Crosscut Farm and Orchard
Directions: Please note that there are two Farmer Roads! You want to take the easternmost Farmer Road that leads to the Volcan Mountain Trailhead, NOT the road that leads to Volcan Mountain Winery and Menghini Winery.
Parking is on site. Travel down the lane that is designated as a trail for Volcan Mountain. Come through the metal gate near the farmhouse on the right, and follow signs to the parking area.
We are located on a 7 1/2 acre apple farm just below Volcan Mountain on Farmer Road. Come enjoy the beautiful mountain valley setting across from Volcan Mountain Winery and Menghini Winery!
Getting to Crosscut Farm & Orchard
If you are arriving from the town of Julian, head north on Farmer Road. You will pass the Volcan Mountain Winery and Menghini Winery on your left. Continue past the wineries and keep an eye out for the second Farmer Road turnoff on your right—this is the easternmost Farmer Road that leads to the Volcan Mountain Trailhead. Do not take the first Farmer Road, which curves toward the wineries and dead-ends at their parking lots. Taking the wrong road is the most common detour visitors make, so set your GPS to “Volcan Mountain Trailhead” rather than the farm name to avoid confusion.
Once you turn onto the correct Farmer Road, the pavement will end and the road becomes a well-maintained dirt lane. Follow it for about half a mile. You will see a metal gate on your right, just past a cluster of farm buildings. The gate is usually open during farm hours. Drive through and follow the signs to the designated parking area. The lane is narrow, so please drive slowly and watch for pedestrians, dogs, and farm vehicles.
If you are coming from the west via Highway 78, take the Farmer Road exit and head south. You will pass the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve trailhead parking on your left. Continue past the trailhead and the road will bend to the east. The farm entrance is on your left just after the bend. Look for the Crosscut Farm sign and the metal gate.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Crosscut Farm is a working apple orchard, not a commercial attraction. When you pull into the parking area, you will likely see farm equipment, ladders, and picking buckets near the barn. There is no formal check-in booth; instead, follow the signs to the farm stand or the orchard entrance. During U-pick season, a staff member or volunteer will greet you, provide a picking bag or bucket, and point you toward the ripest rows.
The farm sits at an elevation of about 4,200 feet, so the air is cooler than in San Diego or the coastal areas. Even in summer, mornings can be crisp. Wear closed-toe shoes, as the orchard floor is uneven and may have fallen fruit. Hats and sunscreen are recommended, as the mountain sun is intense despite the cool breeze. There is a portable restroom near the parking area, but no running water, so bring hand sanitizer or wipes.
Dogs are welcome on a leash, but please clean up after them. The farm has resident barn cats and occasionally free-range chickens, so keep dogs under control. If you are visiting during harvest season, be aware that bees are active in the orchard—they are essential for pollination and generally docile, but avoid swatting at them.
Navigating the Orchard and Farm Grounds
The orchard is laid out in rows running north to south, with the oldest trees closest to the farmhouse and newer plantings further up the slope. Each row is marked with a small sign indicating the apple variety. Common varieties include Gravenstein, Jonathan, Rome Beauty, and Winesap, but availability changes with the season. If you are unsure which apples are ready to pick, ask a staff member or consult the picking guide posted at the entrance to each row.
Beyond the orchard, there is a short walking path that leads to the base of Volcan Mountain. The path is not part of the official Volcan Mountain Trail, but it offers a pleasant view of the valley and the surrounding peaks. Please stay on the mowed paths and do not enter the fenced areas, which protect young trees and irrigation lines. The farmhouse and outbuildings are private residences; please respect the owners’ space.
For those interested in a longer hike, the Volcan Mountain Trailhead is just a short drive back down Farmer Road. The trail offers a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike to the summit with panoramic views. Many visitors combine a morning of apple picking with an afternoon hike. If you plan to do both, start early—the farm is busiest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends.
Seasonal Considerations and Road Conditions
The farm is open seasonally, typically from late August through November for U-pick apples, and occasionally for special events in spring. The dirt lane can become muddy after rain, and snow is possible in winter. If there has been recent precipitation, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, though most passenger cars can navigate the road when it is dry. Check the weather forecast before you come, and if in doubt, call ahead—though the farm does not list a public phone number, updates are often posted on the farm’s social media pages.
During peak apple season, the parking area can fill up by midday on Saturdays and Sundays. If the lot is full, do not park along the narrow lane, as it blocks farm equipment and emergency vehicles. Instead, consider visiting on a weekday or arriving before 10 a.m. The farm is less crowded in the late afternoon, and the light is beautiful for photos.
For more details on what to expect during a U-pick visit, see our FAQ — U-Pick Apples page. If you want to learn about the farm’s history and growing practices, visit About the Farm. And if you’re considering an overnight stay, check out the Overnight Trailer Stay option.
Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
Crosscut Farm is a rustic, outdoor environment. The parking area is unpaved and slightly uneven. The main orchard rows are mowed grass, but there are no paved paths. Wheelchairs and strollers with wide wheels can navigate some rows, but the terrain becomes rougher toward the upper orchard. There are no benches in the orchard, but a few picnic tables are set up near the farm stand. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets and enjoy a picnic under the old oak trees near the parking area.
There is no on-site food service, but the farm stand sells cold drinks, apple cider, and sometimes baked goods from local vendors. You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Trash cans are limited, so please pack out what you pack in. The nearest restaurants and grocery stores are in downtown Julian, about a 10-minute drive away.
Cell phone reception is spotty on the farm and along Farmer Road. Download directions or take a screenshot before you leave Julian. If you are meeting friends, agree on a time and meeting spot in advance, as you may not be able to reach each other by phone once you arrive.
A Note on Farm Etiquette
Crosscut Farm is a family-owned operation, and the owners ask that visitors treat the land with care. Please do not climb the apple trees or shake branches to drop fruit. Use the picking poles provided for high fruit, and only pick what you intend to purchase. Fallen apples may be gathered from the ground in designated areas, but ask first, as some are left for wildlife or cider pressing.
Children are welcome, but please supervise them closely. The orchard has irrigation pipes, bee hives, and occasional farm machinery. Running between rows is discouraged, as it can damage young trees and disturb other visitors. If you bring a picnic, dispose of apple cores and other food waste in the provided compost bins, not on the ground.
Finally, remember that you are a guest on a working farm. The owners live on the property and may be tending to chores while you visit. A friendly wave or a thank-you goes a long way. Many visitors return year after year, and the farm’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere is part of its charm. We hope you enjoy your time at Crosscut Farm & Orchard.