By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (Aug 15, 2025)
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — One of Northern California’s most popular fall traditions returns this weekend as Apple Hill opens for the 2025 season, with farmers crediting a mild summer for crisp fruit and clean skins.
“I’ve been farming for three decades and it’s my best in three decades,” said Chris Delfino of Delfino Farms, calling this year’s apples “a perfect apple”
with no scab or worm damage. KCRA
High Hill Ranch, one of the hill’s largest destinations, begins its season Saturday, Aug. 16, running daily through Dec. 24 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Apple Hill—an association representing over 50 local, family farms nestled just east of Placerville—says the region’s orchards, bake shops and wineries are readying for peak crowds as more ranches open in the coming weeks.
As of Friday evening, about 15 farms are already open, with all 48 expected to welcome visitors by Labor Day weekend, according to a KCRA 3 report by Maricela De La Cruz. The station also highlighted upbeat assessments from growers who say cooler nights and seasonable days produced standout fruit quality across the board. “We typically go through about 1 million pounds of apples over the next four months, which is just crazy,” said Kyle Bridgeman of High Hill.
If you go
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Check who’s open today: The Apple Hill Growers’ Currently Open page is updated with operating hours, activities, and maps. Apple Hill Growers Association
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Anchor stops: High Hill Ranch opens Aug. 16; additional ranches—including bake shops and u-pick sites—phase in through Labor Day.
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Where it is: Apple Hill is in Camino near Placerville, off U.S. 50 between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.
Weekend outlook: Placerville forecast (plan your layers and arrival time):
Today
|
90°
64°
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Sunshine
|
|
Saturday
|
85°
62°
|
Beautiful with plenty of sun
|
|
Sunday
|
85°
61°
|
Beautiful with plenty of sunshine
|
|
Monday
|
85°
61°
|
Beautiful with plenty of sunshine
|
|
Tuesday
|
88°
67°
|
Delightful with plenty of sunshine
|
|
Wednesday
|
96°
68°
|
Plenty of sunshine
|
Thursday
|
100°
72°
|
Partly sunny and hot
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“It’s just clean. It’s a clean apple… my best in three decades,” said Delfino, pointing to Golden Delicious with spotless skins after a summer without extreme heat or smoke. KCRA
Residents are encouraged to travel early, carpool when possible, and consult the Apple Hill app or website before heading up the Carson Road corridor, especially on peak weekends.
