September 30th U-pick and Demo 1PM-3PM
$5.00 Out of 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
When you arrive at Crosscut Farm & Orchard for the September 30th U-pick and demo, you’ll be greeted by the sight of rows of apple trees heavy with fruit, the scent of ripe apples in the air, and the peaceful backdrop of Volcan Mountain. The farm’s location just 2.5 miles from Julian on Farmer Road makes it an easy stop on a day trip, yet it feels worlds away from the bustle of town. The orchard is designed for leisurely exploration, with wide grassy lanes between the trees and plenty of shade from the surrounding oaks and pines. We encourage you to take your time, snap photos, and enjoy the simple pleasure of picking your own fruit straight from the branch.
Your reservation includes access to the orchard for the full two-hour window, from 1PM to 3PM. While the apple cider making demo is a highlight, it is scheduled at intervals throughout the session so you can join whenever you arrive. The demo typically lasts about 20 minutes and shows the traditional process of pressing apples into fresh cider using a hand-cranked press. You’ll see how the apples are washed, ground, and pressed, and you’ll have a chance to taste the result—crisp, sweet, and completely unprocessed. Children are welcome to help turn the press under supervision, making it a memorable hands-on activity for families.
Because we limit group size and require reservations, you won’t be fighting crowds or waiting in long lines. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, and our staff is on hand to answer questions about the orchard, the apple varieties, and the history of the farm. We’ve found that this small-group format allows for a much more personal experience, and many guests tell us it’s the highlight of their fall season.
Apple Varieties Available for Picking
The September 30th session features four classic apple varieties that are at their peak right now: Golden Delicious, Jonathon, Empire, and Liberty. Each has its own distinct flavor profile and best uses, so you can tailor your picking to your taste and plans. Golden Delicious apples are sweet, mellow, and exceptionally crisp, making them excellent for eating fresh, baking, or making applesauce. Jonathon apples are a bit more tart with a spicy undertone, ideal for pies and cider. Empire apples are a cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, offering a balanced sweet-tart flavor and a firm texture that holds up well in cooking. Liberty apples are known for their deep red color, juicy flesh, and resistance to disease, with a flavor that is both sweet and slightly tangy—perfect for fresh eating and salads.
When you arrive, our staff will point out which rows correspond to each variety, and you’re free to pick from any of them. We recommend bringing a small basket or bag from home if you prefer, though we provide the 1/2 peck bags for purchase on site. The trees are pruned to a manageable height, so most fruit is within easy reach for adults and older children. For younger kids, we have a few step stools available near the check-in area. Remember to twist the apple gently upward rather than pulling straight down to avoid damaging the spur for next year’s crop.
Because this is a bumper crop year, the trees are loaded with fruit, so you won’t have to search hard to find perfect apples. However, we do ask that you only pick what you intend to purchase, and that you handle the fruit with care to avoid bruising. The $15 fee for a 1/2 peck bag (approximately 6 pounds) is paid on site, and we accept both cash and credit cards. If you fill your bag and want more, additional bags can be purchased at the same price.
Planning Your Day at Crosscut Farm
To make the most of your visit, we suggest arriving a few minutes before your reserved time to check in at the small welcome table near the parking area. There you’ll receive a brief orientation and a map of the orchard. Parking is included in your reservation fee, and the lot is just a short walk from the trees. The ground is mostly level and grassy, but we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes, as the orchard floor can be uneven in places and there may be fallen apples underfoot. A hat and sunscreen are also wise, as the afternoon sun can be strong even in late September.
Picnicking is a beloved tradition at Crosscut Farm, and we have numerous shade trees with picnic tables and open grassy areas where you can spread a blanket. You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, and many families make an afternoon of it—picking apples, enjoying the cider demo, and then relaxing under the oaks with a snack. Please remember to pack out all trash, as we do not have public trash receptacles in the orchard. Dogs are not permitted in the orchard during U-pick sessions for food safety reasons, though service animals are always welcome.
