Did you know Arizona’s apples are some of the sweetest in the country? Soak up the sweetness (and the sunshine) at an apple U-pick farm this fall.
Arizona may not be as renowned for apples as Washington, Michigan, and New York, but the Grand Canyon State is still a major apple producer. In fact, thanks to all that time in the sun and high temps, Arizona apples are actually some of the sweetest in all of the country, says the Arizona Farm Bureau.
The state gets over 300 days of full sunshine, which gives apples a chance to develop extra sweetness and lets the season start earlier. For some varieties and areas, that means apple season can start 3-5 weeks earlier than other parts of the country. Typically, Arizona apple-picking season runs from August through October, though that can vary by area.
If you’re looking to get started on apple picking in Arizona and kick off all the fall sights and sounds, here’s where to find farms offering U-Pick apples.
1. Schnepf Farms
- Where: 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd. Queen Creek
- U-Pick Products: Peaches
The pesticide-free Schnepf Farms has been in operation for over 80 years and reopens its U-Pick Gardens in November. However, during the month of October, visitors can enjoy the farm’s Pumpkin and Chili Party and “pick” their own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.
The farm offers very limited U-Pick apple experiences, so we recommend following their social media pages to catch the announcement—some years, the apple U-Pick runs for only a day or two, so get picking when you can!
2. Apple Annie’s Orchard
- Where: 2081 W. Hardy Rd., Willcox
- U-Pick Options: Pumpkins and produce, including zucchini, summer squash, cucumbers, jalapeños, tomatoes, and more
Apple Annie’s Orchard offers families and fall lovers the opportunity to pick fresh apples in the fall, along with peaches and pears (while they last, of course). The farm encourages visitors to enjoy the orchards, take pictures among the trees and fruit, and, when they’re done picking, explore all the goodies the farm has to offer. (We definitely recommend the lemonade slushy if you visit on a warm day.)
Festival weekends bring the extra treat of a pancake breakfast, or you can stop by on any “regular” weekend for a delicious apple-smoked burger lunch. The farm venue also offers additional fall fun like a corn maze, sunflower field, and ongoing events. You can also visit Apple Annie’s Attic to try the farm’s homemade apple bread and apple pie. If you’d like a one-stop shop for all things fall, Apple Annie’s is definitely worth a visit.
3. Angle Orchard
- Where: Safford
- U-Pick Produce: Apples and peaches
The historic Angle Orchard operates through its Facebook and Instagram pages and offers a first-come, first-served experience, so you’ll need to watch those pages to be notified when fruit is available.
The picking season typically runs from August through October, and the farm posts when fruit is (quite literally) ripe for the picking. Pickers are encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own bags or boxes for their produce. Dogs on leashes are welcome to join their parents to “pick” apples too. (And just a note: Peach season is officially done for 2026, but there are some varieties of apples that will still be ready!)
4. Howard’s Orchard
- Where: 4101 E Pinal St., Tucson
- U-Pick Produce: Apples, peaches, pears
Located in their “little corner of the desert,” Howard’s Orchard promises sweet, fresh, and organic fruit grown naturally. They typically grow seven varieties of apples, including Golden Delicious and Empire, along with peaches and pears. The warm winter of 2025 unfortunately means that no peaches or pears developed for picking this year, but there are still plenty of apples, thankfully!
The orchard specializes in dwarf trees, so visitors are encouraged to be gentle when walking through the orchard and while picking. Kids under 16 need an adult with them to pick, and visitors are reminded that the ground is uneven and the orchard is a working farm, so wear closed-toe shoes and stay safe while picking.
5. Verde River Farm
- Where: Campe Verde
- U-Pick Produce: Apples
Verde River Farm offers U-Pick apples by private appointment only, perfect for families, small groups, or an intimate date experience. The apples are only $0.50 each, and pickers should pack their own bags to fill up! Call or text 71-283-1131 to schedule a U-Pick time.
6. Mortimer Farms
- Where: 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey
- U-Pick Products: Full range of produce
Mortimer Farms has one of the most extensive ranges of produce of any of the farms on our list, from asparagus to blackberries to garlic to cilantro. They do not currently have U-Pick apples, but they do offer a full range of pre-picked apples in the farm barn, along with other apple goodies like fresh-baked pie and apple jelly.
