Julian Apple Picking Season 2023: Best Orchards & Tastiest Apple Pies

Fall is here and that means it’s time for apple picking in Julian, California! September and October are prime apple picking months, so it’s an ideal time to be outdoors and plan a fun family outing.

And nothing is better than gathering up your own apples and taking them home for eating, cooking, and baking. So, let’s head to the mountains of Julian for these wholesome fall treats and maybe try some of the famous Julian apple pies. 

As the 2023 apple-picking season is coming closer, we will update this article with the 2023 opening times and days of each apple orchard in Julian. Stay tuned…

History of Julian Apples

The town of Julian is the place to go for apples. Located just an hour northeast of San Diego in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains at an elevation of 4,225 feet, Julian is a refreshing throwback to simpler times.

Once a bustling gold mining town, Julian’s mines eventually dried up, but a new treasure had already been taking hold — apples. All thanks to a widower named James T. Madison who relocated here from New Orleans and quickly discovered the fertile soil of Julian was perfect for fruit orchards.

Madison traveled to San Bernardino with a four-horse wagon and returned with it filled with apple trees. And the rest is history. 

By the 1890s, Julian was proclaimed the “greatest apple belt in the world” and its fruit and pies were winning one national award after another. Julian’s legacy lives on today with its apple farms and famous apple pies.

Julian Apple Picking: Where and When to Pick Julian Apples

Here’s a listing of places to pick apples in Julian. However, it’s a good idea to check the website or give these businesses a call for updated information before you go.

Peacefield Orchard

Address: 3803 Wynola Rd, Julian, CA 92036
310-902-6321 kenb.anewleaf@gmail.com
Website
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays each weekend in September (2023)

Peacefield Orchard U-Pick and Farmstand is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm (or until the day’s ripe apples run out). So, it’s a good idea to arrive early, as it gets hot! Please wear close-toed shoes.

Orchard tours and u-pick by appointment are also available. Please make reservations for groups larger than 2 cars. Pick Granny Smith, Red and Golden Delicious, Jonathan and Jonagold on 2 1/2 acres, widely spaced lanes made for plenty of space! 

Cost: $20 per bag (1/2 peck) with no entry fee.

Julian Mining Company

Address: 4444 CA-78, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (951) 312-9940
Website
Dates: starts on October 15, 2022, 2023 dates have not been announced yet

Julian Mining Company is all about connecting living history with a working farm. Yes, there are apples, but this orchard offers a whole lot more.

Apple picking begins October 15 with a variety of fun activities like fall goodies, pumpkins, gold mining & gold panning, fossil digging, a mini train ride, and of course, apple picking. The farm is open Saturdays 10-4 and Sundays 12-4. Check Instagram @julianminingco_ for updates.

Cost: $18 per bag (can be shared) and $3 per person entry fee.

Volcan Valley Apple Farm

Address: 1284 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 302-4574
Facebook
Dates: Expected early to mid September 2022, 2023 dates have not been announced yet

A seasonal u-pick orchard with 8,000 trellis-grown apple trees and 7 apple varieties, Volcan Valley Apple Farm is all about family fun and is starting this years apple picking season on September 5, 2021. 

Hours of operation are Friday-Monday, 9 am to 4:30 pm (last sale). Gates close at 5. 

Cost: $15 per bag which holds about 6-7 lbs. and includes one admission. Active military with an ID pay $10. Extra admission is $5 per person. Children 5 and under are free. 

Crosscut Farm and Orchard

1209 Farmer Rd, Julian, CA 92036
(605) 431-0136
Website
Dates: September 16 – 24, 2023

Gather your friends and family and be ready when the family-owned and operated Crosscut Farm and Orchard opens for apple picking this September.

Reservations are required. Walk-ins are not permitted. 10 people per group minimum, 50 people per group maximum. Call 605-430-9791 for reservations or buy online, reservations begin August 1st.

