***Scroll to the bottom to access individual posts to different farms on the hill.***
The story of Apple Hill® started with families, orchards, and a belief that what grows here is worth sharing. “Heritage of Harvest: The Origins of the Apple Hill® Growers Association” is now on view at the Fountain & Tallman Museum in Placerville through November 12. | 524 Main St, Placerville, CA 95667 |
Presented in collaboration with the El Dorado County Historical Society
edchs.org
*Apple Hill Growers Association Website
*Apple Hill's 2026 Visitor's Guide
*Official Apple Hill Instagram - for the latest updates, trending eats, & information
Apple Hill, a vibrant community of over 55 ranches nestled in the scenic areas of Placerville and Camino, CA, is a cherished destination filled with apple orchards, Christmas tree farms, wineries, and even a spa. Its history began with the vision of a group of farmers who sought to create a welcoming community centered on agriculture and family traditions.
The origins of Apple Hill can be traced back to a pear blight that struck El Dorado County in the late 1950s, severely impacting local pear orchards and threatening the livelihood of farmers in the area.
In response, a group of visionary farmers, transitioned their farms from pears to apples, which thrived in the region’s climate. This shift led to the creation of the Apple Hill Growers Association in 1964, uniting the community around a shared mission to revitalize the land and celebrate its bounty.
For over 50 years, Apple Hill has become a beloved destination, where passionate ranchers honor the area’s farming heritage by offering family-friendly experiences that celebrate each season.
Today, Apple Hill’s growers carry on this legacy by cultivating a place that combines rich local traditions with a welcoming atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy timeless, wholesome fun.
Experiences include, but are not limited to:
-Delicious apple concoctions made from a wide variety of fresh as can be apples: apple pie, apple milkshakes, caramel apples, apple cider, apple donuts, apple fritters, apple butter, apple cake, apple cookies, and so much more!
-Pumpkin patches (O'Halloran's offers U-pick at the end of September)
-Craft vendors
-Hot Lunch
-Kid's attractions: hay/train/pony rides, face paint, gemstone mining, nature trails, candle making, rolling/running around endless grassy areas, playgrounds, cooking classes, hay mazes
-Amazing spots for picnics
-Bakeries
-Breathtaking views
-Fall foliage
-Fishing (High Hill Ranch)
-Hard Cider/Wine/Coffee Flights
-Museum (Larsen Apple Barn)
-Special holiday experiences (Smore's & Christmas tree picking)
-U-Pick: apples, berries, flowers, grapes, pumpkins, tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, cherries, seasonal veggies
-Photo opportunities galore
-Farm Stands & Country Stores: jams, jellies, apple butter, sauces, syrups, honey, fudge, candy, fresh produce and other locally made goods.
-Live Music & Seasonal Events | Calendar
-Nature Walks
-Special events on Johnny Appleseed Day (check out this old list of events)
My family and I have been to Apple Hill so many times, and we always come home loaded with apple cider and baked goodies, feeling happy, full, and already planning our next trip. There’s just something about the atmosphere and experiences of this charming countryside setting that can’t be beat, especially when fall arrives. And the fact that we can eat food grown straight from these farms is something so special. If you're all about that fall life, Apple Hill is a must.
October is by far the busiest - and most lively - time at Apple Hill, so if you’re planning a visiting around this time, be prepared for long lines and traffic. Going on a weekday and/or opening time is ideal in avoiding the crowds (though no amount of traffic could ever keep me from making a visit out to the hill. It's always worth the wait).
Personally, my family and I like to visit multiple times late September-Early October, before it gets too busy. This way, we can enjoy everything Apple Hill has to offer without the wait. Some prefer early November, but by then, it’s usually a bit chillier, and certain fall activities may be winding down at this time.
Most farms on the hill open seasonally from mid-late August to December (with Boa Vista open year-round).
2026 U-Pick farms on the Hill.
Discover More of Apple Hill
-High Hill Ranch and Boa Vista Orchards may be two of the most popular stops on the Hill, but Apple Hill is home to so many other incredible farms and small businesses that are often overlooked. In this guide, I’ll highlight some of those hidden gems while still including the classics you won’t want to miss.
