Oh Hill Yes!

Apple Hill Farms, Wineries, and Bike Trail in Placerville

Rainbow Orchards Apple Hill Placerville

California's closest thing to fall in New England happens only 40 miles up the freeway from Sacramento. Apple Hill near Placerville in the foothills is a charming autumn classic. It’s much more than just a hill—it’s a collection of over 50 local farms, ranches, and wineries. This Gold Rush region is truly golden in autumn with the turning colors. 

Start with a Donut

If your donut experience doesn’t go beyond Krispy Kreme, then you’re in for a treat at Rainbow Orchards, home of the hot apple cider donut. This warm, fried apple cider treat is light and oh-so-tasty. The sprawling outdoors lawn with plenty of picnic tables evokes an ambience rivaling a Vermont farm in fall, with crisp air and crisp apples.

Rainbow Orchards Apple Hill

The airy Bake Shop and Apple Barn is where you can order a dozen donuts or a few singles and a hot apple cider or coffee. You can also pick up apples and pie. Also on site, outdoors wine tasting and bbq food stands (at least, when we visited on a recent Saturday). When the weather’s chilly and you’ve got a hot donut and apple cider, sitting at a picnic table surrounded by fall foliage, you just feel like you’re … seeing a rainbow!

Tip: Arrive early; it gets busy!

Explore the El Dorado Trail

Step out of the car and onto the trail. The El Dorado Trail is a multi-use trail through the county with 12.5 paved miles. There are several ways to start the trail. If you’re looking for a nice bike ride or walk through the beautiful foothills, then start at Jacquier Road trailhead (map) and head east.

Bike The El Dorado Trail in Apple Hill Placerville

You’ll have pavement for 3.5 miles (7 mile round-trip). Pedal the trail that ascends so gently it’s almost imperceptible (though you may have to switch to an easier gear). You’ll pass over the freeway on a pedestrian bridge (no cars). Keep rolling amid a forest flanked by charming gold country homes, and a forest filled with the earth tones of fall. The pavement eventually runs out, a good place to turn around. Or you can continue onto the wide dirt trail that’s flat and uncomplicated. Flip it whenever you’re ready. A bonus: The ride back is mostly a coaster—very little pedaling required … wheeeeeee!

TIP: For those who may be more serious about their bike rides and seek a longer route to ride, start the El Dorado Trail from downtown Placerville.

Foothill Swirl

El Dorado County is one of California’s oldest wine-producing areas. The wine here is diverse and delicious, and pairs beautifully with the dramatic views. Bring your own lunch and sit outside at Placerville’s historic Boeger Winery (reservation is recommended).

This historic winery has ties back to the Gold Rush days where it once was a fruit and nut farm as well as distillery and winery. Today it’s known for its Barbera, Zinfandel, and lovely estate grounds with several picnic tables, patio-style seating, and small fire pits for groups who want to be extra toasty while tasting. Pop into the old blacksmith shop for a real throwback. Tip: Book ahead!

Lava Cap Winery Apple Hill Placerville

If you like your bold reds combined with even bolder views, then head for Lava Cap Winery. This family-run winery high in the foothills prides itself on mountain-grown grapes planted in unique volcanic soil (the “lava cap”). Book a patio table or nab a picnic table on their sprawling grounds overlooking vineyards and out to the rolling hills. Do a tasting or order a bottle. We liked the Barbera.

Pie in the Sky

Delfino Farms has a lot going on: It’s got a bakery, a winery, a cider distillery, and panoramic views over the autumn-clad foothills.

Delfino Farms Apple Hill Placerville

Check it all out, but don’t miss getting a slice of the Walkin’ Pie with a scoop of ice cream. We’re not sure if it’s the apples or the incredibly crispy crust that makes this thing so damn good. But damn, it’s good! Bundle up (there are picnic tables to enjoy your treat outside) and go!

Walkin’ Pie with a scoop of ice cream Delfino Farms Apple Hill Placerville

Brew Crew

If your idea of holiday cheer is beer, head to Jack Russell Farm Brewery for a seasonal IPA, a hard cider, or some tasty mead. Enjoy it at one of the picnic tables dotting the expansive outdoor space. Sunsets here are beautiful but you'll want to be bundled up, there are no firepits here ... but the pink glow of the setting sun will warm your heart. Awww.

Jack Russell Brewing Co. Apple Hill Placerville

Christmas Tree Farm Bonus: While driving in Apple Hill you’re going to pass a Christmas tree farm (or four). We’re just saying … holiday rooooad!

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Pandemic Autumn Outings" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their trip to Apple Hill!

Check out the Apple Hill website for maps, news, and open hours.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View