Reservation times are 10AM-Noon, 1PM-3:00PM and 3:00PM-5:00PM but feel free to bring a picnic lunch and spend the day.

Parking is on site – travel down the restricted lane that is designated as a trail for Volcan Mountain, come through the metal gate near the farmhouse and follow signs to the parking area. 

Cost: $20 per bag and $5 per person entry fee (kids 4 and under are free) which includes parking, a narrative on apple farming and local history, a cider demonstration, and a picnic site.

Calico Apple and Pear Ranch & Cidery

Address: 4228 Firefighter Steven Rucker Memorial Hwy, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (858) 586-0392
Website
Dates: 2023 dates have not been announced yet

This family-run ranch has been in operation for over 90 years and is a great place to pick apples and pears. While this year, they are already picked out, you should definitely keep them on your radar for next year and also stop by for their cider, which luckily, has not run dry yet.

Their cidery is open Friday-Sunday 11 AM to Sunset and all their ciders are made from their own apples.

Cost: $7 per 1/4 peck bag, which is about 7 lbs. Cash preferred.

Apple Picking Tips: What to Wear and How to Prepare

Our first recommendation is to check the weather report as Julian can sometimes see cooler temperatures than the rest of San Diego due to its elevation. Comfortable, cotton clothing should be worn along with comfy shoes (preferably tennis shoes) as you’ll be trapsing through orchards. 

A short orientation on proper picking techniques is available at each orchard prior to apple picking. Orchards require masks and social distancing within the rows. We’d also recommend you pack hand sanitizer, wipes, and bottles of water. Each of the orchards has bathroom facilities available.

Think about spending the night…. Yes, Julian is an easy day trip from San Diego or Los Angeles, but if you spend the night, you REALLY get to enjoy it.

Here are some really great places to stay in Julian:

• Julian Hotel
• Oak Hill Inn
• The Julian Inn

Other Apple(y) Fun Things to Do in Julian

Stop in for a Piece of Apple Pie in Julian

You can’t be in Julian and not try a big slice of flaky, sweet, delectable apple pie, a true Julian treasure. Several pie companies in town offer either sit-down or window service, but you just have to do it.

These are the best apple pies in the universe (and even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top). We guarantee you’ll be taking one home with you.

But which bakery has the best apple pie in Julian? It seems like every family in Southern California has their personal favorite and some are hard set on only eating apple pie from “their” bakery.

I have tried a few of them and have to say, they are all amazing and you won’t find a bad piece of pie in Julian, promise. Here are some of the best Julian Apple Pie Bakeries in town:

• Julian Pie Company
• Julian Cafe & Bakery
• Mom’s Pie House
• Apple Alley Bakery

Visit Volcan Mountain Winery

Address: 1255 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-3267
Website

Open Friday through Sunday 11-5, Volcan Mountain Winery is located directly across from picturesque apple orchards. Sparkling, white, and reds are available for tasting, but their apple wines like the Pomme D’Amour sparkling and Dolcezza, an estate-grown apple white are unique and luscious. This is one of the best wineries in San Diego county. Don’t miss this!

Check out Julian Hard Cider

Address: 4470 Julian Rd, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 703-7307
Website

Yes, you can get apple cider at various places throughout the town of Julian, but there’s the really good hard stuff too. Julian Hard Cider’s Miners’ Saloon is located in a former apple packing facility.

They feature a variety of premium fresh-pressed ciders from harvest apple to cherry, berry, pear, and yes, even apple pie. Open Friday to Sunday from 12 to 6 pm, it’s a super fun way to toast the autumn!  

Have fun with the apple picking in Julian, and be sure to share your experience with us!

Take a look at these other Fall Activities in San Diego:

• 8 Ways to Celebrate Fall in San Diego
• Things to do on Halloween in San Diego
• Best Haunted Houses in San Diego

Julian Apple Picking – Pin for Later:

Last Updated on August 6, 2023 by Maria Haase

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