 2026, and we are open Labor Day Monday, September 7 too. From September 11 we are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and we keep going until the apples are gone, usually into mid-October.
Are you open on weekdays?
During season we are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus Labor Day Monday, September 7. Apart from that one Monday we are closed Monday through Thursday. Mondays are a change this season — we used to be open Fridays through Mondays.
Are you open Labor Day weekend?
Yes — we are open on Labor Day Monday, September 7, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Our first day of the season is Sunday, September 6, and we are open Labor Day Monday as well. We are not open Friday the 4th or Saturday the 5th. From September 11 onward we are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week.
Do I need a reservation?
No reservation is needed — we are first come, first served. We have come close, but we have never actually had to turn anyone away at our capacity limit, so you are not racing anyone for a spot. Just arrive during our open hours (Friday–Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM) during season. We may look at a reservation system in a future season; if that changes, you will hear it here first.
Can a large group make a reservation?
No — we don't take reservations, even for large groups. We operate first come, first served. A large group of fourteen or more is comfortable for us, and you won't face queuing or crowding on a Saturday morning. Just arrive during our open hours.
Can a large group make a reservation?
No — we don't take reservations, even for large groups. We operate first come, first served. A large group of four or five families is comfortable for us, and you won't face queuing or crowding if you arrive in the morning.
How long does a visit take?
Most families spend 1–2 hours picking apples and enjoying the orchard. You are welcome to stay and have a picnic at our tables.
What time should we arrive to avoid the crowds?
Fridays are comfortably the quietest day we run. The last couple of hours before closing (3:00 to 4:30 PM) are usually calm, and arriving right at 9:00 AM gives you a quiet orchard for the first hour before it fills up. Weekends are busiest with peak crowding around 11 AM to 12:30 PM. We can never guarantee it — a perfect autumn day brings everyone up the hill at once.
Any tips for making the most of our visit?
Take it slow — it can be a hot day, and the orchard is a far nicer place at a wander than at a march. Start with the samples at the gate so you know which varieties you actually like before you fill a bag. And do ask a farm hand for picking tips: they know which rows are at their best that morning, and they will happily show you how to take an apple off the tree without bruising it or hurting next year’s bud.
Why were you closed for part of last season?
Some years the fruit simply is not ready all at once. Our varieties ripen in a stagger, and in a slow year the later ones need more time on the tree — we would rather pause than send people into rows that are not worth picking. That is what happened last season: we picked into mid-September, waited, and opened again for a weekend in early October once the late varieties came on. It is not the usual shape of a season, but it does happen, and it is always the apples deciding rather than us. If we ever do it again we will say so on the website and in The Cider Press, the same way we announce opening day.
When is the orchard least crowded?
Fridays are comfortably the quietest day we run. On any day, the last couple of hours before closing (3:00 to 4:30 PM) are usually calm, and arriving right at 9:00 AM gives you a quiet orchard for the first hour before it fills up. Weekends are our busiest days, with late morning (roughly 11 AM to 12:30 PM) being the peak time. We can never guarantee it — a perfect autumn day brings everyone up the hill at once.

Pricing & Admission

How much does it cost?
Admission is $5 per person for everyone over 5 — children 5 and under are free with a paying adult. Picking bags are separate at $20 each and hold about 6–7 pounds of apples, roughly a dozen medium apples. Only one bag needs to be purchased per group, so the rest of your party can walk the rows, taste the varieties and help pick for just the price of admission. Extra bags are available at the gate if you want more apples than one holds.
Are kids free?
Yes! Children 5 and under enter free of charge with a paying adult. Everyone over 5 pays the $5 admission.
How big are the U-Pick bags?
Each bag holds approximately 6–7 pounds of apples, which is about a dozen medium-sized apples.
Does everyone in my group need to buy a bag?
No — only one bag needs to be purchased per group. Everyone over 5 pays the $5 admission, and then your whole party can share a single $20 bag while everyone walks the rows, tastes the varieties, and helps pick. Most of our groups do exactly that. If you would like more apples than one bag holds, extra bags are available at the gate.
Do you offer group discounts?
No group rate is available. Admission is $5 per person for everyone over 5, and picking bags are $20 each. Bags are priced per bag rather than per person, so your group buys however many bags you want to fill rather than one per person.
Do you offer discounts for veterans, military, or first responders?
We are not offering a veteran, first responder or active military discount this season. We are sorry to disappoint anyone who was hoping for one, and we are grateful for your service. Admission is $5 per person for everyone over 5. Children 5 and under are free with a paying adult, and picking bags are $20 each. Only one bag needs to be bought per group, so the rest of your party can walk the rows, taste the varieties and help pick for just the price of admission.
Do you offer presale tickets for apple picking?
No, we do not offer presale. Apple picking is first come, first served.

