These are five of our favorite farms at Apple Hill! Use this itinerary as a flexible starting point. Each Apple Hill grower sets its own operating schedule, and hours can change throughout the season. Always check current information before finalizing your route.
Start at Grandpa’s Cellar for a cold brew or hot cocoa flight. Parking is limited and it will get crowded later in the day, so we recommend heading there as close to opening as possible. Shop for scratch-made goods, honey, baking mixes, hot sauces, and more in the country store before heading to the next stop.
Continue to Larsen Apple Barn to sample several apple varieties and purchase a bag of your favorite apples for baking. Check out the barn's family history museum across the parking lot to see antique vehicles, covered wagons, farm equipment, and vintage furniture.
Head to High Hill Ranch and have a burger, hot dog, or sandwich to keep your energy up. Browse seasonal craft vendors, explore boutique shops across the grounds, sit by the pond to let the kids run around, and purchase homemade caramel, fudge, and apple cider.
Stop at Rainbow Orchards for some of the freshest apple cider on the mountain and an order of what they are most famous for: fried-to-order apple cider donuts dusted in cinnamon sugar. Finish at Delfino Farms to order one of their famous "Walkin' Pies" from Joan's Apple Bakery or cheesecakes to take home.
Best Times to Visit Apple Hill: An Insider’s Local Guide
Just a quick jaunt from Rancho Cordova up Highway 50, discover abundant orchards, farms, vineyards, and ranches in Apple Hill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Apple Hill is approximately a 40-minute drive from Rancho Cordova via Highway 50 under typical conditions. Allow additional time for tourism traffic and travel between farms.
It depends on how much energy you have! The sky is the limit, but we'd recommend three or four stops for a comfortable day-trip pace. Choose farms that have offerings that match your interests (i.e., foodie menus, u-pick apples, or live events) rather than trying to see as many as possible.
September and October offer the classic apple harvest experience, along with the largest crowds. November can be a good option for fall color, holiday baked goods, and a quieter visit. A few ranches and Christmas tree farms are open until mid-December.
Some Apple Hill wineries, cideries, and farms operate in late Spring and Summer, while many orchards, bake shops and seasonal attractions open primarily during autumn harvest season. Most ranches close for the winter starting in mid-December. We highly encourage checking the Apple Hill Growers Association website before you go.
Rancho Cordova offers a variety of hotel options with convenient Highway 50 access, along with restaurants and additional activities that can turn an Apple Hill day trip into a complete fall getaway. Find the perfect hotel for your family.
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