Julian Apple Picking Season 2026: Best Orchards & Tastiest Apple Pies

by Noreen Kompanik

Fall is almost here, and that means it’s time for apple picking in Julian, California! August, 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 or the fantastic restaurants in Julian.

As the 2026 apple-picking season is coming closer, we will update this article with the 2026 opening times and days of each apple orchard in Julian. Stay tuned…

Woman with long dark hair and a tan hat standing in an apple orchard in San Diego holding a basket with apples - Julian Apple Picking — Apple Picking in Julian California

Julian Apple Picking: Where and When to Pick Julian Apples

Applelane Orchard

Address: 2641 Apple Ln, Julian, CA 92036
info@applelaneorchard.com
Facebook
Dates: August 8, 9,15,16 2026, 10 AM – 4 PM
Cost: $15 per person, and kids under 2 are free.

Applelane Orchard kicks off the apple picking season in Julian with their Early Gold variety in August already. Bring a picnic, and have fun. Please park outside the gate and walk in. Pets are not allowed.

Peacefield Orchard

Address: 3803 Wynola Rd, Julian, CA 92036
310-902-6321 kenb.anewleaf@gmail.com
Website
Dates: August 22 & 29, September 5, 12, 19, 2026 (maybe later dates available if there are still apples)
Reservations required!

Peacefield Orchard U-Pick and Farmstand will be open on Saturdays, and you can make reservations for picking times at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, or 12 PM. It’s a good idea to arrive early, as it gets hot! Please wear closed-toed shoes.

Orchard tours and u-pick by appointment are also available. The Golden Delicious apples ripen first, followed by Red Delicious, Jonathan, Jonagold, and Granny Smith on 2 1/2 acres, with widely spaced lanes made for plenty of space!

The orchard is stunning — rows of beautiful old trees with plenty of space to roam. Ken and his team go out of their way to make sure you and your family have a wonderful time, and it shows.

Cost: $20 per bag (1/2 peck) and a $5 entry fee per person.

Julian Mining Company

Address: 4444 CA-78, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (951) 312-9940
Website
Dates: Sweet varieties in Mid-September, Granny Smith in October. Dates for 2026 TBD. Check Instagram for updates.

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 is not all they offer, but also 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.

Apple Orchard with ripe apples and people picking apples in the background — Fall is Apple Picking Season in Julian

Volcan Valley Apple Farm

Address: 1284 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 302-4574
Facebook
Website
Dates: September 6 – October 18, 2026

The largest seasonal u-pick orchard in Julian, with 7,000 trellis-grown apple trees on 10 acres and seven apple varieties, Volcan Valley Apple Farm is all about family fun. Bring your kids, your dog, a picnic, and enjoy the fall spirit.

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

Cost: $20/bag (6-7lbs) + 5$/person entry fee

Tractor with boxes filled with apples in front of apple orchard on a sunny day with blue sky — Best Farms for Apple Picking in Julian

Ranchita del Reo

Email: ranchitadelreo@gmail.com
Website
Dates: Opens September 26, 2026 (late September through the fall season) — reservations only
Cost: 2026 pricing TBD

For apple lovers who geek out over heirloom varieties, Ranchita del Reo is a real treasure. Tucked into a creek-fed canyon in the Volcan Mountains, this heritage orchard has been growing fruit since 1942 and boasts an incredible 30 old-world varieties — think Black Twig, Arkansas Black, Northern Spy, Rome Beauty, Stayman Winesap, and the beloved “Apples of Gold.”

The long chill hours and rich canyon soil give these apples real character you won’t find in a grocery store. A few important notes: this is a reservations-only orchard with no public entry or walk-ins, so book ahead through their website — and leave the pups at home, as pets aren’t allowed in the orchard or parking areas.

Julian Farm and Orchard

Address: 4381 Julian Hwy, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (760) 765-5494
Email: Info@JulianFarmAndOrchard.com
Website
Dates: U-pick apples via reserved “Apple Tours,” roughly September through late October (2026 dates TBD)
Cost: 2026 tour and u-pick bag pricing TBD

Julian Farm and Orchard turns apple picking into a whole day of family fun across 25 sustainable acres — think petting zoo, hayrides, pumpkins, berries, flower fields, and a food truck, all in one spot. Apple picking here works a little differently: you book a guided “Apple Tour,” a 30–45 minute educational walk where staff leads you into the orchard, shares apple facts, and points you to the ripe trees.

With 15 varieties ripening at different times from September into late October, there’s almost always something ready to pick. A few good-to-knows: every guest age 3 and up needs a reservation, tours cap at 25 people and sell out fast, dogs aren’t allowed on the tour, and because the farm is spray-free (neem oil only), your apples may have the occasional little blemish — a small trade-off for pesticide-free fruit. Reserve ahead on their website.

