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 opened Sunday, September 6, and Saturday, October 17 is the last U-Pick day of the 2026 season. The orchard is open Saturdays and closed Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM — last bags go out at 4:30 and the gates close at 5:00. The orchard is closed every Sunday for the rest of the season. Admission is $5 per person and children five and under are free with a paying adult; picking bags are $10 on that last day (they were $20) and hold six to seven pounds of apples, and only one bag needs to be bought per group. We do not take reservations and we do not book groups — picking is first come, first served for everyone. 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
Open full route in Google Maps
  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
Open full route in Google Maps
  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
Open full route in Google Maps
  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
Open full route in Google Maps
  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
Open full route in Google Maps
  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
Open full route in Google Maps
  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 opened Sunday, September 6, and our last U-Pick day is Saturday, October 17, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We pick on Saturdays only and are closed Sunday, October 18. Most years the season opens anywhere from the weekend right after Labor Day to three or four weekends after that, and the apples decide the exact date. Sign up for The Cider Press, our email newsletter, to hear when we open next year.
What are your hours?
When we are open it is 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Last bags are handed out at 4:30 PM and the gates close at 5:00 PM. We are closed Monday through Friday. For the rest of this season we pick on Saturdays only — we are closed on Sundays. We confirm each Saturday a few days ahead on the banner at the top of this website and in The Cider Press, our email newsletter.
Are you open on Sundays?
<p>No — we are closed on Sundays for the rest of the 2026 season. We pick on Saturdays only, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.</p><p>For most of this season we decided each Sunday after the Saturday before it. That is settled now: Chris has walked the rows and there is not enough fruit to support Sunday picking for the remainder of the season, so we will not be opening on a Sunday again this year. Saturday dates are confirmed on the banner at the top of our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://harvest.volcanvalleyapple.farm/" style="color: rgb(139, 38, 21);">website</a> and in The Cider Press, our email newsletter. Check <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://volcanvalleyapple.farm" style="color: rgb(139, 38, 21);">volcanvalleyapple.farm</a> or sign up for The Cider Press on our homepage to stay informed. If you are looking to pick on a day we are not open, we recommend our friends at Julian Farm & Orchard in Wynola.</p>
Are you open on weekdays?
No — we are closed Monday through Friday. For the rest of the 2026 season we pick on Saturdays only, and we are closed on Sundays. Fridays were part of the plan earlier in the season and are not anymore, so please do not plan a Friday visit.
Are you open Labor Day weekend?
No — we are CLOSED on Labor Day Monday, September 7. The orchard and the farm stand are both closed that day. We opened Sunday, September 6, and the day brought a much bigger crowd than we expected; essentially all of the ripe fruit was picked. The apples still on the trees need more time. We are sorry for the change. We are open every Saturday for the rest of the season, starting Saturday, September 19, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Do I need a reservation?
No — we don't take reservations at all, so there is nothing to book and nothing to arrange. Apple picking is first come, first served for everyone, and the rule is the same for a large group as it is for one family. We have come close to our capacity limit, but we have never actually had to turn anyone away, so you are not racing anyone for a spot. Just arrive during our open hours (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM) on a day we are open and pay admission and your bag at the gate.
Can a large group make a reservation?
No — we don't take reservations, and that includes every kind of group: school and homeschool classes, scout troops, church and club outings, birthday parties and large families. It is one rule for everybody, so nobody has to ask and nobody gets a different answer. Apple picking is first come, first served. Large groups are genuinely welcome and we see them often — you won't face queuing or crowding if you arrive in the morning during our open hours. Come as you are, pay admission and your bag at the gate, and pick alongside everyone else.
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?
Arriving right at 9:00 AM gives you a quiet orchard for the first hour before it fills up, and the last couple of hours before closing (3:00 to 4:30 PM) are usually calm as well. Late morning, roughly 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, is the peak. We are open Saturdays for the rest of the season, and closed on Sundays. We can never guarantee it — a perfect autumn day brings everyone up the hill at once.
When should we visit if we want a quieter experience?
We are open Saturdays for the rest of the season and closed on Sundays, so the quiet is in the hours rather than the day. The calmest stretches are the first hour after we open at 9:00 AM and the last couple of hours before closing, from about 3:00 to 4:30 PM. Late morning, roughly 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, is our busiest. A quieter hour also gives you a better chance of catching Chris, our lead farmer, for a short talk and some questions — though we cannot promise her time, since the orchard has a way of making other plans.
