High Hill Ranch
Orchard · California
One of the oldest and largest ranches on Apple Hill east of Placerville, open daily from mid-August to Christmas Eve for apple donuts and fritters straight out of the fryer, hayrides, pony rides, and a hard cider and wine tasting room. A craft fair with more than 60 vendors runs alongside the orchard on fall weekends.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Color nearby peaks: October 26–October 30
Color builds from October 13 · mostly bare by November 19
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at High Hill Ranch’s own coordinates and elevation (898 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
High Hill Ranch 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 High Hill Ranch peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 26–October 30 (best estimate October 28). Color starts around October 13 and is mostly bare by November 19.
- What is High Hill Ranch best for?
- Apple Hill's biggest one-stop ranch.
- How do I get to High Hill Ranch?
- The closest city is Sacramento, about 43 mi away. It's part of California's fall lineup.
Own or manage High Hill Ranch? Update your listing or get in touch.