A trip to Apple Hill in the Sierra foothills is a fall tradition for many Northern California residents once the leaves begin to change color and the temperatures dip. The "hill" in the El Dorado County town of Camino is actually a group of of ranches, farms and wineries that are open to the public. Visitors can bite into freshly picked apples, munch on an apple cider doughnut and indulge in a glass of wine at this scenic spot. Although some of the ranches are open year-round, autumn is the most popular time of the year to visit the area.Here's what you need to know before making your trip to Apple Hill: What (and who) should I bring? Make sure you have an empty stomach and storage for your treats. A cooler will ensure your pies, bottles of wines and baked goods don't heat up too much in the car. Reusable shopping bags are also handy for loose produce. Apple Hill is a great place to bring the kids. From pumpkin patches to pony rides to craft stands, there's plenty to keep kiddos entertained. Dogs are welcome at nearly every farm as long as your four-legged friends are on a leash and they aren't left unattended. What are some Apple Hill hot spots? High Hill Ranch comprises more than 150 acres and is one of the most-visited farms at Apple Hill. Rainbow Orchards is many people's go-to spot for hot apple cider donuts. Apple Ridge Farms, Boa Vista Orchards, Delfino Farms, Larsen Apple Barn and Bakeshop and Mill View Ranch are other recommended ranches to include in your list of spots to visit. Besides various kinds of juicy apples, here are some other must-have treats to look forward to: hot apple cider donuts, apple milkshakes, pies, apple cider and wine.It's not over at Apple Hill once winter hits. You can pick the perfect Christmas tree from several different farms. OK, yeah, let's talk about wine Wine tasting in Apple Hill will not be like your typical wine-tasting trip. You can plan a diverse day that includes pies, ciders and wine. The wineries are located close to each other but are also interspersed between different farms. So, instead of packing a picnic, you can grab snacks in between wineries.Each winery in the area has its own charm. As you wine taste your way through Apple Hill, you'll see different views and experience a different side of the foothills region.What's new? Part of Apple Hill's charm is the sweet staples mentioned above. That being said, the farms do change things up from time to time. Hard apple cider has become more popular in recent years. Looking to capitalize on that, the Apple Hill Growers Association have created a Hard Cider Trail that highlights all the spots where visitors can enjoy some hard cider. There are also some new farms that joined the association in the past year. Among them are Ponderosa Ridge Bed & Breakfast, the all-organic Flying V Farm and Starfield Vineyards, which is slated to open its tasting room soon. How should I plan my trip? Because Apple Hill is a fall tradition, traffic and lines are to be expected, especially if you're visiting in October. Weekdays are a great time to visit if your schedule allows. It's recommended that you get to Apple Hill early in the day to beat the crowds. >> Have a particular kind of apple you want? Click here for a harvest guide calendar. Shuttles that were part of a pilot program in 2018 are not returning this year. Instead, the Apple Hill Growers Association is involving the California Highway Patrol in an effort to keep things moving. During the month of October, Caltrans will close several eastbound left-turn lanes on Highway 50 near Apple Hill to help mitigate traffic. El Dorado County plans to use electronic signs to signal which exits are open. The season usually runs from Labor Day through Thanksgiving. However, with more than 50 independent growers, opening dates and times can vary.
CAMINO, Calif.
A trip to Apple Hill in the Sierra foothills is a fall tradition for many Northern California residents once the leaves begin to change color and the temperatures dip.
The "hill" in the El Dorado County town of Camino is actually a group of of ranches, farms and wineries that are open to the public. Visitors can bite into freshly picked apples, munch on an apple cider doughnut and indulge in a glass of wine at this scenic spot.
Although some of the ranches are open year-round, autumn is the most popular time of the year to visit the area.
Here's what you need to know before making your trip to Apple Hill:
What's the weather going to be like?
This is the latest 7-day forecast for the Apple Hill area.
How should I plan my trip?
Because Apple Hill is a fall tradition, traffic and lines are to be expected, especially if you're visiting in October. Weekdays are a great time to visit if your schedule allows.
It's recommended that you get to Apple Hill early in the day to beat the crowds.
Shuttles that were part of a pilot program in 2018 are not returning this year. Instead, the Apple Hill Growers Association is involving the California Highway Patrol in an effort to keep things moving.
During the month of October, Caltrans will close several eastbound left-turn lanes on Highway 50 near Apple Hill to help mitigate traffic. El Dorado County plans to use electronic signs to signal which exits are open.
The season usually runs from Labor Day through Thanksgiving. However, with more than 50 independent growers, opening dates and times can vary.
What (and who) should I bring?
Make sure you have an empty stomach and storage for your treats. A cooler will ensure your pies, bottles of wines and baked goods don't heat up too much in the car. Reusable shopping bags are also handy for loose produce.
Apple Hill is a great place to bring the kids. From pumpkin patches to pony rides to craft stands, there's plenty to keep kiddos entertained.
Dogs are welcome at nearly every farm as long as your four-legged friends are on a leash and they aren't left unattended.
What's new?
Part of Apple Hill's charm is the sweet staples mentioned above. That being said, the farms do change things up from time to time.
Hard apple cider has become more popular in recent years. Looking to capitalize on that, the Apple Hill Growers Association have created a Hard Cider Trail that highlights all the spots where visitors can enjoy some hard cider.
There are also some new farms that joined the association in the past year. Among them are Ponderosa Ridge Bed & Breakfast, the all-organic Flying V Farm and Starfield Vineyards, which is slated to open its tasting room soon.
What are some Apple Hill hot spots?
High Hill Ranch comprises more than 150 acres and is one of the most-visited farms at Apple Hill.
Rainbow Orchards is many people's go-to spot for hot apple cider donuts.
Apple Ridge Farms, Boa Vista Orchards, Delfino Farms, Larsen Apple Barn and Bakeshop and Mill View Ranch are other recommended ranches to include in your list of spots to visit.
Besides various kinds of juicy apples, here are some other must-have treats to look forward to: hot apple cider donuts, apple milkshakes, pies, apple cider and wine.
OK, yeah, let's talk about wine
Wine tasting in Apple Hill will not be like your typical wine-tasting trip. You can plan a diverse day that includes pies, ciders and wine. The wineries are located close to each other but are also interspersed between different farms. So, instead of packing a picnic, you can grab snacks in between wineries.
Each winery in the area has its own charm. As you wine taste your way through Apple Hill, you'll see different views and experience a different side of the foothills region.
