September 30th U-pick and Demo 3PM-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
About the Orchard and This Year's Bumper Crop
Crosscut Farm & Orchard sits in a quiet fold of the Volcan Mountain foothills, about 2.5 miles from Julian on Farmer Road. The orchard was planted decades ago with a focus on heritage and heirloom varieties that thrive in our high-desert climate. This season, a long cool spring and steady summer moisture produced an exceptional set of fruit across our Golden Delicious, Jonathon, Empire, and Liberty blocks. The trees are carrying more apples than they have in years, so we've decided to extend our u-pick calendar into early October to share the abundance.
Because the crop is so heavy this year, the fruit is especially sweet and crisp. The extended hang time on the tree has allowed the apples to develop deeper sugars while retaining their characteristic acidity. That balance makes them ideal for fresh eating, baking, and pressing into cider. Our cider-making demo during this reservation window is a hands-on look at how we turn a blend of these varieties into fresh, unfiltered apple cider.
The orchard itself is a working farm, not a manicured tourist attraction. You'll find uneven ground, tall grass between the rows, and the occasional bee or wasp drawn to fallen fruit. We recommend closed-toe shoes and a hat. The setting is beautiful, with mature shade trees near the picnic area where you can spread a blanket and enjoy the mountain air after picking.
How the U-Pick Reservation Works
Your $5 reservation fee covers parking, access to the orchard, and the cider-making demonstration. It does not include apples; those are purchased separately on site. When you arrive, check in at the small farm stand near the parking area. We'll give you a quick orientation and point you toward the rows that are open for picking that day. The demo runs continuously during the reservation window, so you can join whenever you're ready.
We limit the number of reservations for each time slot to keep the orchard from feeling crowded and to make sure every guest gets personal attention. If a time slot is sold out, please choose another date. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated; you must have a reservation to enter the orchard during u-pick hours.
Apples are sold by the half-peck bag, which holds about 6 pounds of fruit. The cost is $15 per bag, payable by cash or credit card at the farm stand. You may purchase as many bags as you like, but we ask that you only pick what you intend to buy. Please do not climb the trees or shake branches; use the provided picking poles for high fruit and handle the apples gently to avoid bruising.
The Cider-Making Demonstration
One of the highlights of this reservation is the apple cider making demo. We set up a traditional hand-crank press near the picnic area and walk you through the entire process: washing and sorting the apples, grinding them into pomace, and pressing the pulp to extract the juice. You'll see how different apple varieties contribute sweetness, tartness, and aroma to the final blend.
The demo is informal and interactive. You're welcome to ask questions, take photos, and even help turn the crank if you'd like. We'll talk about the history of cider making in Julian, the difference between sweet cider and hard cider, and how to pasteurize or freeze fresh cider at home. Samples of the fresh-pressed cider are usually available, depending on the day's batch.
If you're interested in making cider at home, we can recommend simple equipment and share our favorite apple ratios. Many visitors tell us the demo is their favorite part of the visit—it's a chance to slow down and appreciate the craft behind a glass of fresh cider.
Planning Your Visit
The reservation window runs from 3 PM to 5 PM on September 30th. Please plan to arrive at the start of your window so you have plenty of time to pick, watch the demo, and enjoy the orchard. The farm is easy to reach from Julian: take Farmer Road and look for the Crosscut Farm sign. Parking is on-site and included with your reservation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind for a comfortable visit:
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes; the orchard has uneven ground and fallen fruit.
- Bring sun protection—hat, sunscreen, and water. The mountain sun can be intense even in late September.
- Picnic blankets and chairs are welcome under the shade trees near the demo area.
- Dogs are not allowed in the orchard during u-pick hours for food safety reasons.
- Restroom facilities are limited; please plan accordingly.
If you're coming with a group, please make a reservation for each adult. Children are welcome and do not need a separate reservation, but they must be supervised at all times. The orchard is a working farm with equipment and uneven terrain.
Other Upcoming Dates and Tours
If September 30th doesn't work for your schedule, we have additional u-pick and demo sessions on October 1st. You can choose between a 1 PM – 3 PM session or a 3 PM – 5 PM session. Both follow the same format and pricing as this event.
For those who want a broader look at the farm, we also offer Fall Farm Tours earlier in the season. These tours include a guided walk through the orchard and a discussion of our growing practices. You can find availability on September 15 at 10 AM, September 16 at 10 AM, September 16 at 1 PM, and September 16 at 3 PM. Note that the farm tours do not include u-pick access; they are a separate experience.
We update our availability regularly as the season progresses. If a date is sold out, check back—sometimes additional slots open up if the weather cooperates and the fruit holds. Thank you for supporting our small family farm, and we look forward to seeing you in the orchard.