Sampling fruits, sauces, and cider at Boa Vista Orchards is always fun and tasty. Their barn store is loaded with all sorts of great pantry staples like apple & pumpkin butter, pickles, BBQ sauces, salsas, honey, and so much more. I always bring a cooler to bring treats back in. Grab a bag of ice from this farm to help keep your goodies nice and fresh.
Top Experiences
-El Dorado Orchards offers a scenic train ride around a pond. It always puts a smile on my face.
-Follow Boa Vista Orchards on Instagram for updates on year-round festivals and special events. Their Cherry, lemon, & Lavender festivals are my favorite.
-Larsen Apple Barn & Bakery: One of the oldest farms on the hill that has a cute bakery and a fun museum loaded with so much history.
- 24 Carrot Farm: Certified organic produce grown on 12 acres in placerville, ca. Love the scenery & atmosphere here, and they cassionally host burger pop-ups. Open Thursday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
-Wine & Hard Cider Tasting: Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms offers wine flights in a beautiful farm setting that stays lively with events and activities throughout the year. Boa Vista Orchards offers both wine and hard cider flights, while Hidden Star Camino specializes in hard cider flights. Starfield Vineyards is a gorgeous property that offers wine flights and elevated food offerings like charcuterie, pizza, fresh baked breads and salads.-Nature Walks: Apple Ridge's nature walk is super cute, especially in September when thousands of their zinnias are in bloom. Delfino Farms features some of the best views on the hill, along with a fun nature walk through a forest.
-Samples at Boa Vista Orchards: Who doesn't love a good sample? Try some of Boa's homegrown fruits, cider, and housemade jarred sauces and other goods straight out of their designated sample area.
-Craft Coffee: No better place to enjoy a good cup of joe than in Apple Hill. You'd think there would be tons of options in the area, right? Not really. Luckily, the Camino Coffee Mill is all the hill really needs. If you're looking for novelty and fun, Grandpa's Cellar does fun coffee, hot cocoa, & lemonade flights.
***Use the Apple Hill 2026 Visitor's Guide & Apple Hill's Instagram Page to help plan & map out your day, discover special treats, find farms that serve hot lunches, and learn more about seasonal events.
Wine/Beer/ Hard Cider
Fun For Kids
-Kid Friendly Stops: Check out Apple
*Hidden Star Camino has a fun wild west playground & bakery.
*Apple Ridge Farm - butterfly flower trail (September) maze, gem mining, U-Pick apples, Bakery, BBQ hotlunch, & photo ops, & barn store
*High Hill Ranch - fudge factory candy shop, Bakery, craft fair, fishing, hay rides, pumpkin patch, photo opportunities
*Larsen Barn - museum, bakery, & hot lunch
*Pine O Mine - u-Pick apples & frozen pies, occasional food trucks
*Able's Apple Acres - maze, bakery, hot lunch, gem mining, gift shop, photo ops
*Delfino Farms - nature trail, special activities during Johnny Appleseed Day including eating contests, scarecrow making contests & pie making workshops. Also, my kids love rolling down their hill, & the views are incredible.
*El Dorado Orchards - train ride, bakery and occasional hot lunch.
*Grandpa's Cellar - Hot chocolate/cider flights and bakery
*Boa Vista Orchards: pumpkin patch, barn store, bakery, hot lunch, train ride on wheels, photo ops, sampling area, and year-round themed festivals
*U-pick Concord grapes at Argyres Acres (September)
*U-pick fruits & farm stand @ 24 Carrot Farm (Organic)
*(Sustainable) U-pick Christmas Trees - Indian Rock Tree Farm, Hacienda Orchards, Rapetti Farms, Crystal Creek Tree Farm
NOTES
-Use AccuWeather for the latest forecast and air quality updates so you can dress and plan accordingly.-Arriving around opening time gives you plenty of time to explore multiple farms. If you want to experience more of the area at a relaxed pace, consider staying for a day or two overnight.
-Most farms are open roughly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by farm and season, so always check before heading out, especially earlier & later in the season or around holidays.
-Keep perishables like pies, cider, and other goodies fresh in a cooler during your trip. You can grab a bag of ice at Boa Vista Orchards.
