Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patch · Valley Center · California
A San Diego County ritual on a Valley Center farm whose name carries a 1921 date. Admission to the patch is free; tractor hayrides and a straw maze run daily from opening, and all of October adds pony rides, a petting corral, a corn pit and a bounce house.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Sep 9-5; Oct weekdays 9-5:30, weekends 8:30-6. $10 parking on Oct weekends
Dates from the official announcement — always confirm before you go.
Color nearby peaks: November 19–November 23
Color builds from November 6 · mostly bare by December 15
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch’s own coordinates and elevation (487 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch 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 is Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs Sep 17 – Oct 31. Sep 9-5; Oct weekdays 9-5:30, weekends 8:30-6. $10 parking on Oct weekends. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
- When does Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for November 19–November 23 (best estimate November 21). Color starts around November 6 and is mostly bare by December 15.
- What is Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch best for?
- San Diego families and a cheap day out.
- How do I get to Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch?
- Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch is in Valley Center. The closest city is San Diego, about 35 mi away. It's part of California's fall lineup.
Own or manage Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch? Update your listing or get in touch.