Crosscut Farm and Orchard

1209 Farmer Rd, Julian, CA 92036
(605) 431-0136
Website
Dates: Starts mid-September until they run out (2026 dates TBD)

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

Apple Varieties: Golden Delicious, Jonathon, Liberty, as well as Empire, Fuji, and Honeycrisp in limited amounts.

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 $6 per person entry fee.

young girl walking through apple orchard with a bag of apples in her hand — Apple Picking Farms in Julian

Calico Apple and Pear Ranch & Cidery

Address: 4228 Firefighter Steven Rucker Memorial Hwy, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (858) 586-0392
Website
Dates: 2026 Dates TBD

Young girl picking apples in Julian California — Apple Harvest in Julian

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.

Orchard Hill

Address: Bailey Creek Ranch, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: (619) 540-4680
Email: organicapples2025@gmail.com
Website
Dates: Saturdays 9 AM – 3 PM & Sundays 9 AM – 2 PM, fall season (by reservation)
Cost: $250 minimum for 10 bags (approx. 6 lbs each); $20 per additional bag. A $75 deposit is required to book.

Looking for something a little more private? Orchard Hill offers an exclusive, small-group U-pick experience at Bailey Creek Ranch, where you can wander among more than 4,000 apple trees and 16 different varieties, picking at your own unhurried pace.

Because it’s a private booking rather than a drop-in, it’s a wonderful option for a family gathering, a group of friends, or a special-occasion outing. To reserve, call or email with your preferred date and put down the $75 deposit. They can also open on weekdays for special events for an additional fee.

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 traipsing through orchards.

A short orientation on proper picking techniques is available at each orchard prior to apple picking. 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:

Entrance and porch of Julian hotel, an old school hotel in Julian, California — Julian Hotel – Photo Courtesy of Julian Hotel

Other Apple(y) Fun Things to Do in Julian

Julian has a lot to offer for such a small town, and there are plenty of fun things to do in Julian. So why not spend the night at one of the cute Julian hotels and enjoy a few days in this cute little mountain town and explore?

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.

Large piece of apple pie on white plate in front of pie tin sitting on a wooden table with forks and apples in the background - Julian Apple Pie — Best Apple Pie in Julian, California

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

Julian Cafe and Bakery - sign over entrance of the Julian Cafe and Bakery - Best Apple Pie in Julian - — Julian Cafe & Bakery – Best Apple Pie in Julian, California

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!

Patio of Volcan Mountain Winery in Julian — Volcan Mountain Winery Julian

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 and Julian:

A Short 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 FAQs

When is apple picking season in Julian?

Julian’s apple harvest typically runs from early September through late October, with September and early October being the peak. But some farms, like Applelane Orchard, have an early variety, and their first Apple picking starts already in the beginning of August. Because the orchards sit at 4,225 feet in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the season can shift a week or two earlier or later depending on the weather, and individual orchards open only on select days. Always check each farm’s website or social media before making the drive.

Do I need a reservation to pick apples in Julian?

It depends on the orchard. Some, like Crosscut Farm and Orchard, require reservations and don’t allow walk-ins, while others like Peacefield are first-come, first-served (with reservations needed only for larger groups). Since the popular weekends fill up fast, booking ahead whenever possible is your safest bet.

How much does apple picking in Julian cost?

Most orchards charge per bag rather than per person. Expect roughly $15–$20 per bag, and some farms add a small per-person entry fee (typically $3–$6). Prices and bag sizes vary by orchard, so check the individual listings above.

How far is Julian from San Diego?

Julian is about an hour’s drive (roughly 60 miles) northeast of downtown San Diego. It’s an easy day trip, though many visitors choose to stay overnight to enjoy the town at a slower pace.

Which apples grow in Julian?

Common varieties include Granny Smith, Red and Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Jonagold, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Liberty and Empire. Availability changes week to week as different varieties ripen, so what you can pick depends on when you visit.

Are the orchards open every day?

No. Most Julian orchards open only on weekends and sometimes Fridays, often from around 9 AM until early afternoon or until the day’s ripe apples run out. Arriving early is strongly recommended.

Can I still visit Julian if the orchards are closed or picked out?

Absolutely. Even in a light crop year, Julian is worth the trip for its famous apple pies, cider tastings, wineries, and small-town charm. You can buy local apples at farm stands and bakeries even when U-pick isn’t available.

Is Julian good for kids?

Yes. It’s a family-friendly outing, and some farms like Julian Mining Company add gold panning, a mini train ride, fossil digging, and pumpkins to the apple picking.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable cotton clothing, and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Julian can run cooler than the coast, so check the forecast and pack a layer. A cooler in the car keeps your apples fresh on the drive home.

Where can I get the best apple pie in Julian?

Local favorites include Julian Pie Company, Julian Cafe & Bakery, Mom’s Pie House and Apple Alley Bakery. Everyone has their allegiance, so the fun is in tasting for yourself. You can also read our personal opinion on the best Apple pie in Julian here.