If you’re looking to extend your day, the town of Julian is just a few minutes away with its famous pie shops, historic Main Street, and antique stores. Many guests combine a morning in town with an afternoon at the orchard, or vice versa. For those who want to make a full weekend of it, there are several bed-and-breakfasts and campgrounds in the area. We’re happy to offer suggestions—just ask any of our staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to bring my own containers? No, we provide 1/2 peck bags for purchase on site for $15 each. You may bring your own bag or basket if you prefer, but the $15 fee still applies for the amount of apples you pick.
- Can I pick more than one bag of apples? Yes, additional 1/2 peck bags can be purchased at the same price, subject to availability. We’ll have plenty of bags on hand for this bumper crop season.
- Is the apple cider making demo suitable for young children? Absolutely. Kids love watching the press in action and can help turn the crank with adult supervision. The demo is hands-on and educational, and everyone gets a taste of the fresh cider.
- What happens if it rains on September 30th? The event will proceed in light rain, as the orchard is beautiful in all weather. In the event of severe weather, we will contact reservation holders by email with options to reschedule or receive a refund. Please check your email the morning of the event.
- Are there restrooms available? Yes, we have portable restrooms near the parking area, including a handicap-accessible unit.
- Can I purchase pre-picked apples or other products? During U-pick sessions, we focus on the picking experience, but we usually have a small selection of pre-picked apples, cider, and honey available for purchase at the welcome table, subject to availability.
Why Reservations Are Required
You might wonder why we ask for a reservation and a $5 fee when many orchards simply open their gates. The answer lies in our commitment to quality. Crosscut Farm is a small, family-run operation, and we’ve learned that limiting the number of visitors ensures everyone has a peaceful, enjoyable experience. The $5 fee covers parking, access to the orchard, and the cider making demo—it’s not a deposit on apples, but rather a way to manage capacity and provide a structured activity. We believe the small-group format is worth it, and our guests consistently agree.
The reservation system also allows us to plan for staffing and supplies, so the demo runs smoothly and there are enough bags and staff on hand. It prevents the overcrowding that can strip trees of fruit too quickly and lead to a less pleasant visit for everyone. By spreading visitors across multiple time slots—like our October 1st U-pick and Demo 1 PM -3PM or October 1st U-pick and Demo 3 PM -5PM—we can ensure that each group has ample fruit to pick and space to roam.
We also offer Fall Farm Tours on select dates, which provide a different kind of experience focused on the farm’s history and growing practices. If you’re interested in a more in-depth look at the orchard, those tours are a great complement to U-pick sessions. But for pure apple-picking joy, the U-pick and demo is the way to go.
About Crosscut Farm & Orchard
Crosscut Farm has been a part of the Julian community for generations, and our orchard of 800 apple trees is a labor of love. Located at the base of Volcan Mountain, the farm benefits from the unique microclimate of the Julian area—warm days, cool nights, and well-drained soils that produce exceptionally flavorful apples. We practice sustainable farming methods, using integrated pest management and minimal chemical inputs to keep our trees healthy and our fruit safe for families. The orchard includes a mix of heritage and modern varieties, and we take pride in preserving the apple-growing tradition that Julian is famous for.
The farm’s name, “Crosscut,” comes from the crosscut saws that were used in the early days of clearing the land for planting. Today, the orchard is a peaceful retreat where visitors can connect with the land and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life. In addition to apples, we grow a small amount of pears, plums, and berries, and we keep bees for pollination and honey production. The farm is a working landscape, and we ask that visitors respect the trees, the wildlife, and the hard work that goes into each season’s harvest.
We are grateful for the support of our local community and the many visitors who make the trip up the mountain each fall. Your reservation helps us continue to care for the orchard and share its bounty. We look forward to welcoming you on September 30th and hope you leave with a bag full of apples and a heart full of memories.