An Apple Hill visit from Placerville can include orchard farms, wineries, bake shops and pick-your-own stops in El Dorado County. The area is a group of more than 50 local, family farms along the Highway 50 corridor, and planning around each farm’s schedule helps you make the most of a day there.
- Location: near Placerville and Camino, in El Dorado County.
- Season: visits are possible year-round; September, October and November are commonly called “Apple Hill Time.”
- Busy period: October is described as the busiest month.
- Farm hours, admission and activities vary by location.
What and Where Is Apple Hill?
Apple Hill is a collection of family-run farms near Placerville and Camino, rather than a single attraction with one entrance or schedule. Farm visits can include vineyards, wineries, bake shops, pick-your-own farms, pumpkin patches and Christmas trees.
The farms sit in El Dorado County along the Highway 50 corridor between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. The Apple Hill Growers Association says the area’s winding roads and scenery have drawn visitors for more than 50 years.
Mother Lode Motel is in Placerville, a city commonly used as a starting point for visits to the farm area. You can pair a farm outing with a one-day itinerary in Placerville.
When to Visit Apple Hill
You can visit Apple Hill year-round, but the area’s busiest stretch is typically in fall. September, October and November are commonly known as “Apple Hill Time,” with October the busiest month.
The seasons bring different farm offerings. Boa Vista Orchards describes spring blossoms, summer fruit and seasonal events, fall apple harvest and pumpkins, and winter holiday traditions with a quieter visit. Choose your dates around the activities you want, then confirm which farms are open. Placerville’s historic Main Street can also be part of your town plans.
How Do You Choose Apple Hill Farms and Stops?
Choose farms by the activities you want and check each one’s details before setting out. The Apple Hill Growers Association calls its official guide and map, “The Cider Press,” the definitive guide to visiting the farms.
For a broad mix of offerings, High Hill Ranch says its more than 155 acres include a restaurant, bakery, and attractions for children and families. Its address is 2901 High Hill Road in Placerville. Boa Vista Orchards is at 2952 Carson Road in Placerville and describes seasonal offerings across the year.
If apple picking is your priority, Pine-O-Mine Ranch is at 2640 Carson Road in Placerville. It says picking requires a $5-per-person entry ticket, with apples charged separately by weight; no reservation is required, and picking continues until the trees are bare. Some other activities and seasonal experiences, including tractor rides and pumpkins, have additional costs.
Farm rules differ, so check details that matter to your group. Pine-O-Mine Ranch says its parking is free and gravel, dogs are welcome on leash, and strollers can be used throughout the property.
It also describes a flat, fairly open orchard and an accessible barn entrance. Outside food and drink are not allowed there, except items needed for babies or specific needs.
Driving and Parking Considerations
Apple Hill’s farms are spread across a rural area, so plan your stops around the roads between them and the parking details for each farm. The City of Placerville identifies Highway 50 and Highway 49 as routes through the surrounding region.
Parking policies are farm-specific, not area-wide. For example, Pine-O-Mine Ranch says its on-site parking is free and gravel, while Boa Vista Orchards says it offers free parking. The Apple Hill Growers Association recommends the CalTrans QuickMap app for real-time traffic updates.
Check Farm Schedules Before Setting Out
Check the official site before you go: farm operating days, hours and available activities differ. The Apple Hill Growers Association’s directory includes farms such as 24 Carrot Farm, Apple Pantry Farm, Apple Ridge Farms, Delfino Farms, High Hill Ranch, Pine-O-Mine Ranch and Rainbow Orchards; check the directory and each farm’s own page for your visit date.
Some farms publish regular schedules and admission details. Boa Vista Orchards welcomes visitors 363 days a year, with free admission. Pine-O-Mine Ranch operates from June through December 13.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM–6 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Use those details to narrow your choices, then verify the schedule and availability with the farm before you set out.
FAQs
Is Apple Hill open year-round?
Open daily. Visits are possible year-round, though the farms’ schedules and seasonal offerings vary. Fall is the traditional Apple Hill season for Boa Vista Orchards.
Is admission free at Apple Hill?
There is no single area-wide admission policy. Boa Vista Orchards says admission is free, and Pine-O-Mine Ranch says general admission is free but some activities cost extra.
Do you need a reservation for apple picking?
Pine-O-Mine Ranch says reservations are not required for its apple picking. Check with other farms directly for their arrangements.