High Hill Ranch
A sprawling Apple Hill favorite, High Hill Ranch offers donuts, fishing, crafts, and family fun in a festive, nostalgic setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and find parking
High Hill Ranch
Best Time
Beat the crowds and find parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling Apple Hill favorite, High Hill Ranch offers donuts, fishing, crafts, and family fun in a festive, nostalgic setting.
"This place is awesome. The have a pond stocked with fishes and a restaurant nearby with some delicious food."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekends, especially in October, get packed. Aim to arrive before 10 AM for easier parking.
💰 Pony Rides: Cash Only
While most craft booths accept cards, remember to bring cash for the pony rides.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Apple Donuts
Bakery
Indulge in the famous apple fritters and pumpkin donuts – a must-try treat!
Fishing Pond Fun
Fishing Pond
Enjoy a relaxing day fishing in the stocked pond, a hit with families.
Craft Fair & Shops
Various Booths and Shops
Explore a wide array of craft booths and seasonal shops for unique finds.
Kid-Friendly Attractions
Various Areas
From pony rides to a playground, there's plenty to keep the little ones entertained.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Everything
Family Fun & Practicalities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekends, especially in October, get packed. Aim to arrive before 10 AM for easier parking.
💰 Pony Rides: Cash Only
While most craft booths accept cards, remember to bring cash for the pony rides.
🍎 Grab a Wagon or Stroller
Great for families with young children to navigate the grounds.
🍩 Don't Miss the Donuts!
The apple fritters and pumpkin donuts are a crowd favorite. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekends, especially in October, get packed. Aim to arrive before 10 AM for easier parking.
💰 Pony Rides: Cash Only
While most craft booths accept cards, remember to bring cash for the pony rides.
🍎 Grab a Wagon or Stroller
Great for families with young children to navigate the grounds.
🍩 Don't Miss the Donuts!
The apple fritters and pumpkin donuts are a crowd favorite.
☕ Bring Your Own Cups
Perfect for enjoying gallon jugs of delicious apple cider.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
High Hill Ranch is a beloved, long-standing destination in Apple Hill, praised for its family-friendly atmosphere, delicious apple donuts, and variety of shops and activities. While it can get very crowded, especially on fall weekends, visitors appreciate the nostalgic charm and the opportunity to create lasting memories. Some note changes in food offerings over the years, but the core appeal remains strong.
"Good parking if you come early. The pies come frozen unless you order a slice. Then you can add ice cream and a coffee. Come early and get it between 0900-1000. After noon there’s a lot of people. It’s fun! Come, look, relax, and if your bold go on a hay ride. There is some Mexican food options under the tiki umbrellas. Great for kids. Bring a stroller or a wagon. Not all but most all places should be accessible for those in a wheelchair. Good to get away from the city for the weekend right here. They have alpacas you could feed."
Up 2 u First
"We been here many times every year and yet I kept forgetting to leave a review. It's because this place is awesome. The have a pond stocked with fishes (Fishing available) and a restaurant nearby with some delicious food. The sugar free apple pie is a must have."
Nat Han
"High Hill Ranch is a must see. I have been coming here since I was eight years old w my family and now at fifty-seven bring my husband and three kids all 15+. High Hill Ranch is my fav craft fair, fav doughnut (apple fritter) and fav venue. Take a picnic under the forest trees by the fishing pond, ride the ponies, eat the fudge, but Christmas decor/gifts at the Christmas and seasonal holiday shop...you name it!
We used to drive from Reno around 8 or 9 am and arrive in time for lunch. They used to have an amazing family meal with a whole BBQ chicken and sides like Mac n cheese, macaroni salad, cornbread etc. That was the BEST value meal! Now they only have a food truck type stand and the menu is not diverse enough (hot dogs etc) and not healthy either. I wish they would bring back the BBQ family meal! I always bring plastic cups because they have yummy apple cider in gallon jugs. So this way no one has to drink out of the jug during lunch and pass it to the next person! I look around my house each season and most of my fav decor has come from High Hill Ranch or Apple Ridge Farms. The High Hill Ranch Christmas store was closed before 5 pm yesterday and I was so bummed!
Hope this stop #1 on the map stays forever so I can bring my great grand kids."
Laura Furumoto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
High Hill Ranch is located at 2901 High Hill Rd, Placerville, CA 95667. It's a popular destination within Apple Hill, often reached by car. Parking can be challenging on busy weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, High Hill Ranch offers parking, and it's generally good if you arrive early. On busy days, attendants will direct you to park within the orchards.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching High Hill Ranch. It's best to plan for a car journey or consider ride-sharing services if available in the area.
The drive to High Hill Ranch is scenic, especially during the fall. Be prepared for winding roads as you approach Apple Hill. Traffic can be heavy on weekends.
