Arata Pumpkin Farm
Pumpkin patch · California
A working pumpkin farm on the San Mateo coast, a few minutes from downtown Half Moon Bay, where a six acre cornfield called Pumpkin River backs up to a hay maze built like a minotaur's labyrinth. Kids ride the hayride and the mini train, pet farm animals, and wander a haunted barn before picking a pumpkin from the field.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Color nearby peaks: November 18–November 22
Color builds from November 5 · mostly bare by December 13
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Arata Pumpkin Farm’s own coordinates and elevation (47 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Arata Pumpkin Farm on the map
More things to do in California
June Lake Loop
Scenic drivePeak September 26
A 16-mile loop off US 395 threads four alpine lakes below Carson Peak, and by early October its aspen groves turn the roadside gold. Pull off anywhere along the pavement; Reversed Creek and the June Lake overlook give the classic Eastern Sierra shot.
Don’t miss: Reversed Creek aspen groves · Views of Carson Peak · Four lakes along one loop road
Bishop Creek Canyon
Scenic drivePeak September 28
South Lake Road climbs from Bishop into a narrow Eastern Sierra canyon where quaking aspens along Bishop Creek turn brilliant gold, usually peaking mid-to-late October. North Lake and South Lake bookend one of California's densest fall color drives.
Don’t miss: South Lake and North Lake · Aspen groves along the creek · Parchers Camp turnout
Yosemite Valley
National parkPeak September 29
Yosemite Valley's black oaks and bigleaf maples color the meadows below El Capitan and Half Dome in late October, thinning the summer crowds without thinning the granite. Cook's Meadow and the Valley Loop Trail frame the display.
Don’t miss: Cook's Meadow black oaks · Valley Loop Trail · Views of El Capitan and Half Dome
Lundy Canyon
TrailPeak September 22
A trail up Lundy Canyon climbs past beaver ponds and waterfalls through some of the Eastern Sierra's thickest aspen groves, glowing gold by mid-October. The out-and-back from Lundy Lake is Mono County's signature fall color hike.
Don’t miss: Beaver ponds and waterfalls · Dense aspen groves · Lundy Lake trailhead
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Arata Pumpkin Farm peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for November 18–November 22 (best estimate November 20). Color starts around November 5 and is mostly bare by December 13.
- What is Arata Pumpkin Farm best for?
- Coastside families near Half Moon Bay.
- How do I get to Arata Pumpkin Farm?
- The closest city is San Francisco, about 27 mi away. It's part of California's fall lineup.
Own or manage Arata Pumpkin Farm? Update your listing or get in touch.