October 1st U-pick and Demo 1 PM -3PM
$5.00 In stock Quantity: 1 Add to Bag Product Details Golden Delicious, Jonathon, Empire and Liberty apples are plentiful this year. We are extending our season because we have a bumper crop of apples. Crosscut Farm is located at the base of Volcan Mountain about 2.5 miles from Julian on Farmer Road. The setting and orchard is beautiful with numerous shade trees to picnic under in addition to the 800 apple trees. We limit group size and require reservations to provide a quality experience. The $5 reservation fee pays for parking, access and an apple cider making demo. A 1/2 peck bag (6lbs) can be purchased for $15 on site. We take cash or credit cards. Save this product for later Favorite My Account
What to Expect at the October 1st U-pick and Demo
On October 1st from 1 PM to 3 PM, Crosscut Farm & Orchard opens its gates for a special afternoon of apple picking and cider making. This is not a hurried, crowded event; we intentionally keep group sizes small so that every guest can enjoy the orchard at their own pace. You will have time to wander among the trees, ask questions, and watch the cider press in action without feeling rushed. The two-hour window allows you to arrive, check in, pick your apples, and participate in the demo with plenty of time to spare.
The orchard sits at the base of Volcan Mountain, about 2.5 miles from Julian on Farmer Road. The setting is peaceful and scenic, with mature shade trees perfect for a picnic before or after your picking session. The 800 apple trees are loaded with Golden Delicious, Jonathon, Empire, and Liberty varieties, all of which are at their peak in early October. Because we have had a bumper crop this year, we are extending our season, and this date is one of the last opportunities to experience the orchard in full production.
Your $5 reservation fee covers parking, access to the orchard, and the apple cider making demonstration. A 1/2 peck bag (about 6 pounds) can be purchased on site for $15 if you wish to take apples home. We accept both cash and credit cards, so you can choose whichever is most convenient. The demo is included with every reservation, and you are welcome to watch as many times as you like during the event.
How the Reservation System Works
Because we limit group size to ensure a quality experience, reservations are required. The process is simple: select the quantity you need (one reservation per person, including children), add to your bag, and complete the checkout. You will receive a confirmation email with details about the event, including directions and what to bring. Please have your confirmation ready on your phone or printed out when you arrive.
If you are planning to come with a group of friends or family, please make sure each person has a reservation. We cannot accommodate walk-ups on the day of the event if we have reached capacity. The $5 fee is non-refundable, but if the event is cancelled due to severe weather, we will issue a full refund or transfer your reservation to another date.
For those who prefer a later time slot, we also offer an October 1st U-pick and Demo from 3 PM to 5 PM. The later session is identical in structure and price, but may be less crowded and cooler as the afternoon progresses. If you cannot make October 1st, be sure to check our other fall farm tours, such as the September 21, 10 am - 12 pm Fall Farm Tour or the September 16, 1 pm - 3 pm Fall Farm Tour.
The Apple Varieties You Will Find
Crosscut Farm grows four main apple varieties that ripen in late September and early October: Golden Delicious, Jonathon, Empire, and Liberty. Each has its own character, and many visitors enjoy tasting a few before filling their bags.
- Golden Delicious – Sweet, mellow, and crisp. These are excellent for eating fresh, but also hold their shape well in pies and sauces. Their yellow-green skin is easy to spot in the orchard.
- Jonathon – A classic tart apple with a spicy undertone. Jonathons are prized for baking and cider because of their balanced acidity and rich flavor.
- Empire – A cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, Empire apples are sweet-tart, very juicy, and great for both fresh eating and cooking. They are a favorite with children because of their bright red color.
- Liberty – A disease-resistant variety with a deep red skin and a tangy, aromatic flavor. Liberty apples are excellent for cider and also store well.
Because the crop is so abundant this year, you will have no trouble finding plenty of fruit on the trees. We encourage you to pick only what you will use, but if you want more than one 1/2 peck bag, additional bags can be purchased on site. The apples are priced per bag, not per pound, so you can fill the bag as full as you like without worrying about exact weight.
The Apple Cider Making Demonstration
One of the highlights of the October 1st event is the apple cider making demonstration. Our farm staff will walk you through the entire process, from selecting and washing the apples to grinding and pressing them into fresh cider. You will see the traditional equipment in action and learn about the history of cider making on the mountain.
The demo is hands-on in the sense that you can ask questions and get close to the press, but for safety reasons we do not allow guests to operate the machinery. However, you will have the opportunity to taste the fresh cider immediately after it is pressed. There is nothing quite like the flavor of just-pressed apple cider, and many visitors tell us it is the best they have ever had.
If you are interested in making cider at home, our staff can recommend equipment and techniques. We also sell a limited number of cider-making kits in the farm store, subject to availability. The demo runs continuously during the event, so you can join at any time and stay as long as you like.
Planning Your Visit: What to Bring and Know
Crosscut Farm is a working orchard, so please dress appropriately for the outdoors. We recommend closed-toe shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. The orchard is on a gentle slope, and while the paths are mowed, they can be uneven in places. Strollers and wagons are welcome, but please be mindful of tree roots and irrigation lines.
There are portable restrooms on site, and hand sanitizer is available at the check-in table. You are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy it under the shade trees before or after your picking session. We have a few picnic tables, but you may want to bring a blanket just in case. Please carry out all trash to keep the orchard clean.
Pets are not allowed in the orchard due to food safety regulations, with the exception of service animals. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the property. We ask that you do not climb the trees or shake branches to get apples down; our staff can provide picking poles if needed.
If you have any questions before the event, please use the contact form on our website. We look forward to seeing you at the orchard on October 1st!
Why Choose Crosscut Farm for Your Apple Picking?
Crosscut Farm & Orchard has been a part of the Julian community for many years, and we take pride in offering a genuine farm experience rather than a commercialized attraction. Our orchard is family-owned and operated, and we are passionate about growing high-quality apples using sustainable practices. When you visit, you are supporting a local farm and helping to preserve the agricultural heritage of the Julian area.
Unlike larger orchards that can feel crowded and impersonal, we limit our group sizes so that you can truly relax and enjoy the beauty of the mountain setting. The combination of fresh air, stunning views, and the simple pleasure of picking your own fruit makes for a memorable outing for all ages. Whether you are a local or a visitor from the city, we think you will find Crosscut Farm to be a special place.
Our other fall events, such as the September 16, 10 am - 12 pm Fall Farm Tour and the September 16, 3 pm - 5 pm Fall Farm Tour, also offer a chance to see the orchard in different light and learn about our farming methods. If you enjoy the October 1st event, we encourage you to come back for one of these tours or for next year's harvest season.
“The best apples are the ones you pick yourself, still warm from the sun.” – Crosscut Farm motto