They don't call us Sky Top Orchard for nothing. We sit atop Mt. McAlpine and from this vantage, you can see panoramic views for miles. There are acres to explore and enjoy.
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Sky Top Orchard

4.6
·4k reviews·Zirconia, United States

A mountaintop farm offering seasonal apple picking, delicious donuts, hayrides, and stunning scenic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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They don't call us Sky Top Orchard for nothing. We sit atop Mt. McAlpine and from this vantage, you can see panoramic views for miles. There are acres to explore and enjoy.

Sky Top Orchard

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A mountaintop farm offering seasonal apple picking, delicious donuts, hayrides, and stunning scenic views.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"Absolutely incredible! So much to do for the kiddos, doughnuts were amazing, apple cider slushy and kids apple juice souvenir cups..."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Beat the Traffic

Drive up can be busy; consider weekdays or arriving early on weekends. :car:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking and hills! Leave the fancy footwear at home. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Freshly Made Apple Cider Donuts

Freshly Made Apple Cider Donuts

Bakery

Warm, made-to-order donuts bursting with apple flavor. A must-try treat!

U-Pick Apple Fields

U-Pick Apple Fields

Orchard Rows

Wander through rows of apple trees and pick your own delicious, fresh apples.

Scenic Mountain Views

Scenic Mountain Views

Throughout the Orchard

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains while you explore.

Kid-Friendly Activities

Kid-Friendly Activities

Play Areas

Sand pit, playhouses, swings, hayrides, and bee rides offer fun for the whole family.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Peak Picking

Weekends at Sky Top Orchard are popular, expect crowds and potential traffic jams on the drive up. Arrive early or consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Check the picking schedule for the best apple varieties.

Dress for the Orchard Adventure

Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the grounds and hills. Bring a stroller or wagon for little ones and to carry your apple haul. Don't wear your best shoes, as it can get dusty and muddy.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Fall Weekends (Early)
Why
Peak apple season, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Apple picking?

🚗 Beat the Traffic

Drive up can be busy; consider weekdays or arriving early on weekends. :car:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking and hills! Leave the fancy footwear at home. :athletic_shoe:

🍎 Check Picking Schedule

Different apple varieties ripen at different times. Plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:

🛒 Bring a Wagon or Stroller

Great for carrying apples and little ones, especially on longer walks. :stroller:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Beat the Traffic

Drive up can be busy; consider weekdays or arriving early on weekends. :car:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking and hills! Leave the fancy footwear at home. :athletic_shoe:

🍎 Check Picking Schedule

Different apple varieties ripen at different times. Plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:

🛒 Bring a Wagon or Stroller

Great for carrying apples and little ones, especially on longer walks. :stroller:

🍩 Don't Miss the Donuts!

Freshly made apple cider donuts are a highlight. Worth the wait! :doughnut:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sky Top Orchard is a highly-rated destination offering a fantastic family experience with abundant apple picking and a variety of fun activities. Visitors rave about the delicious, fresh apple cider donuts and the beautiful mountain scenery. While it can get very crowded on weekends, the well-organized grounds and friendly staff contribute to an overall positive and memorable visit.

"Absolutely incredible! So much to do for the kiddos, doughnuts were amazing, apple cider slushy and kids apple juice souvenir cups in apples or pumpkins themes during the fall are super cute! Definitely busy on weekends but everything runs pretty smooth. Waited in line to purchase items less than 10 mins, they have plenty or registers. Lots of places to sit, a covered sand pit (I'd just recommend bringing your own sand toys) lots of play houses, some swings, hayrides, bee ride, apple shooting. The one thing I wish they had that I didn't see were those vats of corn kids can play in. Definitely bring your stroller or wagon if you have young kids, to carry your drinks and heavy bag of apples, don't wear your nice shoes, and be prepared to walk. Most of trees near the front had been picked over or didn't have apples that were ready to be picked yet. But with some walking down the hill a ways we had plenty of gorgeous apples to choose from. Overall, a wonderful experience and we will be making trips back in the future! ❤️❤️❤️"

Danni Farmer

"Decided to make visit not knowing what to expect. Upon arrival you know this was a big deal by the amount of people. The grounds were neatly kept with lots of staff to assist with directions. Even with the amount of people it was very organized and lines never lingered. Definitely if you have children this is a wonderland of exploring. The apple cider frozen was my favorite being super fresh and just the right amount of sweet. The donuts are a big item but don’t sleep on the caramel apple oatmeal cookies . We will definitely make this a reoccurring adventure."