-If you have food allergies, especially to nuts, call ahead to ask about ingredients and whether safe options are available.
-Most farms allow pets, but they must generally be kept on a leash and attended to at all times. Be sure to check each farm’s individual pet policy before visiting.
-Most farms are open roughly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by farm and season, so always check before heading out, especially earlier & later in the season or around holidays.
-Keep perishables like pies, cider, and other goodies fresh in a cooler during your trip. You can grab a bag of ice at Boa Vista Orchards.
-If you have food allergies, especially to nuts, call ahead to ask about ingredients and whether safe options are available.
-Most farms allow pets, but they must generally be kept on a leash and attended to at all times. Be sure to check each farm’s individual pet policy before visiting.
Apple Goods & Goodies
-Apple Cider: You can find delicious apple cider at High Hill Ranch, Apple Ridge Farm, Delfino Farms, Rainbow Orchards, and Boa Vista Ranch. Hot cider available at Boa Vista Orchards.
-Pantry Staples: Boa Vista Orchards, High Hill Ranch, & Apple Ridge Farm.
-Caramel Apple Milkshake: Don’t miss out on the caramel apple milkshake at High Hill Ranch. It's unexpectedly drool worthy.
-Larsen's Apple Barn - I think they have some of the better baked goods on the hill. Their cream cheese apple pie was tasty and memorable one visit years ago. Bonus: They're also a great option for lunch.
-Apple Donuts and Apple Fritters: High Hill Ranch, Apple Ridge Farm, and Rainbow Orchards are known for their apple donuts and fritters. Be prepared for a long wait at Rainbow Orchards, as they’re particularly know for their apple cider donuts.
-Caramel Apples: Abel's Acres offers an incredible variety of specialty caramel apples. Undoubtedly the best spot for caramel apples on the hill. Their Apple Pie Caramel Apple is my all time favorite.
-Caramels and Caramel Corn Nuggets: The caramels from Apple Ridge Farm are out of this world. And their corn nuggets are so addicting that you may find it hard to stop once you start eating them. Note: the caramels tend to run out early in the season.
-Pies: Bodhaine’s at Drew Bean Farms is known for their award winning pies, including blackberry apple sour cream, raspberry apple cream cheese, and harvest delight (pumpkin and cream cheese). Compared to the other farms, their pies are more rich and on the sweeter side, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. ***Options available for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diets.
-Berry Cream Cheese Blossom: Make sure to try the berry cream cheese blossom from Apple Ridge Farms, super yummy when warmed up. Make it a la mode if you're looking for a delightful contrast of cold and warm flavors.
Getting There
If you're looking for beautiful scenery on the drive to Apple Hill, take Highway 50 toward Carson City. This route takes you through South Lake Tahoe, offering some stunning views along the way. You can even make a pit stop at The Shops at Heavenly Ski Resort or visit Whole Foods and other eateries nearby for a bite to eat.
In the fall, when the leaves are at their peak, I love taking Highway 88 (Gardnerville) to 89 (Hope Valley) and then back to 50 (Apple Hill). This route showcases magnificent, sweeping views of changing aspen trees that are simply breathtaking. For a charming place to stay in Hope Valley, check out Wylder's Resort (formerly known as Sorensen's Resort). Just keep in mind that the resort is only open to guests staying on the property. The untouched views of the aspen trees are unbelievable.
Although the Hope Valley Route is about 10 miles longer, it can take the same amount of time or even less than the South Lake Tahoe Route, as you’ll mostly be traveling on highways rather than streets in Lake Tahoe.
Some of My Favorite Farms on the Hill
(Maze, Gemstone Mining, Pony Rides, Bakery, Hot Food, Bug Shelter Picnic area, holiday decorations, apple cider, caramel apples, fudge, craft fair, photo cutouts, fresh apples)
(Train Ride, Face Paint, Craft Fair, Hot Lunch, Fresh Apples, Apple Goods, Picnics, Restrooms)
(U-Pick Apples, pumpkin patch, apple milkshakes, hot bbq lunch, frozen pies, food trucks, kettle corn)
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