

How Apple Picking Works at Julian Farm and Orchard
🍎 APPLE PICKING UPDATE 🍎
APPLE PICKING IS SOLD OUT FOR THE 2026 SEASON.
Thank you to all our farm guests who participated this season and all those interested who didn't yet get to experience our beautiful orchard. We still have tons of amazing activities and invite you to visit and enjoy the cool mountain air of Fall in Julian. Enjoy pumpkins, flowers, and more - all still available.
NO WALK-IN APPLE PICKING IS AVAILABLE due to extreme demand and a limited apple crop.
Important Ticket Detail: Purchasing general admission or a farm activity package online does NOT include access to the u-pick apple orchards. Apple picking is strictly reserved for guests who purchase an "Apple Tour" ticket. (Apple Tour tickets do include general admission to the farm).
How to Get Apple Picking Tickets:
🎟️ 1. Join our Email List: You MUST join our Apple Tour Email Notification List below to find out when tickets go live.
⚡ 2. Watch your inbox. When reservation drops occur, spots sell out in under 30 minutes!
🗓️ 3. Book immediately when notifications go live.
Planning a general farm visit?
We still have plenty of fall fun to offer! You do NOT need a reservation for Harvest Fest, our Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo, Hayrides, or Pre-Picked Apples sold at our gift shop. Walk-ins are always welcome for general farm activities! Learn more HERE!
What to Expect on an Apple Tour
Apple Tours are a 30–45 minute guided experience through our 2-acre apple orchard. Here is how your tour will go step-by-step:
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Check-In & Add U-Pick Bags: When you arrive, check in at a ticket booth. If you would like to pick apples during your tour, you can add and purchase your official u-pick apple bag here for your group.
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Welcome & Waiting Area: After checking in, you will be directed to the tour waiting area. Our staff will greet your group before leading you into the orchard.
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Guided Educational Tour: Your guide will lead a walking tour through our apple trees, sharing fun apple-growing facts, pointing out unique orchard features, and answering any questions you have along the way.
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Apple Picking: At the end of the walk, your guide will point out the best trees with ripe fruit ready for harvest, so guests who purchased a u-pick bag can fill them to take home!
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Enjoy the Rest of the Farm: Once your tour concludes, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the rest of Julian Farm and Orchard! Your Apple Tour ticket includes general admission, so you can explore Harvest Fest, visit the pumpkin patch, meet the animals at the petting zoo, or enjoy our other farm activities at your own pace.
Important Tour & U-Pick Policies
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Ticket Requirements: Every participant aged 3 and older must have a pre-booked Apple Tour reservation. Minors must be accompanied by a paid adult.
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General Admission Included: An Apple Tour ticket covers your general admission to the farm! You can upgrade to an activity armband at one of our onsite ticket booths.
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Group Size Limits: Tours are strictly capped based on how many people we can accommodate. If your entire party cannot fit into a slot, please choose another available time.
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Official U-Pick Bags Only: U-pick apple bags are sold separately at check-in only to registered tour guests. Outside bags, baskets, or containers are strictly prohibited. Bag purchase limits may apply to ensure all tour guests get to pick.
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Crop Availability Notice: Nature dictates our harvest! Ripening dates (September through late October) are estimates. On rare occasions when tree availability is low, tours will focus on the educational experience. Additional pre-picked Julian apples maybe available for purchase at our gift shop based on availability.
Arrival & Check-In Guidelines
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When to Arrive: Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time to allow for parking and check-in at the main ticket booth.
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Strict Start Times: You must be fully checked in 5 minutes before your tour starts. Out of respect for all guests, tours begin promptly on time. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated or refunded.
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Orchard Access: For farm safety and crop protection, guests are only permitted in the orchard while accompanied by a staff member.
What to Wear & Bring
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Attire: You will be walking on dirt, gravel, and uneven ground. Closed-toe shoes, sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
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Strollers: Strollers are welcome! Paths consist of hard dirt and gravel.
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Pets: Dogs are NOT permitted on Apple Tours for food safety standards.
Rescheduling & Cancellation Policy
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All Sales Final: Tickets are non-refundable.
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Self-Service Rescheduling: You can self-manage and reschedule your tour slot directly through the "Manage This Booking" link in your confirmation email. Please note that rescheduling is strictly subject to spot availability. Because our Apple Tours are extremely limited and book up very quickly, open spots for alternative times may not be available. We strongly encourage you to select a time slot you can commit to when booking.
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Weather Cancellations: If extreme weather forces the farm to cancel tours, guests will receive rescheduling options, store credit, or a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if an Apple Tour slot is sold out?
If a time slot is full, you can join the online waitlist. If a party cancels, our booking system automatically alerts the waitlist. Spots are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if I can't get an Apple Tour ticket?
You can still visit Julian Farm and Orchard! No reservations are needed for Harvest Fest, our Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo, Hayrides, or buying pre-picked apples at our gift shop. Learn more HERE! If you strictly want u-pick apples and we are sold out, we encourage you to check the Julian Chamber of Commerce Orchard Directory for neighboring farms.
When are the apples ready?
Mother Nature determines when our apples are ripe! While each variety has a tentative ripening window between September and late October, exact dates vary year to year based on seasonal weather patterns.
Do you use pesticides?
We are a sustainable farm and do not spray synthetic pesticides. We only use organic neem oil as needed. Because of our natural farming practices, you may occasionally see harmless codling moth marks on some of our fruit.
Our 15 Apple Varieties
To see our apple varieties please visit our website on a desktop. Mobile version does not show the apple varieties.

Ripening Date: Mid September

Ripening Date: Mid September

Ripening Date: Mid-to-Late September

Ripening Date: October

Ripening Date: Mid October

Ripening Date: Early-to-Mid September

Ripening Date: Late September to Early October

Harvested in Mid October Each Year

Ripening Date: Late October to Mid November

Ripening Date: Mid-to-Late September

Ripening Date: Mid-to-Late October

Ripening Date: Late October to Early November