Most areas of High Hill Ranch are accessible for wheelchairs, and many visitors find it easy to navigate with a stroller or wagon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, it is free to enter and park at High Hill Ranch. You only pay for the food, drinks, and items you purchase.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information, especially for specific events or holiday hours. The Christmas store has been noted to close before 5 PM.
No advance ticket purchase is necessary as entry is free. You pay for what you consume or buy within the ranch.
High Hill Ranch hosts various seasonal events and attractions, including craft fairs and holiday-themed activities. They also have a Christmas store. +1
Information regarding pet policies can vary. It's advisable to check High Hill Ranch's official guidelines or contact them directly to confirm if pets are allowed on the premises.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
High Hill Ranch offers a playground, pony rides, and a fishing pond, making it very kid-friendly.
Yes, High Hill Ranch has a pond stocked with fish, and fishing is available for visitors. They frequently restock the pond.
You'll find a variety of shops selling seasonal items, crafts, Christmas decor, gifts, pies, fudge, and more.
High Hill Ranch has an on-site restaurant and bakery that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have food truck-style options.
To best experience High Hill Ranch, arrive early, enjoy the donuts and cider, explore the shops and craft booths, and take advantage of the family-friendly activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
High Hill Ranch is most famous for its delicious apple donuts, particularly the apple fritters and pumpkin donuts. They also offer fresh-pressed cider and pies. +2
While specific vegan options might be limited, the ranch offers fresh produce and baked goods. It's best to inquire directly about ingredients for specific dietary needs. The sugar-free apple pie is a popular choice.
You can enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider, apple-infused alcohol, and coffee. Gallon jugs of cider are available for purchase. +1
Yes, there are picnic areas available, especially under the forest trees by the fishing pond, making it a great spot for a family picnic.
Some long-time visitors note that the previous family BBQ meal with a whole chicken and sides is no longer available, replaced by food truck-style offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of the farm, the colorful craft booths, the scenic fishing pond, and of course, the delicious apple treats. The surrounding orchards also offer beautiful backdrops.
Absolutely! High Hill Ranch is a quintessential fall destination with apple orchards, seasonal decorations, and a festive atmosphere perfect for autumn photography.
Drone usage policies can vary and are often restricted in public areas or private properties. It's best to check with High Hill Ranch management before flying a drone.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting.
Look for opportunities with the fishing pond, the various craft stalls, and the seasonal displays, especially during the Christmas season.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While entry is free, remember that pony rides typically require cash. The variety of food options, including kid-friendly choices and the famous apple donuts, ensures everyone will find something they enjoy. It's a place where kids can experience a bit of farm life and create lasting memories.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider packing your own picnic to enjoy in the designated areas. While the famous apple donuts and cider are tempting, they are an optional splurge. Focusing on the free activities like exploring the shops and enjoying the atmosphere can make for a very affordable outing.
🍂 Fall Enthusiasts
While October is the peak season, visiting in November can offer a similar experience with fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed enjoyment of the fall festivities. The ranch's commitment to seasonal offerings ensures a true taste of autumn.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Apple Hill Experience: More Than Just Apples
The appeal of Apple Hill, and High Hill Ranch specifically, lies in its ability to offer a nostalgic and wholesome escape. Many visitors have been coming for generations, creating lasting memories. The ranch itself is one of the largest in the area, offering a wide variety of attractions that cater to all ages, from the fishing pond and pony rides for kids to unique shops and food vendors for adults.
Beyond the immediate offerings, the community atmosphere is palpable. Farms often collaborate, and the collective effort creates a vibrant destination. While October is peak season and can be very crowded, visiting in November can offer a more relaxed experience with many of the same attractions still available.
Culinary Delights: From Donuts to Dining
+2Beyond donuts, the ranch offers a range of food options. An on-site restaurant and bakery serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu that has evolved over the years. While some long-time patrons miss past family meal offerings, the current food truck-style stands and bakery provide ample choices. Popular items include pies, with sugar-free and caramel crunch varieties being favorites, and fresh-pressed apple cider available by the gallon.
For those looking to enjoy their treats on-site, picnic areas are available, particularly near the fishing pond, offering a scenic spot to relax. Bringing your own cups is a practical tip for enjoying the cider without constantly sharing from the jug.
Family Fun and Activities
The fishing pond is another significant draw, providing a fun and engaging activity for both kids and adults. The ranch actively restocks the pond, ensuring a good fishing experience. Visitors often recommend bringing a stroller or wagon to easily navigate the grounds with younger children, making the day more comfortable for everyone.
Beyond the dedicated attractions, the general atmosphere of the ranch, with its open spaces and seasonal decorations, contributes to a festive and engaging environment for families. The craft fair aspect also adds to the exploration, offering a chance to discover unique items while keeping children entertained.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit