Orchards Near Me
Apple Picking Near Phoenix: What You Need to Know
Phoenix itself is too warm for most commercial apple production, but the city serves as a gateway to some of Arizona's most surprising apple country. The high-elevation towns of Willcox, Sedona, and Jerome—all within a two-hour drive—sit at elevations where the temperature swings create excellent growing conditions from late August through October.
Arizona and Hawaii: Unexpected Apple Country
Arizona and Hawaii represent the most unusual contexts for apple growing in the United States, and the orchards that do exist in these states are genuinely noteworthy for what they've accomplished at the margins of the apple's natural range. Arizona's high-elevation communities—Willcox, Sedona, Jerome, and the sky islands of the southeast—create pockets of temperate climate within the desert state, and the orchards there have developed a following among Arizona residents who drive hours for the experience. Hawaii's warm climate rules out traditional apple growing, but specialty farms have experimented with low-chill varieties that produce in tropical conditions, offering something novel for the fruit-curious visitor.
Best Time to Go Apple Picking Near Phoenix
Late August through October at elevation, with high-country varieties at their best in September when the temperature swings are most pronounced.
Tips for Your Phoenix Apple Picking Trip
From Phoenix, plan your orchard trip as a full-day excursion since the best apple country requires at least ninety minutes of driving. The elevation change means a jacket is wise even in October, and the views along the way through the Pinaleno Mountains or the Mingus Mountain area make the drive part of the experience.