Policies & Amenities

Can I bring my dog?
Yes! We are dog-friendly. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. We provide waste bags and water bowls around the orchard.
Is the orchard stroller-friendly?
Yes! Our wide orchard rows easily accommodate strollers and wagons. The trellis system keeps trees at a reachable height, making it great for families with young children.
Do you use pesticides or chemicals?
No. We grow our apples without chemicals. Our orchard is chemical-free, so you can feel good about what you are picking.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and water. Picking bags are sold at the gate, so there is no need to bring your own containers. Shaded picnic tables are available if you would like to bring a lunch.
Are there picnic tables or places to sit?
Yes, we have picnic tables available for visitors. Feel free to bring a lunch and enjoy the orchard setting.
Do you sell food or drinks on site?
Yes! At our own booth we have cold apple cider ($6), cold water, and farm and apple-themed goods including our Cleanpunk apple soaps. A few vendors join us most seasons — Savage Bee-ches brings their honey, and we often see Julian barbecue, a lemonade stand and a much-loved Mexican food truck. Visiting vendors come as their own schedules allow, so we cannot promise any particular one on any particular weekend — treat them as a happy bonus rather than a plan. There are shaded picnic tables if you would rather bring a basket of your own.
Do you sell firewood?
Yes, we sell applewood firewood and smoking wood. Ask at the farm stand during your visit.
Do we need a ladder, or is the fruit too high for children to reach?
No ladders needed — that is the whole point of trellis growing. Our trees are trained on trellises so the fruit hangs at arm’s height, which means children can pick their own and nobody has to climb or strain. The rows are labeled by variety, so you always know what you are picking.
How do you announce mid-season closures if the harvest pauses?
We don't schedule pauses in advance — they happen when the trees need time to catch up, and we often know only ten days or so ahead ourselves. The website is always the first place we post any closure. If you are planning a visit and want to check on current conditions, we welcome you to email us the week before your visit and we will give you an exact update on where we stand.
Can I bring a photographer to take pictures during my visit?
Yes, you're welcome to hire a photographer and bring them along. Your photographer pays regular admission, same as any other guest. We can't hold, close, or reserve any part of the orchard — we're open to the public that day and the rows stay open to everyone. We ask that you not ask other guests to move, wait, or step out of the shot, since everybody bought the same morning you did. In practice, the orchard is large with long rows, and most folks are looking down at their own baskets rather than at you. If you want the quietest rows, arrive right at 9:00 AM when we open.
Do you offer field trips or group educational programs?
We don't have a formal field trip program. U-pick orchards have a very short season and require all hands on deck each day we can be open. What you can do, no promises though, is ask if a farmer is available for a short talk and some Q&A.
Can a large group buy just one bag and share it?
We ask that large groups do not buy a single bag and then snack their way through the orchard. It is not respectful or ethical, and losses like that are what put these unique experiences out of business. Each group should purchase bags according to how much they intend to pick.
Can a Girl Scout troop visit the farm?
Yes, we welcome Girl Scout troops during our u-pick harvests. We do not have a formal program with dedicated time for an extended farmer interaction, since our harvest season is very short and we must focus on harvest tasks to keep the orchard open. That said, if you ask any staff member about Chris (our lead farmer) when you arrive, she will make time if at all possible, depending on her competing priorities that day.

Contact & Directions

Where is the farm located?
We are at 1284 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036. That is 2.4 miles north of downtown Julian, near Menghini Winery.
How do I get there from San Diego?
From San Diego, take I-8 East to Highway 79 North toward Julian. Continue through Julian and we are 2.4 miles north of downtown on Julian Orchards Drive, near Menghini Winery. The drive is about 60–75 minutes from central San Diego.
What is your phone number?
You can reach us at (760) 823-8822.
What is your email address?
You can email us at harvest@volcanvalleyapple.farm.
How do I get to the farm from Los Angeles, Orange County, or Riverside?
Come down I-15 South and then cut east toward Julian. We are at 1284 Julian Orchards Drive, 2.4 miles north of downtown Julian, near Menghini Winery. It is a long drive but a pretty one, and our Plan Your Trip page lays out the whole route with stops worth making on the way, including Old Town Temecula and Bates Nut Farm.
How do I get there from Oceanside or North County?
Take Highway 78 East and follow it toward Julian. We are at 1284 Julian Orchards Drive, 2.4 miles north of downtown Julian, near Menghini Winery. Our Plan Your Trip page has the full run with good stops along the way, including Mission San Luis Rey and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Is there a less winding route if someone in the car gets carsick?
Yes. The mountain roads into Julian are winding, and if motion sickness is a concern we suggest the longer route via Ramona on Highway 78 rather than the shorter climb.

See all 57 questions we get asked · See the seven apple varieties we grow · Coming from Temecula or Murrieta? Take Highway 79 · Coming from Orange County? Take Highway 76

Ready to head to the orchard?

Get Directions

(760) 823-8822

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