Rainbow Orchards
Cider mill · California
An Apple Hill orchard known for its hot apple cider donuts, pressed fresh at the on site cider mill alongside pies, cobblers, and tarts. Kids climb a hay bale maze in the picnic orchard while you wait for a fresh batch, and the ranch stays open into early December for a couple of bonus weekends after Thanksgiving.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Aug 30-Sep 1 & Sep 5-Oct 26: Sat-Sun 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Oct 27-Nov 1: daily 9am-4pm; Nov 3-30: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm; plus Dec 6-7, 10am-4pm
Dates from the official announcement — always confirm before you go.
Color nearby peaks: October 25–October 29
Color builds from October 12 · mostly bare by November 18
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Rainbow Orchards’s own coordinates and elevation (889 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Rainbow Orchards 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 Rainbow Orchards open in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs Aug 30 – Dec 7. Aug 30-Sep 1 & Sep 5-Oct 26: Sat-Sun 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Oct 27-Nov 1: daily 9am-4pm; Nov 3-30: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm; plus Dec 6-7, 10am-4pm. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
- When does Rainbow Orchards peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 25–October 29 (best estimate October 27). Color starts around October 12 and is mostly bare by November 18.
- What is Rainbow Orchards best for?
- Apple Hill's donut stop.
- How do I get to Rainbow Orchards?
- The closest city is Sacramento, about 45 mi away. It's part of California's fall lineup.
Own or manage Rainbow Orchards? Update your listing or get in touch.