Loving Reno: Apple Hill Growers Association

***Scroll to the bottom to access individual posts to different farms on the hill.***

*Apple Hill Growers Association Website
*Apple Hill's 2024 Visitor's Guide

*Official Apple Hill Instagram - for the latest updates and 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 blossomed into more than just an agricultural area. It 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 while exploring the beauty and history of this unique California landscape.

Experiences include, but are not limited to:

-Delicious apple concoctions made from a wide variety of fresh as can be apples

-Pumpkin patches

-Craft vendors

-Kid's attractions: hay/train/pony rides, face paint, gemstone mining, nature trails, candle making, rolling/running around endless grassy areas, play areas, nature trails, cooking classes, hay mazes

-Amazing spots for picnics

-Bakeries

-Breathtaking views

-Fall foliage

-Fishing

-Wineries

-Museum

-Special holiday experiences

-U-Pick: apples, berries, flowers, grapes, pumpkins, tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, cherries, seasonal veggies

-Beautiful Christmas trees

2024

My family and I have been to Apple Hill so many times, and we always come back loaded with apple cider and baked goodies, feeling happy, full, and already planning our next trip.

From South Reno, it’s a beautiful two-hour drive through South Lake Tahoe and the stunning El Dorado National Forest. You’ll find yourself surrounded by lush forests, winding hills, and views of incredible landscapes. In the spring, take a moment to stop at Bridal Veil Falls near Pollock Pines, right along the freeway—it's tranquil and at its best this time of year.

October is by far the busiest - and most lively - time at Apple Hill, so if you’re visiting then, be prepared for long lines and traffic. Going on a weekday and/or as soon as the farms open is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds. Although no amount of traffic could ever keep me from making a visit out to the hill. It's absolutely worth the wait.

Personally, we like to go in late September, before it gets too busy, so 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.

The farms are open seasonally from mid-August to December (with Boa Vista open year-round), so if you’re hoping to pick up specific fruits or veggies, check the harvest calendar on Apple Hill’s website first. You’ll also find a map of all the farms, lodging info, special event dates, nearby attractions, contact details, and descriptions of each farm—plus a blog full of updates and tips.

Tips for Visiting Apple Hill

Plan Your Route

-High Hill Ranch and Boa Vista Orchard are two of the most popular stops, but there are so many other amazing farms on the hill that often get overlooked. In this guide, I aim to shine a light on those hidden gems.

-Use the Apple Hill Visitor's Guide & Apple Hill's Instagram Page to map out your day, find farms that serve hot lunches, and check out seasonal events.

Top Experiences

-El Dorado Farm offers a scenic train ride around a pond. It always puts a smile on my face.

-Follow Boa Vista and other farms 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, with a fun museum loaded with so much history.

-Seasonal U-Pick fruits & veggies from 24 Carrot Farm. I love the scenery & atmosphere here.

-Wine & Hard Cider tasting - Edio Vinyards (Delfino Farms) & Boa Vista Orchards (offers hard cider flights)

Wine/Beer/ Hard Cider

*Madrona Vinyards (open year-round)

*Wofford Acres Vinyards

*Lava Cap Winery

*North Canyon Cider Company

*Boeger Winery

*Jack Russell Farm Brewery & Winery

*Fenton Herriott Vineyards

*Starfield Vineyards

*Rucksack Cellars

Practical Tips

-Check the Weather: Use AccuWeather for forecasts and air quality updates so you can dress accordingly.

-Call Ahead: It’s always a good idea to confirm a farm of interest is open

-Bring a Cooler: This will keep perishables, like pies and apple cider, fresh during your trip.

-Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at most farms but must be kept on a leash and attended to at all times.

Timing

-Plan for a Full Day: Arriving at opening time (usually around 8 am) will give you enough time to explore multiple farms. Alternatively, consider staying for a couple of days to fully enjoy the area.

-Farm Hours: Most farms are open from 8 am to 5 pm.

Fun For Kids

-Kid-Friendly Stops: Check Apple Hill’s website for a list of family-friendly farms.

*Hidden Star Camino has a fun wild west playground.

*Apple Ridge Farm - butterfly trail (September) maze, gem mining, U-Pick, & photo ops

*High Hill Ranch - fudge factory shop, craft fair, fishing, hay rides, pumpkin patch

*Larsen Barn - museum

*Pine O Mine - u-Pick apples

*Able's Apple Acres - maze, gem mining, gift shop, photo ops

*Denver Dans - u-pick (they have the most varieties)

*Delfino Farms - nature trail, occasionally, they hold crafts, scarecrow contests for families & pie making workshops for kids. Also, my kids love rolling down their hill. The views are incredible at this farm.

*El Dorado Orchards - train ride

*Grandpa's Cellar - Hot chocolate flights

*U-pick Concord grapes at Argyres Acres (September)

*U-pick fruits & seasonal veggies @ 24 Carrot Farm (Organic)

*(Sustainable) U-pick Christmas Trees - Indian Rock Tree Farm, Hacienda Orchards, Rapetti Farms, Crystal Creek Tree Farm

Seasonal and Special Activities

-October Crowds: If you’re visiting in October, arriving early or visiting on a weekday can help you avoid the heaviest crowds.

-Unique Finds: Abel’s Acres has a cozy book section with autumn-themed books, and both Abel’s Acres and Apple Ridge Farm have fantastic holiday decorations.

-For Bakers: Denver Dan’s and Bill’s Apples offer a master peeler/corer, making apple prep a breeze.

Additional Tips

-Call Ahead for Allergy Information: If you have allergies, especially to nuts, check with farms in advance to ensure there are safe options for you.

-Grab Ice for Your Cooler at Boa Vista Orchards to keep everything fresh for the ride home.

Must-Try Apple Goods

-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 served at Boa Vista Orchards.

-Sparkling Cider and Pantry Staples: Be sure to grab some sparkling cider and pantry staples from Boa Vista Orchards. Visit their sample shack to help narrow down choices.

-Caramel Apple Milkshake: Don’t miss out on the caramel apple milkshake at High Hill Ranch—it’s a must-try.

-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 quite popular.

-Caramel Apples: Abel's Acres offers an incredible variety of specialty caramel apples. The Apple Pie Caramel is my all-time favorite.

-Caramels and Caramel Corn Nuggets: The caramels from Apple Ridge Farm are out of this world. And the caramel corn nuggets? Warning: they’re so addicting that you may find it hard to stop once you start. Note: the caramels tend to run out early in the season.

-Pies: Bodhaine Ranch 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.

-Berry Cream Cheese Blossom: Make sure to try the berry cream cheese blossom from Apple Ridge Farms—it tastes amazing 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

Abel's Apple Acres

(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)