Crosscut Farm and Orchard
There are 350 mature trees and 450 young trees, for a total of 800 apple trees. 3 primary types of apples on the property: Golden Delicious apples are sweet, mostly green with a red blush, Jonathon are sweet but are a little more tart, mostly red with green highlights, Liberty are dark red with yellow flesh, sweet like a McIntosh but a little tarter.
Empire, Fuji and Honeycrisp in limited amounts Organic practices used. We do not spray our trees!
-What is the weather like in Julian? Please check the weather forecast for Julian, California before making the trip. Weather extremes are more common in the mountains. - Are dogs allowed? Yes! Well behaved, leashed dogs are allowed.
- Is there on-site parking available? Yes! Parking is available on the property. For directions, please click here.
- Do you have restroom facilities on-site? Yes! A portable toilet is available for use on-site.
- Is there a group minimum requirement? There is no minimum requirement.
- I have a school bus, can you accommodate us? Yes! We have a large open area that can accomodate large vehicles.
- Can I just show up and pay? Yes. We required reservations in previous years but we are trying something new this year. We hope you will like the change.
We have half and full gallon bottles and can adapt to your needs. However, expect a higher price if you want more than a gallon.
-Does Upress cider include instructions on how to press cider?
Yes. We will also have funnels, cheese cloth and everything you need to make your own cider.
Included with the hard cider kit is a fermenting bubble, cider yeast, bottle stopper and written instructions on how to make hard cider.
- What forms of payment do you accept for retail purchases? Cash and credit card. Credit card purchases require a $5 minimum and a photo ID.
- Will you have food available for purchase? Fresh pressed apple cider from Apple Lane Orchard will be available for purchase, but we will not have food available for purchase.
- Can we bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on your property ? Yes! The property has shade trees and beautiful views and will be perfect for a picnic. Please bring a blanket to sit on as we have limited picnic tables.
Getting Here and Making the Most of Your Visit
Crosscut Farm and Orchard is easy to find, tucked into the rolling hills just outside the historic town of Julian. If you're using GPS, enter the address on Farmer Road and keep an eye out for our sign at the driveway. The road is well-maintained and suitable for all passenger vehicles, but if you're arriving in a larger vehicle like an RV or a school bus, you'll find our open field parking area gives you plenty of room to turn around and park without stress. For turn-by-turn directions and a map, visit our Directions page.
Because we are a working farm, the ground can be uneven in places, especially after rain. We recommend sturdy, closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting a little dusty. The orchard is on a gentle slope, so a stroller with larger wheels will manage fine, but you may find a baby carrier easier if you have very young children. Sunscreen and a hat are a good idea even on cooler days, as the mountain sun can be surprisingly strong. And don't forget to bring a refillable water bottle—staying hydrated at 4,000 feet is important.
One of the best things about visiting a small orchard like ours is that you're never rushed. There's no time limit on your visit, and you're welcome to wander the rows, take photos, and simply enjoy the quiet. The trees provide dappled shade, and there are a few benches scattered around where you can sit and take in the view of Volcan Mountain. If you're planning to make a day of it, consider packing a picnic. We have limited picnic tables, so a blanket is a great idea, and there's nothing quite like eating lunch under an apple tree with the smell of ripe fruit in the air.
Picking Tips for the Best Apples
When you arrive, we'll give you a quick orientation and point you toward the rows that are ready for picking. Our three main varieties—Golden Delicious, Jonathan, and Liberty—ripen at slightly different times, so depending on the week, one or two may be at their peak. We'll always let you know which trees are best that day. A good rule of thumb is to look for fruit that is fully colored and comes away from the branch with a gentle upward twist. If you have to tug hard, the apple isn't ready yet.
Here are a few tips to make your picking experience easier and more enjoyable:
- Use two hands: Hold the branch with one hand and the apple with the other to avoid breaking the spur, which is where next year's fruit will grow.
- Pick from the outside in: The apples on the outer edges of the tree ripen first, so start there and work your way toward the center.
- Don't drop the apples: Bruised fruit won't store well. Place them gently in your bag or basket.
- Check the ground: Windfalls are often perfectly good for cider or sauce, but ask us before collecting them—we may have already set them aside for other uses.
- Ask for a taste: We're happy to cut a sample apple for you so you know exactly what you're picking. It's the best way to decide which variety you want to take home.
If you're picking with kids, make it a game: who can find the reddest Jonathan, or the apple with the most perfect shape? We love seeing families make memories here, and we're always around to answer questions or help reach a high branch with our picking poles.
What to Do with Your Apples
Once you've filled your bag, the fun is just beginning. Apples from Crosscut are incredibly versatile, and because we don't spray, you can eat them straight from the tree after a quick rinse. Golden Delicious are wonderful for eating fresh, baking, and making applesauce. Their sweet, mild flavor and tender skin make them a favorite for pies and crisps. Jonathan apples, with their perfect balance of sweet and tart, are the classic choice for pies, tarts, and cider. Liberty apples hold their shape well when cooked, so they're ideal for baked apples or adding to savory dishes like roasted pork or salads.
If you're interested in making your own cider, we offer U-Press cider kits that include everything you need: half-gallon or full-gallon bottles, funnels, cheesecloth, and written instructions. For those who want to try their hand at hard cider, our hard cider kit adds a fermenting bubble, cider yeast, and a bottle stopper. Pressing your own cider is a satisfying, hands-on activity that the whole family can enjoy, and there's nothing quite like drinking juice you pressed yourself just minutes before. We'll walk you through the process and answer any questions you have.
Not up for pressing your own? We also have fresh pressed cider from Apple Lane Orchard available for purchase. It's a delicious, refreshing treat after a morning of picking, and it pairs perfectly with a picnic lunch under the trees.
Common Questions About Your Visit
We get a lot of questions from first-time visitors, so here are a few more details that might help you plan your day. If you don't see your question answered here, feel free to email us at and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What should I bring? Sunscreen, a hat, water, comfortable shoes, and a picnic blanket if you plan to stay for lunch. We provide picking bags, but you're welcome to bring your own basket or tote.
- Is the orchard wheelchair accessible? The main area around the barn and the first few rows of trees are relatively flat and accessible, but the orchard itself is on a slope and the ground is natural. We're happy to help in any way we can—just let us know when you arrive.
- Can I bring my own ladder? For safety reasons, we ask that you use our provided picking poles for high fruit. Most apples are within easy reach, and our trees are pruned to keep them at a manageable height.
- Do you have a phone number? We don't have a public phone line, but email is the best way to reach us. We check it regularly during the season.
- Are there any restrictions on photography? Not at all! We love seeing your photos. Tag us on social media if you'd like to share.
We want every visit to Crosscut to be relaxed and enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned apple picker or it's your first time on a farm, we're here to help you have a great experience. The orchard is a special place, and we're glad to share it with you.