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?
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. Late morning, roughly 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, is the peak. We are open Saturdays for the rest of the season, and closed on Sundays. We can never guarantee it — a perfect autumn day brings everyone up the hill at once.
Why is the farm closed on weekdays?
Our staff uses those days to repair the damage from the previous weekend, prune branches that have grown into the rows, and prepare for the following weekend. For the rest of the 2026 season we pick on Saturdays only and are closed on Sundays, and with 10 acres of trees there is always room.
What is the best day and time for a smaller crowd?
We are open Saturdays for the rest of the season and closed on Sundays, so the choice is really about the hour rather than the day. The smallest crowds are in the first hour after we open at 9:00 AM, and again after 2:00 PM. On a quiet morning you also stand a better chance of meeting Chris, our apple farmer, if she is not out tending to something urgent.
Should we come early in the season or later?
<p>Neither is better — they are different, and it comes down to which apples you want. September usually brings Jonathan, Empire and Gala. Gala is sweet and mild and tends to be the children’s favorite; Empire is crisp and juicy; Jonathan is sweet-tart and bold. Fuji and Golden Delicious usually follow from September into October, and Pippin comes last in October — Pippin is our classic pie apple, so if you are baking it is worth coming later for. Good fresh-eating apples turn up across the whole season, so you are not choosing between eating and baking, only between varieties. Whenever you come there is a mix on the ground, because the apples on one tree do not all ripen at once — some are ready at the start and others come on over the following weekends. Two other things worth knowing: the orchard is a full green canopy from mid-September and the leaves do not turn until late October, and the first hour after we open at 9:00 AM is comfortably the quietest part of any day. Exact timing varies with the year and the weather, so check the homepage or The Cider Press newsletter the week before, or email us and we will tell you where we stand.</p>
How can I know in advance if you'll be open on a particular Saturday?
<p>We can confirm a Saturday only a few days ahead, typically by the Monday or Tuesday before. Our ability to open depends on how busy the previous weekends were, the rate at which the apples are sizing and ripening, and any weather that might knock fruit off the trees. The best way to stay informed is to check the website the week before your planned visit and again the morning of your trip, and to sign up for The Cider Press newsletter on our website.</p>
When do you announce if you'll be open on Sunday?
We are not opening on Sundays for the rest of the 2026 season, so there is no Sunday announcement to wait for. We pick on Saturdays only, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For most of the season we assessed the orchard after each Saturday and posted a Sunday decision that evening; Chris has now walked the rows and there is not enough fruit left to support Sunday picking for the remainder of the year.
Will you be open during the holiday season?
This year we will not be open into the holiday season. However, we are planning something new for next year: several weeks after our harvest season closes, we will have our inaugural Volcan Valley Winter Market. It will be a large event with dozens of vendor booths and several food trucks, similar to a moderately sized Oktoberfest but with a Backcountry Christmas theme.
When will the orchard be open in October?
We were open Saturday, October 3, and closed Saturday, October 10. Saturday, October 17, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, is our last U-Pick day of the 2026 season. We are closed every Sunday, and we will not open again this year after the 17th.
Will you be open in November?
No. Saturday, October 17 is our last U-Pick day of the 2026 season, and we will not open again until next season.
When will the season end?
Saturday, October 17 is our last U-Pick day of the 2026 season, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We are closed from Sunday, October 18 until next season. Sign up for The Cider Press at volcanvalleyapple.farm/cider-press to hear first when we open next year.
When will you announce if you're open on a particular Saturday?
We confirm each Saturday as close to the date as possible—as early as the preceding Sunday, or by Wednesday. If apples are not available, we post notice on the website at volcanvalleyapple.farm. If we do open on a day when apples are light on the trees, we make that known so visitors understand what to expect for the orchard experience and vendor accessibility.
Are you open the weekend of September 12 and 13?
We were closed that weekend — Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13. Opening weekend brought a much bigger crowd than we expected and the fruit that was ready went home with it. What was left on the trees needed more days to size up and to build its sugars. We were back open on Saturday, September 19. We confirm each Saturday a few days ahead on the banner at the top of this website and in The Cider Press, our email newsletter.
Are you open Sunday, September 20?
