El Dorado Orchards - Beat the Crowds, Have a Picnic, and Take A Scenic Train Ride

2881 North Canyon Rd.
Camino, CA 95709

Directions

(530) 642-1222

*Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the Fall Season 

*Open the day after Thanksgiving every Friday, Saturday & Sunday for U-Pick Christmas Trees

*Call to double check hours

Website

More Pictures and Reviews on Yelp

Apple Hill Visitor's Guide

My Tips and List of Farms on the Hill

When I first moved to Reno five years ago, it didn't take long to learn about Reno's passion toward living and celebrating the seasons and holidays.  

It was fall some years ago and I was feeling the fall vibes, admiring the majestic scenery all around and found myself searching for things to do during the fall in Reno.  Sure enough, Google knew exactly what I was looking for and steered me in the right direction.

Along with many other suggestions came Apple Hill (2 hr scenic drive from Reno).  Apple Hill, a collection of 50+ farms in Placerville, CA, was a place that sounded like Disneyland to me, having all the elements needed for a good time.  

I'm a sucker for scenery, road trips, farms, and apple goods- all of which I would be getting if I chose to embark on this trip.  I took the leap hoping to create some long-lasting memories and traditions for me and my family.  

Being a mother of three, I always do as much planning as I can ahead of time to make trips run smoothly.  I researched which farms were ideal for kids.  El Dorado came up as one of the many, offering face paint, apple goods, a craft fair, and a scenic train ride.

El Dorado did not disappoint.  On our first visit, my kids got face paint from a nice young lady and took a scenic train ride around two ponds lined with beautiful fall foliage.  Although the train ride was not as long as the family hoped for it to be, we still ride it every season because it is just that special.

The small-yet-quaint farm is right next to two of the busiest farms- BOA Vista and  High Hill Ranch- and is nestled away from the crowds.  If you're looking for an ideal spot for having a picnic, a fun place to relax while still being able to shop, and some apple goods to enjoy, I'd highly recommend El Dorado Orchards.  

Notes:

-Family Owned 

-Hot Dogs and Hot Sandwiches with chips $6-$11

-Train rides currently $5

-El Dorado is a small farm but it packs a punch. It has a craft fair, hot lunch, apple goods, face paint, and train ride.

-The scenery alone can keep me coming back for more  

-pies, brownies, caramel apples, cookies, cider, apple cider milkshakes, & jams and butters available but no donuts.  Visit BOA Vista Orchards, a min away up the street for some delicious apple goods, including donuts and fritters. 

-plenty of tables and benches on grass with tall trees for shade. Ideal for picnics.

-restrooms available

-Plenty of parking 

"Categorized under Seasonal/Holidays and Apple Hill Grower's Association"

Hidden Gem Alert-Crystal Peak Park, Verdi.

561 Crystal Park Road, Verdi, NV 89439

Directions

Park Ranger Office: (775) 828-6612
Website 
Crystal Peak Park Trail Map

One thing I cherish about living in Reno is its proximity to boundless beauty, and Crystal Peak Park perfectly embodies this. Just ten miles from Reno, this picturesque park is nestled amongst mountains and the Truckee River.

What Makes This Park Special:

- Abundant shade from large trees

- A beautiful 0.5-mile scenic nature trail loop alongside the Truckee River

- Two fishing ponds (permit required, stocked with Lahontan Cutthroat Trout)

- Numerous climable boulders

- Grassy picnic areas equipped with BBQ facilities

- Restrooms for convenience

- Informative interpretive signs

- Plenty of nearby trails for hikers and cyclists

Additional Information:

- A paved parking lot with roads leading to the trailhead

- Non-reservable group areas

For a sneak peek at the beauty of Crystal Peak Park and to delve into its history, check out this video crafted by Outdoor Nevada.

Crystal Peak Park offers a fascinating journey into history, inviting you to discover the Verdi Glen Resort (1923–1938), a former commuter stop. Explore remnants of the Verdi Lumber Company, which, in 1860, made Crystal Peak the home of an old sawmill. The lumber produced here played a crucial role in constructing Virginia City and railroad tracks.

Named after the peak towering behind it, Crystal Peak Park is an ideal spot for enthusiasts to search for quartz deposits (bring a shovel for a more immersive experience). The peak, situated approximately 11 miles up a one-way dirt road, offers intermittent pull-over spots.

While attempting the ascent in my minivan, I faced challenges in the last three miles—a rugged, uneven dirt road with deep depressions. It became evident that an off-roading vehicle or SUV is recommended (as observed during the journey). Despite this, the scenic views on the way up were enjoyable, evoking a sense of adventure.

Along the ascent, I noticed trailheads and interpretive signs to the left, providing opportunities for exploration. While reaching the peak might require a vehicle better suited for rough terrains, the rewarding panoramic views at the summit, as highlighted by Outdoor Nevada, make the journey worthwhile.

Recommended Gear

-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)

-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate)

-Portable Potty & Liners (priceless gadget that makes any hike with kids a breeze)

-hiking backpack (great for kids, storage, nap-friendly, shade)

-carrier (more affordable, light weight, shade, storage for keys)

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.  Thank you to all that visit and support my website. 

Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes, Picnic Spots, Parks and Playgrounds"