There is nothing quite like apple picking in Oak Glen. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains above Yucaipa, Oak Glen is home to Southern California’s most famous apple orchards. Apple season typically runs from late August or Labor Day weekend through Thanksgiving, depending on weather and harvest conditions. Different apple varieties ripen throughout the season, so what is available can change week to week.

This guide highlights the best U-Pick apple destinations in Oak Glen for 2026.

Important: This guide covers only the Oak Glen farms that offer U-Pick apple picking. While these orchards allow visitors to pick apples directly from the trees, there are several other popular Oak Glen destinations that offer fresh apples, apple cider, bakeries, restaurants, shopping, and seasonal activities without U-Pick orchards. Be sure to also visit Parrish Pioneer Ranch, Snow-Line Orchard, and Oak Tree Mountain to experience everything Oak Glen has to offer during apple season.

When Is Apple Picking Season in Oak Glen?

• Early varieties typically begin ripening in late August or early September.
• Peak apple season runs from September through October.
• Some orchards continue U-Pick opportunities through Thanksgiving weekend.
• Availability varies based on weather and harvest conditions.
• Weekends are busiest, while weekdays often provide a more relaxed experience.

🍎 Los Rios Rancho

Southern California’s largest apple farm, Los Rios Rancho offers one of the most extensive U-Pick experiences in Oak Glen. The ranch encompasses more than 100 acres of orchards and grows over 30 varieties of traditional and heirloom apples.

Apple Varieties

Varieties change throughout the season but commonly include:

• Granny Smith
• Spartan
• Red Rome
• Arkansas Black
• King David
• Additional heirloom and traditional varieties throughout the harvest season

What Makes Los Rios Special?

• Largest apple-growing operation in Oak Glen
• Over 100 acres of orchards
• U-Pick apples available while supplies last
• Apple cider pressing demonstrations
• Farm kitchen and bakery
• Seasonal corn maze
• Wagon rides, petting zoo and family activities
• Nature trails and picnic areas
• No reservations required
• No admission or parking fees

Good to Know

• Different orchard sections open throughout the season based on harvest readiness.
• Staff can direct visitors to the best picking areas upon arrival.
• Arrive early on fall weekends to avoid the largest crowds.

 

🍎 Riley’s Farm

Known for combining apple picking with living-history experiences, Riley’s Farm features one of Oak Glen’s largest and most historic orchards. Many trees are more than a century old, while new trees are planted each year to preserve the orchard for future generations.

Apple Varieties

Riley’s grows more than 30 apple varieties, with availability changing throughout the season.

Common varieties include:

• Empire
• Jonathan
• Rome Beauty
• Arkansas Black
• Granny Smith
• Additional heirloom and heritage apples

What Makes Riley’s Special?

• More than 30 apple varieties
• Historic orchard with century-old trees
• Living-history and colonial-themed experiences
• U-Pick apples sold by weight
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Seasonal festivals and events
• Educational opportunities for children
• Beautiful mountain setting
• Restaurant on site with delicious pot pies, apple pies, and other homemade fare.
• BBQ kitchen open during apple season

Good to Know

• Apples are sold by weight.
• Different varieties ripen at different times throughout the season.
• Weekends are typically the most active and festive time to visit.

 

 

 

🍎 Casa Solano Orchards

Casa Solano Orchards is a family-run Oak Glen orchard offering U-Pick apples during the fall season. It is a smaller, more relaxed stop compared to some of the larger Oak Glen destinations, making it a great choice for visitors who want a simpler apple-picking experience.

Apple Varieties

Casa Solano offers an impressive selection of apples throughout the season, including:

• Gala
• Fuji
• Golden Delicious
• Granny Smith
• Red Delicious
• Rome Beauty
• Jonathan
• Winesap
• Arkansas Black
• Pink Lady
• Braeburn
• Honeycrisp
• Mutsu
• Stayman Winesap
• Red Rome
• McIntosh
• Gravenstein

What Makes Casa Solano Special?

• Family-owned orchard
• U-Pick apples during apple season
• One of the widest selections of apple varieties in Oak Glen
• Smaller, less commercial atmosphere
• Relaxed and uncrowded experience
• Great option for visitors focused on apple picking
• Cider slushies & hard cider sold on site
• Food trucks available some weekends

Good to Know

• Apple availability changes throughout the season.
• Not every variety is available at the same time.
• Check their website or social media for current picking conditions and events before visiting.

🍎 Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard

Stone Soup Farm offers one of the most unique apple-picking experiences in Oak Glen. Rather than a large commercial orchard, visitors enjoy a smaller, more intimate heritage orchard featuring heirloom apples and regenerative farming practices. Some of the orchard’s apple trees are more than 130 years old.

Apple Varieties

Stone Soup specializes in heirloom varieties that may vary from year to year.

Common varieties include:

• Arkansas Black
• King David
• Historic heirloom cultivars
• Specialty heritage apples unique to Oak Glen

What Makes Stone Soup Special?

• 130-year-old heritage orchard
• Small, peaceful atmosphere
• Guided farm introduction before picking
• Apple tastings included
• Educational orchard tours
• Regenerative farming practices
• Beautiful gardens and mountain views
• Less crowded than larger orchards
• Reservations are required – check the website before planning your visit

Good to Know

• Visitors check in with a farmhand before entering the orchard.
• A brief orientation and apple tasting are part of the experience.
• Availability is often limited to specific weekends and events, so check their website before visiting.

Which Orchard Should You Choose?

Choose Casa Solano Orchards if you want:

• A classic, no-frills apple-picking experience
• One of the widest selections of apple varieties in Oak Glen
• A family-owned orchard atmosphere
• Fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace
• A visit focused primarily on picking apples rather than attractions

Choose Los Rios Rancho if you want:

• The largest orchard in Oak Glen
• A full-day family outing
• Fresh cider, bakery items, and farm-to-table dining
• Scenic views and nature trails
• Seasonal activities and family entertainment

Choose Stone Soup Farm if you want:

• A quieter, more intimate experience
• Heritage and heirloom apple varieties
• Educational farm tours and apple tastings
• Regenerative farming practices
• Beautiful photography opportunities and mountain views

Choose Riley’s Farm if you want:

• Historic charm and colonial-era atmosphere
• Living-history demonstrations and reenactments
• Family educational activities
• U-Pick apples combined with seasonal events
• One of the most unique and memorable Oak Glen experiences

First-Time Visitor Recommendation

If this is your first trip to Oak Glen, start with Los Rios Rancho for the classic Oak Glen experience. If you’re a serious apple enthusiast, make time for Casa Solano Orchards as well, where you’ll find one of the largest selections of apple varieties in the region. For visitors looking for something truly unique, Stone Soup Farm and Riley’s Farm offer experiences that go far beyond traditional apple picking.

Check out some of my other posts to help you plan your trip!

Where to eat in Oak Glen

How to get to Oak Glen

Things to do in Oak Glen