No — we are closed Sunday, September 20. Saturday, September 19 was even busier than opening day, and the fruit that was ready to pick went home with our visitors. There is not enough left on the trees to open again on Sunday. There are a lot of small apples still sizing up and building their sugars, and they need the days.
Are you open Saturday, September 26?
No — we are closed Saturday, September 26. We are open again Saturday, October 3, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Chris and the farm hands spent this morning walking every row, checking how the apples are sizing and how their sugars are coming on. The fruit is on its way, but it is not ready, and there is no way to hurry it. Two full weeks of rest means better picking for everyone who comes on the days we are open, and it lets the season run as far into October as the trees will support — so more people get their turn in the rows.
Are you open Sunday, September 27?
No — we are closed Sunday, September 27. We are closed both days that weekend, Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th, and we are open again Saturday, October 3, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We are giving the trees two full weeks of rest so the apples still out there can put on size and sweetness. That makes the picking better on the days we are open, and it lets the season run as far into October as the trees will support.
Are you open Saturday, October 10?
No, we were closed Saturday, October 10. We are open Saturday, October 17, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, our last U-Pick day of the 2026 season. We are closed every Sunday, including October 18.
Are you open Saturday, October 17?
Yes. We are open Saturday, October 17, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and it is our last U-Pick day of the 2026 season. The remnants of Hurricane Rachel brought down most of the apples still on the trees, so it is a hunt rather than a big harvest: the apples that held on are tucked up inside the branches. Picking bags are $10 for the day (they were $20) and admission is $5 per person, ages 6 and up. Every group that buys at least one picking bag, with everyone paying admission, can also take home one reusable grocery bag of apple wood and one of grounders, free. Bring those bags from home. We are closed Sunday, October 18.
Are you open Saturday, October 17?
We plan to open Saturday, October 17, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, but that day is not confirmed yet. We will post the final word on Wednesday, October 14, on the banner at the top of our website and in The Cider Press newsletter, so please check before you drive. We are closed Saturday, October 10, and every Sunday for the rest of the season.
Are there still apples to pick after the storm?
Yes, but fewer than usual, and they take some finding. The remnants of Hurricane Rachel put 7.5 inches of rain in our gauges and brought down most of the apples still on the trees. The ones that held on are tucked up inside the branches, so our last U-Pick day, Saturday, October 17, is more of a treasure hunt than a big harvest. If you need a large amount of apples, a grocery store will serve you better this year. Many of the apples on the trees split in the heavy rain, but they are late-season fruit with plenty of natural sugar and flavor. Split apples do not keep long, so plan to eat them within the week or cook with them. We cannot promise any particular variety.

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. On our last U-Pick day, Saturday, October 17, picking bags are $10 each (they were $20) 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 and help pick for just the price of admission. Every group that buys a picking bag, with everyone paying admission, can also take home one reusable grocery bag of apple wood and one of grounders, free.
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 bag ($10 on our last day, Saturday, October 17) 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 $10 each on our last day, Saturday, October 17. 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 $10 each on our last day, Saturday, October 17. 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.
How much does a picking bag cost?
On our last U-Pick day, Saturday, October 17, picking bags are $10 each (they were $20). They are sold at the gate and hold about 6–7 pounds of apples.
How many bags should a family buy?
One bag per family of 3 to 4 is generally a good amount, holding approximately 6–7 pounds of apples. Additional bags are available at the gate if you want more apples.
What are the free apple wood and grounder bags?
On our last U-Pick day, Saturday, October 17, every group where everyone has paid admission and that buys at least one picking bag can take home two extras free, in bags you bring from home: one reusable grocery bag of apple wood for your smoker, and one of grounders, the apples already on the ground, for making your own apple cider vinegar. That is one of each per group. Please take only wood that is already down, never branches from the trees, and only apples from the ground for the grounder bag; anything still on a tree goes in a picking bag. Grounders are for vinegar or cooking, not for eating fresh. All of the wood has been drying for at least a few months; the newest pieces will smoke sweetest with a little more time.

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're picking.
What should I bring?
Comfortable closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and water. Picking bags are sold at the gate. On our last day, Saturday, October 17, also bring two reusable grocery bags from home: every group that buys a picking bag can fill one with apple wood and one with grounders, free. 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, cold water, and farm and apple-themed goods including our Cleanpunk apple soaps. Savage Bee’ches joins us with their honey and is our apple cider vendor this season. We also often see Julian barbecue, a lemonade stand and a much-loved Mexican food truck — those come as their own schedules allow, so 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.
