Apple Hill Growers is a cooperative of family farms in the Sierra Nevada foothills

Apple Hill Growers is not a single orchard but a network of independent family farms in El Dorado County, California, about 60 miles east of Sacramento. The farms band together under one name and marketing effort, but each operates separately and sells its own fruit, cider, baked goods, and other products. You visit individual farm stands and orchards, not one central location.

The cooperative formed in the 1970s when small growers realized they could attract more visitors and sell more product by promoting the area as a destination rather than competing alone. Today roughly 50 farms participate, though the exact number changes year to year. Most are family-owned and have been for decades.

If you are planning a trip, the key thing to understand is that Apple Hill is a region, not a business. You will drive from farm to farm, each with its own hours, prices, and what it grows or makes. Some farms are open year-round; others only during harvest season or weekends. Some charge for parking or entry; most do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Hill Growers is a group of independent family farms in El Dorado County that market together but operate separately.
  • Most farms are open seasonally or on weekends, so check individual farm hours before you go.
  • You can pick your own fruit at some farms, buy pre-picked fruit at farm stands, or both.
  • Peak season runs from late August through October, when apples, pears, and other fall crops are ready.
  • Parking and entry fees vary by farm; many are free, but some charge a small amount.

What grows at Apple Hill and when

Apple Hill farms grow apples, pears, stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines), and berries. The exact varieties and timing depend on the farm and the year's weather. Most farms focus on apples because the region's elevation and cool nights produce fruit with good flavor and color.

Peak season is late August through October. Apples are usually ready in September and October. Pears come in August and September. Stone fruit ripens earlier, often in July and August. Some farms also grow berries in spring and early summer. A few farms have year-round operations with cider, jams, baked goods, and other products made from their own fruit.

If you want to pick your own fruit, call ahead or check the farm's website to confirm what is ready and whether picking is open that day. Weather, ripeness, and how much has already been picked all affect availability week to week.

Pick-your-own versus pre-picked fruit

Some Apple Hill farms let you pick your own fruit directly from the trees. You bring your own containers or buy them at the farm, fill them, and pay by the pound or by the container. This is usually cheaper per pound than buying pre-picked fruit, but you do the work and it takes time.

Other farms sell only pre-picked fruit at farm stands. You choose what you want, pay at a register, and leave. Prices are higher than pick-your-own because the farm has already harvested and sorted the fruit.

Many farms offer both: a pick-your-own section and a stand where you can buy fruit that is already picked. This lets you choose based on how much time you have and what you want to spend.

Parking, entry fees, and what to bring

Most Apple Hill farms do not charge for parking or entry. You can walk around the orchard and farm stand for free. A few farms charge a small parking fee (usually $5 to $10) or an entry fee, especially if they offer activities like hayrides, cider pressing, or a petting zoo. Check the farm's website or call before you go if you want to know.

If you plan to pick your own fruit, wear closed-toe shoes with good grip because the ground can be uneven and sometimes wet. Bring sunscreen and a hat. Bring water or buy it at the farm. If you have young children, bring a stroller or wagon because orchards are large and walking can be tiring.

Bring your own containers if you have them, or plan to buy containers at the farm. Some farms charge for containers; others include them in the price. Ask when you arrive.

How to find which farms are open and what they sell

The Apple Hill Growers Association maintains a website and a printed map that lists member farms, their locations, hours, and what they grow or make. The map is free and available at visitor centers in the area, at some farms, and online.

Each farm also has its own website or social media page where they post current hours, what is ready to pick or buy, and any special events. Hours change seasonally and sometimes week to week, so checking before you go saves a wasted trip.

The main Apple Hill Growers website has links to individual farms. You can also call farms directly to ask what is in season, whether picking is open, and what the current hours are.

Typical costs and what to expect to spend

Pick-your-own fruit usually costs between $1 and $3 per pound, depending on the fruit and the farm. A 5-pound bag of apples might cost $5 to $15. Pre-picked fruit at farm stands costs more, usually $2 to $5 per pound or $8 to $20 for a pre-packed bag.

Cider, jams, baked goods, and other products made on the farm cost more than fresh fruit. A gallon of fresh cider might be $8 to $12. A jar of jam might be $6 to $10. Prices vary by farm and product.

If a farm charges for parking or entry, expect $5 to $10. Some farms offer discounts if you buy a certain amount of fruit. A few have special events like cider pressing or hayrides that cost extra.

Best times to visit and how crowded it gets

Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Early morning is less crowded than afternoon. September and early October are the busiest times because apples are at their peak and the weather is usually good.

If you want to avoid crowds, go on a weekday in late August or late October, or visit on a rainy day. If you do not mind crowds and want the full experience, go on a weekend in September.

Parking can fill up at popular farms on busy days, especially mid-morning through mid-afternoon. If you arrive and the parking lot is full, you can try another farm or come back earlier the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation to pick fruit?

Most Apple Hill farms do not require reservations for pick-your-own. You can just show up during their posted hours. A few farms take reservations for large groups or special events. Call the farm ahead of time if you are bringing a group of 15 or more.

Can I bring my dog to the orchard?

Policies vary by farm. Some allow leashed dogs; others do not allow them at all. Call the farm before you go if you plan to bring a pet. Dogs are usually not allowed in farm stands or buildings where food is sold.

What if I pick fruit and then realize I do not want it?

Once you have picked and paid for fruit, most farms do not offer refunds. You own the fruit at that point. If you are unsure how much you want, pick a small amount first and see how you feel before filling more containers.

Are the orchards accessible for people with mobility issues?

Accessibility varies widely by farm. Some have paved paths and accessible parking; others have only dirt paths and uneven ground. Call the farm directly to ask about accessibility before you visit. The main Apple Hill website may also list which farms have accessible facilities.

Can I bring a picnic and eat at the farm?

Many farms allow picnicking on their grounds. Some have picnic tables or shaded areas. A few have restrictions or ask that you buy food from their stand. Ask when you arrive or call ahead if you want to plan a picnic.