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Modesto Apple Picking Fun: The Best Day Trip You Can Take This Season

Where to find pick-your-own apples

By Xochitl Loza August 25, 2024

It's apple-picking time! Whether you're looking to make family memories or just enjoy the taste of a just-picked apple, Modesto is a short drive away from Apple Hill in Placerville, CA which has some fantastic pick-your-own apple orchards to explore. Below, you'll find all the info on the best apple-picking spots in Apple Hill. Grab your baskets, and get ready for a deliciously fun day!


Tom Swinnen | Canva

Pick-Your-Own Apple Farms in Apple Hill, Placerville, CA

24 Carrot Farm

Location: 2731 Jacquier Road
Placerville, CA 95667

Details:Feb-Mar: Farmstand open Thursdays & Saturdays, 10-5
April-Aug: Thu, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm
Sept-Nov, DAILY, 10am-5pm

A “certified organic” farm. Seasonal you-pick options: flowers, tomatoes, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and pumpkins. Dog Friendly. Kids Activites. 

More Information: Visit their website. 

Instagram @24carrotfarm

(530) 391-8582

24carrotfarms@gmail.com

 

High Hill Ranch

Location: 2901 High Hill Road
Placerville, CA 95667

Details: Season
Aug 10 thru Dec 24th
Hours
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm,
Weekends 8am-6pm

Fresh baked apple donuts and savory apple fritters. A key destination for kids to experience all the outdoor activities Apple Hill has to offer from fishing, hayrides, and face painting. Dog friendly. 

More Information: Visit their website. Instagram @highhillranch_applehill

(530) 644-1973

applehill@highhillranch.com

Abel’s Apple Acres

Location: 2345 Carson Road
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 626-0138

Details: Season
Labor Day Weekend thru Nov 30.
Hours
Daily, 8-5:30 Labor Day Weekend through Nov 30, Daily 9-4:30 Dec 1- Dec 23, weather permitting
Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve.

Fun for all ages from pond and picnic areas, Kids Activities including Mining Adventure (daily), Maze and Horse Rides (weekends). Enjoy the Craft Fair, Apple Barn with Bake Shop, Candy Counter, Apple Pantry, Gifts, Book Nooks, Deck and Terri’s Country Cuisine & BBQ with view and dining tables.
More Information: Visit their website. 

Instagram @abels_apple_acres


Apple Hill boasts a variety of fantastic apple farms, and this is just a glimpse of what’s available. For a complete list of farms and to help plan your visit, be sure to check out their website here. We love making the annual trip from Modesto to Apple Hill—it’s one of our favorite traditions. Many farms offer great activities for kids, and the pastries are definitely worth a try too!


Make the Most of Your Apple-Picking Adventure

Don't forget to bring along some essentials like a sturdy basket, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture those picture-perfect moments picking apples in Apple Hill. 

Looking for ideas on what to do with your just-picked apples? Check out these recipes — favorites of Macaroni KID families: