U-Pick Apple Adventures at Our Sierra National Forest Orchard: Make Memories That Last a Lifetime

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra National Forest, our family-run apple orchard invites you to experience the joy of U-pick apple picking! This cherished autumn tradition is perfect for families, couples, and friends looking to create unforgettable memories surrounded nature's grandeur. From crisp McIntosh apples to the promise of sweet Golden Delicious, our orchard is bursting with flavor and fun. Join us from now until November 1st for a season filled with laughter, love, and the simple pleasure of picking your own apples. Whether you’re a parent watching your kids discover the magic of harvesting or a couple savoring a romantic day in the wilderness, our U-pick experience is designed to bring generations together.

A Warm Welcome to Our Orchard

Every Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 AM to 12 PM, we open our gates to welcome you to our apple orchard in the Sierra Nevada mountains. For just $7 per person, you’ll step into a world where dusty trails, towering pines, and the scent of ripe apples create the perfect backdrop for a day of adventure. Kids under 5 pick for free, making this a budget-friendly outing for families of all sizes. Once you arrive, check in at our cozy farm store, where our friendly team will guide you to the U-pick trees. This week, we’re featuring the juicy, slightly tart McIntosh apples - perfect for snacking, baking, or turning into homemade applesauce.

Starting September 8th, we’ll test our Golden Delicious apples to see if they’re ready for picking. If they pass the BRICS (and taste) test, they’ll be the next variety available, alongside our abundant McIntosh crop. Our season runs through November 1st, culminating with the rich, tangy Arkansas Black apples - a perfect finale to your U-pick adventures. No matter when you visit, you’ll leave with a basket full of organic apples and a heart full of memories.

What to Expect: A True Farm Experience

Our orchard is located in the wild and beautiful Sierra National Forest, where nature sets the stage for your U-pick experience. This is a working farm, not a polished theme park, and that’s what makes it so special. The air might carry a hint of pine or, at times, smoke from nearby wildfires. You might spot squirrel holes, glimpse local wildlife, or share the orchard with other excited pickers. To keep everyone safe and happy, we ask that you come prepared with closed-toe shoes - boots or tennis shoes are ideal. Rubber-soled flip-flops or sandals aren’t the best choice for navigating our uneven terrain, as we want to avoid any twisted ankles or mishaps.

Once you’re checked in, we’ll lead you to the designated U-pick trees, where you can pick to your heart’s content. There’s something magical about reaching up to pluck a ripe, organic apple straight from the branch. Kids giggle as they discover the perfect apple, couples share quiet moments under the canopy of leaves, and families bond over the simple act of harvesting together. When you’re done, head back to the farm store, where we’ll weigh your haul and settle up. Our organic apples are priced at $4.50 per pound - you pay only for what you pick, so you can tailor your experience to your needs, whether you’re grabbing a few pounds for a pie or stocking up for the season.

Why U-Pick Apple Picking Is a Must-Do

Apple picking is more than just an activity - it’s a chance to slow down, connect with loved ones, and make memories that span generations. There’s something timeless about wandering through rows of apple trees, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the weight of a basket filled with your hand-picked harvest. For families, it’s an opportunity to teach kids about where food comes from while watching their eyes light up with discovery. For couples, it’s a romantic escape into nature, where you can share a quiet moment or snap a photo amid the orchard’s beauty. And for friends, it’s a chance to laugh, explore, and create stories you’ll retell for years to come.

Our orchard is a place where traditions are born. Grandparents can share stories of their own childhood apple-picking adventures, parents can watch their kids create new ones, and young couples can start their own rituals. These are the moments that become family lore - the kind of memories you’ll laugh about at holiday dinners for decades. Apple farms were meant for this: bringing people together to celebrate the harvest, the season, and each other.

Tips for a Perfect U-Pick Day

To make the most of your visit, here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Dress for the Farm: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes like boots or tennis shoes to navigate the orchard’s natural terrain. Long pants and layers are great for cooler mornings or unexpected breezes.

• We Provide Boxes for You and You're Welcome to Bring Your Own: Don't worry if you forget, we have everything you need, this is just a reminder for the more 'sentimental' of us. :) We’ll weigh your apples at the farm store, so no need to worry about exact measurements while you pick.

• Stay Hydrated and Sun-Safe: The Sierra National Forest can be sunny, even in fall. Bring water, sunscreen, and hats to keep everyone comfortable.

• Embrace the Wilderness: Our orchard is in a wild, beautiful setting. Keep an eye out for uneven ground or small critters, and let kids know to stay close to adults.

• Plan for Fun: Bring a camera to capture the moment or pack a picnic to enjoy after picking (just keep food outside the picking areas to protect our trees).

  
  

Why Our Apples Are Special

Our apple orchard thrives in the rich, mineral-laden soils of the Sierra Nevada, where nature works its magic to produce fruit of unparalleled quality. The unique combination of high-elevation growing conditions, pristine soil, and our commitment to natural practices results in apples that are not only delicious but also deeply connected to this wild, beautiful landscape. Our orchard boasts nine distinct apple varieties, each ripening in its own time from early September (and sometimes late August, like this year's crop) through November 1st, ensuring a season-long celebration of flavors and textures. From the crisp, tart McIntosh apples available now to the sweet Golden Delicious (set to be tested on September 8th) and the robust Arkansas Black apples that close out the season, there’s always something new to discover.

The Sierra Nevada’s high-elevation environment is a game-changer for apple growing. At our altitude, the cooler nights and warm, sunny days create the perfect conditions for apples to develop intense flavors and vibrant colors. Unlike apples grown in the warmer, flatter Central Valley, our high-elevation fruit benefits from slower ripening, which enhances sugar development and results in a crisper, more complex taste. The thin, clean mountain air and ample sunshine allow our apples to soak up the best of nature, while the chilly nights lock in their signature crunch. When weather conditions are ideal - clear skies, moderate temperatures, and just the right amount of rainfall - our apples reach their full potential, offering a taste that’s unmatched by lowland orchards.

The soils of the Sierra Nevada are another secret to our success. Forged over millennia by glacial activity and volcanic influences, these soils are rich in nutrients and minerals, giving our apples a depth of flavor that reflects the land itself. Our trees draw from this fertile ground, free from synthetic sprays for over six years, producing organic fruit that’s as pure as the wilderness around us. Each of our nine varieties - carefully selected to thrive in this unique terroir - brings something special to the table. Whether you’re biting into a juicy McIntosh, savoring the honeyed sweetness of a Golden Delicious, or saving an Arkansas Black for a winter pie, you’re tasting the Sierra Nevada in every bite.

Make It a Tradition

Our U-pick season runs every Thursday through Sunday, 9 AM to 12 PM, until November 1st. Whether you visit once or return week after week to try each variety, we’re here to welcome you with open arms. The orchard is a place to disconnect from screens, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and reconnect with what matters most - your loved ones and the beauty of nature.

So gather your family, grab your sweetheart, or round up your friends and head to our Sierra National Forest apple orchard for a day of apple-picking bliss. Create memories that will last a lifetime, just as apple farms have done for generations. We can’t wait to see you at the farm store, ready to embark on your U-pick adventure!