Can I count on the food truck being there on a particular day?
The food trucks run their own schedules and don't inform us when they will or will not be there, so we can't promise them on any particular weekend. Treat them as a happy bonus rather than a plan. There are many great places to eat or get takeout in Julian and on the way to Julian.
Which food vendors will be at the farm this season?
Two are confirmed for this season. Savage Bee’ches joins us with their honey and is our apple cider vendor. Victor brings his lemonade, churros and nachos — Saturdays are our busiest day and the churros and nachos sometimes sell out well before closing, so come early if you have your heart set on them. Other food trucks visit as well, but we are not always told in advance which ones will come or on which weekends, so treat anyone beyond those two as a happy bonus rather than a plan. If you would rather bring your own, we have shaded picnic tables — and Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel is a good stop for sandwiches on the way up.
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, and we don't book school, homeschool or scout groups — it is the same first come, first served rule we keep for everybody. Our season is short and every hand is needed on the days we can open, so there is nobody free to run a program alongside the picking. What that means is simpler than booking: bring your group during our open hours, pay admission and your bag at the gate, and pick alongside everyone else. If you would like calmer rows, arrive right at 9:00 AM — the first hour is the quietest part of the day. Young pickers are always welcome in the orchard.
Do you offer field trips or group educational programs?
We do not offer group or field trip experiences. We have a very short season and must focus on staffing during this period. We do welcome groups of many sizes on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like a less trafficked experience for your group, arrive right at 9:00 AM — the first hour is comfortably the quietest part of the day. On a quiet morning you also stand a better chance of asking if Chris, our lead farmer, is available for a short Q&A and apple picking demonstration, though we cannot commit to her availability as competing priorities in the orchard are relentless.
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.
Will the orchard be open if it rains?
Light to moderate rain does not close the orchard. We only close the gates when lightning strikes are a threat or when rain is so heavy that mud becomes a danger to guests. There are no covered areas in the orchard, so we encourage you to bring a poncho or a rain jacket—they keep your hands free for picking and they will not catch on the branches as you move down the rows. If you would rather bring an umbrella, please be mindful of it around the trees. Our fruit hangs at arm’s height on the trellises, and it is easy to knock good apples to the ground on the way down a row without noticing.
Can I bring my cat to the orchard?
A cat on a leash or in a carrier is okay. We encourage you not to bring the cat out unrestrained at any time. The orchard is large and an unrestrained cat could trigger reactive dogs or cause other safety issues faster than staff could respond.
Are there restrooms at the farm?
Yes. We have hand-washing stations and handicap-accessible restrooms on site, along with portable facilities.
Do you offer orchard tours?
We do not offer tour options at this time, though it is something we are considering for future harvests.
Can I ask Chris the lead farmer questions about the orchard?
Yes. When you check in at the gate, ask if Chris is available. If she is, she will field some orchard-related questions for you. We cannot promise her time, since the orchard has a way of making other plans.
Do you offer special days for homeschool groups or scout troops?
We are planning special days exclusively for homeschool and scouting troops for next season. You can sign up for The Cider Press newsletter on our website and email harvest@volcanvalleyapple.farm to indicate your interest in the homeschool days. We will send you the schedule in mid-summer next year.
Do you offer special days for families with terminally ill children?
Yes, we are planning to reserve a day exclusively for terminally ill children and their families for next season. You can sign up for The Cider Press newsletter on our website and email harvest@volcanvalleyapple.farm with your interest. We will send details in mid-summer next year.
Is there a charge for parking?
No — there is no charge for parking in the areas marked for Volcan Valley Apple Farm guests.
Is the orchard accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. Our rows are wide with mostly flat ground, and we see wheelchair users—both motorized and push-assisted—every day we are open. The trellis system keeps fruit at a reachable height for low-level picking. We cannot guarantee how well any particular wheelchair will fare, but as long as capable assistants are present, we have yet to see someone unable to engage in the u-pick experience.

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 105 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

Got a question before you set off? Give us a call and leave a message. If your number can receive texts, Volcan Valley Apple Farm may text you the answer, and once more if part of it needs a person. Message and data rates may apply, reply STOP to opt out, and we never use your number for marketing. See our privacy policy.