Seth Corben

"Awesome place to visit and spend the day as well. Lots of things to do for everyone and the little ones too. Beautiful place on top of the mountain. Pizza was great at lunch time too. Made to order apple cider donuts were amazing and hot. The best and abundance of apples to choose from that are actually grown there."

Phillip Sims

What People Like

Delicious apple cider donuts
Abundant apple picking
Beautiful mountain views

What People Dislike

Weekend crowds
Traffic on ascent

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sky Top Orchard is located on a mountaintop. The drive up can involve winding roads and may experience traffic, especially on weekends. Many visitors report a traffic jam on the way up, but the drive down is usually smoother. Parking is generally well-arranged. Reddit

Yes, parking is available and is reported to be well-arranged, even during busy periods. Reddit

Specific routes can vary, but be prepared for mountain driving. Checking a GPS app before you leave is recommended. Some visitors mention traffic jams on the ascent. Reddit

Public transport options are very limited for reaching mountaintop locations like Sky Top Orchard. It is primarily accessible by car. Reddit

Travel time can vary significantly based on your starting point and traffic conditions. Expect longer travel times on weekends and during peak season. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entrance to Sky Top Orchard is free. You only pay for what you pick or purchase, such as apples, donuts, and other treats. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times, especially during the fall picking season. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for general admission as the entrance is free. However, for specific events or group visits, it's advisable to check their policies. Reddit

The picking schedule depends on the fruit and variety. Apples, pears, and peaches are available seasonally. It's recommended to check their website for the most current picking availability for each fruit. TikTok

Prices are typically for the items you purchase, such as by the pound for picked apples or per item for donuts and cider. Specific pricing for produce and goods can be found on their website or at the orchard. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Sky Top Orchard offers a variety of activities including apple picking, hayrides, tractor rides, a sand pit, playhouses, swings, and bee rides. They also have delicious apple cider donuts and other treats. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a wonderland for kids with numerous play areas, rides, and the excitement of picking their own fruit. Parents often bring strollers or wagons for convenience. Reddit

Sky Top Orchard offers a huge variety of apples, with many different types available throughout the season. Visitors have reported finding plenty of gorgeous apples to choose from after walking a bit into the orchard. Reddit

Yes, the grounds are beautiful and perfect for picnics, with stunning mountain views. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your food. Reddit

Comfortable shoes are essential as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Reddit

🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining

Sky Top Orchard is famous for its made-to-order apple cider donuts, which are served hot and fresh. They also offer apple cider slushies, apple juice, pizza, and caramel apple oatmeal cookies. Reddit

The apple cider donuts are consistently praised as amazing, hot, and the best. They are a major highlight for many visitors. Reddit

While Sky Top Orchard is known for its apple products like cider slushies and juice, information about hard cider availability is not widely publicized. It's best to check their offerings directly. TikTok

The apple cider donuts are a must-try. Visitors also rave about the apple cider frozen drinks and caramel apple oatmeal cookies. Pizza is also available for lunch. Reddit

The focus is on apple-based products and baked goods. While pizza is available, specific vegetarian or vegan options beyond that might be limited. It's advisable to inquire on-site. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The scenic mountain views offer stunning backdrops. The apple orchards themselves, especially when laden with fruit, are picturesque. The play areas and the rustic farm setting also provide great photo opportunities. Instagram

Yes, Sky Top Orchard is a very photogenic location, especially during the fall. The combination of rolling hills, orchards, and farm activities provides ample subjects for photographers. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer crowds. The 'golden hour' before sunset can create beautiful, warm tones. Instagram

Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check Sky Top Orchard's specific rules regarding drones before flying to ensure compliance and avoid any issues. Instagram

Family photos, scenic landscape shots, and close-ups of apples and donuts are popular. Capturing the joy of picking apples and the kids enjoying the activities is also a common theme. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sky Top Orchard is a dream destination for families. The free entrance means you can enjoy the atmosphere even if you're not picking fruit. For the little ones, the variety of play areas including a sand pit, playhouses, and rides like hayrides and bee rides are a huge hit. Bringing a stroller or wagon is highly recommended to help manage little legs and carry your apple bounty. Reddit

Beyond the play structures, the opportunity to pick their own apples is an exciting educational experience for children. The orchard is generally well-organized, and while it can get busy, the staff works to ensure a smooth flow. Don't forget to treat them to the famous apple cider donuts – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Reddit

🍎 Apple Enthusiasts & Foodies

For those who truly appreciate apples, Sky Top Orchard offers a wide variety of apple types to pick, ensuring you can find your favorites or discover new ones. The quality of the fruit is consistently praised, making it a prime spot for stocking up. Reddit

Foodies will be in heaven with the legendary apple cider donuts, which are a must-try. The fresh apple cider slushies and other baked goods like caramel apple oatmeal cookies also receive rave reviews. It's a perfect spot to indulge in seasonal flavors and enjoy farm-fresh treats. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Scenery Lovers

The stunning mountain views from Sky Top Orchard provide a breathtaking backdrop for any photographer. The rolling hills and expansive orchards create picturesque scenes, especially during the vibrant fall colors. Reddit

Whether you're capturing family moments amidst the apple trees, the rustic charm of the farm, or the delicious treats, there are ample opportunities for beautiful shots. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, enhancing the natural beauty of the location. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sky Top Orchard Experience: More Than Just Apples

Sky Top Orchard is renowned for its seasonal fruit picking, primarily focusing on apples, pears, and peaches. Visitors can immerse themselves in the quintessential farm experience by heading into the orchards to pick their own fruit straight from the trees. This hands-on activity is a major draw, offering a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the freshest produce. Many visitors highlight the abundance and quality of the apples available, noting that with a little exploration, you can find plenty of gorgeous fruit to fill your bags. Reddit

Beyond the picking, the orchard transforms into a vibrant family destination. The grounds are beautifully maintained and offer a plethora of activities designed to entertain visitors of all ages. From hayrides and tractor rides to a dedicated sand pit, playhouses, and swings, there's no shortage of fun for children. The scenic mountain views provide a stunning backdrop for picnics and leisurely strolls, making it an ideal spot for a day trip. Reddit

No visit to Sky Top Orchard is complete without indulging in their famous apple cider donuts. Made fresh to order, these warm, cinnamon-spiced treats are a crowd favorite and a signature item. Complementing the donuts are other delightful offerings like apple cider slushies, caramel apple oatmeal cookies, and even pizza for a more substantial meal. The combination of fresh produce, engaging activities, and delicious treats makes Sky Top Orchard a memorable destination. Reddit

Navigating Crowds and Timing Your Visit

Sky Top Orchard is a popular destination, especially during the peak fall season. Weekends are significantly busier than weekdays, often leading to traffic jams on the drive up the mountain and crowded conditions within the orchard itself. Visitors have noted that while the parking is well-arranged, the ascent can be a challenge. Reddit

To make the most of your visit and avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting on a weekday if your schedule allows. Arriving early in the morning, particularly on weekends, is another strategy to beat the rush. This allows you to enjoy the activities and picking with more space before the peak crowds arrive. Reddit

Even during busy times, the orchard staff works to keep things organized, and lines for purchases tend to move relatively quickly. However, for a more relaxed and intimate experience, planning your visit during off-peak hours or on less popular days is highly recommended. This will allow you to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery and the farm's offerings without feeling overwhelmed. Reddit

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