October 1st U-pick and Demo 3 PM -5PM
$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 During Your Visit
Your reserved time slot is from 3 PM to 5 PM, and we ask that you arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your start time to allow our staff to prepare. Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the check-in table near the main barn, where your reservation will be confirmed. From there, you will receive a brief orientation covering orchard etiquette, picking techniques, and the layout of the varieties available that day. The apple varieties included in this event—Golden Delicious, Jonathon, Empire, and Liberty—have been selected for their excellent flavor and suitability for both fresh eating and baking, and each tree row is clearly marked so you can find your favorites.
Because this is a working farm, we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, as the orchard rows can be uneven and the afternoon sun is still strong in early October. You are welcome to bring your own water bottle; we have a refill station near the picnic area. The entire experience is designed to be relaxed and family-friendly, with plenty of time to wander, taste, and enjoy the mountain air. Children are welcome, but please keep them within sight at all times, as there is farm equipment and natural terrain.
The Cider Making Demonstration
One of the highlights of your reservation is the live apple cider making demonstration, which takes place at 4:00 PM near the old press. This is a hands-on, educational session where you will see how our antique screw press transforms whole apples into fresh, unfiltered cider. Our orchardist will walk you through the steps: washing and sorting the apples, grinding them into pomace, and pressing the juice. The process is surprisingly simple, yet the result is a crisp, naturally sweet cider that captures the essence of the orchard.
During the demo, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and, if you wish, take a turn at the press. We often have small cups available for tasting the fresh cider, though availability depends on the day’s batch. Please note that the cider made during the demo is not for sale; it is part of the educational experience. If you are interested in purchasing our bottled cider, it is available in the farm stand during regular hours, but not during this event.
Picking Tips and Orchard Etiquette
To ensure the best quality fruit and the health of our trees, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines while picking. First, look for apples that are fully colored and firm, with no visible bruises or insect damage. To pick, cup the apple in your hand and gently twist upward; the stem should separate easily from the spur. Avoid pulling straight down, as this can damage the fruiting spur and reduce next year’s crop. Please do not climb the trees or shake branches, as this causes unnecessary fruit drop and can harm the tree.
We encourage you to taste an apple or two while you pick—it’s part of the experience—but please be mindful not to waste fruit. Any apples that fall to the ground should be left in place, as they can harbor pests and disease. If you accidentally pick an apple you do not want, place it in the designated “cull” bins located at the end of each row. Our staff will collect these for cider pressing or composting.
- Only pick from trees marked with a colored ribbon indicating the variety is ready.
- Use the provided picking bags or your own small basket; do not overfill.
- Keep the orchard clean by disposing of any trash in the bins near the barn.
- Respect the space of other guests; rows are wide enough for one group at a time.
Picnicking and Relaxing on the Farm
Your reservation includes access to our shaded picnic area, where you are welcome to spread a blanket or use one of our rustic wooden tables. The orchard setting, with its view of Volcan Mountain, is an ideal spot to enjoy a snack or simply rest between picking sessions. We have a number of large oak and pine trees that provide dappled shade, and the afternoon breeze often carries the scent of ripe apples. Please note that outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, but we ask that you pack out all trash to help us keep the farm beautiful.
If you plan to picnic, we recommend bringing a small cooler with water and light snacks. The farm stand is not open during this event, so there will be no food or drink for sale on site. However, you are welcome to enjoy the apples you pick—just be sure to wash them first at the hand-washing station near the barn. The picnic area is first-come, first-served, but with our limited group size, there is always plenty of space.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that planning a farm visit comes with questions, so here are some of the most common things guests ask about this event. If you have a question not covered here, please reach out to us through the contact form on our website before the event date, as we may not be able to respond to same-day inquiries.
- Do I need to bring my own bag for apples? No, we provide a 1/2 peck bag with your on-site purchase of $15. If you already have a bag from a previous visit, you may bring it, but the fee still applies for the bag of apples.
- Can I pick more than one bag of apples? Yes, additional 1/2 peck bags can be purchased on site for $15 each, subject to availability. We accept cash and credit cards.
- Is the event wheelchair accessible? The main paths are mowed grass and packed dirt, which are generally accessible, but some areas may be uneven. Please contact us in advance if you have specific accessibility needs, and we will do our best to accommodate.
- What happens if it rains? The event runs rain or shine, unless there is severe weather. In case of cancellation, you will be notified by email and your reservation fee will be refunded.
- Are pets allowed? For the safety of our farm animals and other guests, we do not allow pets, except for service animals.
We hope this information helps you prepare for a wonderful afternoon at Crosscut Farm. The combination of picking your own apples, learning about cider making, and relaxing under the trees makes for a memorable fall outing. We look forward to welcoming you to the orchard.