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Leona Valley is in the foothills of Northern Los Angeles County, just 10 miles west of Palmdale, California. The valley has a rich history. Once known for its cattle ranches, the area has become an agricultural hub, especially for cherries and wine grapes. The picturesque views of white cottony tree canopies against clear blue skies and the sweet smell of cherry blossoms make Leona Valley a beautiful place to spend an afternoon or weekend, especially in late spring to early summer.
Leona Valley Cherry Picking Season
The cherry-picking season in Leona Valley runs from the end of May through mid-July when the weather is typically mild and pleasant. This makes Leona Valley an ideal destination for a fun and affordable day of cherry-picking with the whole family without worrying about extreme heat or cold. Nearly a dozen orchards, including sweet red Bings and yellow Rainier cherries, offer cherry picking.
The sweeter cherries are usually available from late May through June, while sour cherries are typically ready for picking in mid-July or until the trees are picked clean. There are many signs posted in the area that will direct you to the different orchards. You can also check the websites or call the orchards on this page for information on picking season dates.
Pick by the Bucket or Purchase a Bag
Most orchards in Leona Valley are organic and use minimal to no chemicals in the growing process. The unique experience of tasting the fruits from the tree you pick from is perfectly okay. It’s fascinating to discover how the flavor and sweetness vary from orchard to orchard and from one tree to another. If you prefer to avoid picking your own, many orchards sell bags of cherries, and there are several produce stands along Hwy 138 where you can buy them.
Leona Valley Day Trip Where to Pick Cherries:
- Windy Ridge Cherry Orchard has free admission, parking, and a nice shady area for a family picnic. They also provide picnic tables, making it a convenient and comfortable place for a day of cherry-picking with the whole family. 9811 Leona Avenue Leona Valley, California Phone number (661) 270-9106.
- The Cherry House U-Pick cherries and pure local honey. Onsite Wedding and Event Coordinator. 10600 Leona Ave, California. (661) 622-4480.
- Villa del Sol Sweet Cherry Farms is a 25-acre cherry farm with almost 4000 trees. Picking season: May through mid-June. 6989 Elizabeth Lake Rd, Leona Valley, California. (661) 270-1356.
- Copeland’s Cherry Ranch is the home of some of the best certified organic cherries in Southern California. 9611 Leona Ave. Leona Valley, California. 661-270-1900.
- Big John’s Cherries offers U-Pick Cherries during the season. Other products include Lavender and Honey. 9258 Leona Ave, Leona Valley, California, 93551, Phone 661 270-9565.
- Cherry Hill Farm Rainier and Stella sweet cherries are grown yearly at the ranch. 39300 Bouquet Canyon Road, Leona Valley, California. 661-268-4404.
Leona Valley Cherry Orchard Map
Traveling To Leona Valley
Leona Valley is located about one hour north of Los Angeles. Take the 5 Freeway through the San Fernando Valley, take the (14) Antelope Valley Fwy north, and exit at Palmdale Blvd. Then, turn left (west) on Palmdale Blvd.
Nearby Leona Valley Points of Interest
Enjoy Lunch at the Historic Rock Inn
After a day of picking at various orchards, you will work up an appetite. Rock Inn near Lake Hughes is the perfect place to experience some of the area’s best food. For nearly eighty years, the Rock Inn has served travelers, whether for fuel, food, or a place to stay for the night. Their menu features a variety of dishes, including their signature 48-ounce cut of our Prime Rib and local specialties such as the chicken dinner. The place has seen many changes since then, but it still retains its old charm. Walking through the front door feels like stepping back in time.
Heritage Valley Roadside Farm Stands
The Heritage Valley is another popular destination. State Route 126 connects Santa Clarita to U.S. Route 101 in Ventura and runs through the middle of the valley. As you travel through the valley, you pass through the towns of Piru, Fillmore, and Santa Paula. The valley has citrus and avocado orchards, roadside farm stands, historic landmarks, antique airplanes, and railroad history. One of the highlights is the Fillmore & Western Railway, where you can take a scenic train ride through the valley’s picturesque landscapes—Heritage Valley website.
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
Castaic Lake is a 320,000 acre-feet state water reservoir located among the oaks and chaparral of the Angeles National Forest, just north of Santa Clarita on the Interstate 5 Freeway. It is run by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and offers a great alternative to the beach if you want to spend the day in the sun and water—Park website.
More Southern California U-Pick Ideas
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where and when do i go to pick sour cherry this year?
Vista Del Sol in Leona Valley will open tomorrow for cherry picking.
Are you open this weekend 5/28/17? Thanks.
Hello Catherine
Links for the various Leona Valley Cherry Farms are in the above article. Check the individual websites for operating hours and availability of cherries.
Thanks for visiting daytrippen.com
PHello,
Is cherry picking still available this Sunday for Mother’s Day? Are they sweet at this time of the year?
Thank you,
Darya
Hello Darya
Looks like most of the Leona Valley orchards will be opening late May or early June. Leona Valley makes a nice day trip but unfortunately, the Orchards will not be open on Mother’s Day.
What days in last week of June 2016 and July this place is open? What is the time of operation? Do we need reservation or any entrance fee? Does this place has a parking?
Hello
I checked the Leona Valley Orchards that have websites. All of them are reporting they have sold out for the 2016 season.
Thanks for visiting DayTrippen.com
Full Moon Cherry Orchard would like to thank all the customers that made our first year a great picking season !!!!! The compliments of how wonderful the cherries tasted made all the hard work worth it !!! Thank you all !!
Thanks for your comment and thanks for the tasty cherries.
Most if not all Leona ValleyCherry Orchards will be open this year. Some as early as 5/21/16
Check the links above or call Orchards for 2016 U-Pick Cherry schedule.
Looks like all the Cheery Farms (only five were able to open due to the drought) have closed for the 2015 season. Lets hope for rain so the 2016 cherry season will be a bumper crop.
After a great day of cherry picking head west to the quaint little town of Lake Hughes to continue your exciting day. 2 miles west of the town on Pine Canyon Road you will come upon Quail Run Ranch. What is so special about this ranch you may ask ? Well, they don’t raise cows, they raise OSTRICH !! That’s right, The worlds largest bird. And you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. So come on out, take the tour and get totally amazed and amused by these wonderful creatures. You will not be disappointed ! 661-724-1592. 44420 n Shaffer Rd PO Box 380
Lake Hughes, CA 93532
Copeland’s Cherry Ranch
Subject: 2015 Cherry Season – Not Opening
Greeting Cherry Friends –
We have had some very unusual weather this year, and as a result, we will not open this May/June for cherry picking.
We apologize, but the our crop is too small this year to open. We understand that this is farming, and that we were fortunate to have such a bountiful crop last year.
The orchard overall is doing great and we have replanted where necessary. Next year, we hope to post a message with opening dates for the 2016 Cherry Season. We appreciate all of our wonderful cherry friends and look forward to seeing you then!!
David and Chari Copeland
Copeland’s Cherry Ranch
Certified Organic
661-270-1900
Hi my husband and our kids are looking for some places to take our kids on spring break and i want to know if you guys charge for it and how much per person. We want to take our kids out to pick some cherries.
Thanks
U-Pick cherries are usually available late May through the month. Each orchard sets a price. They usually charge by the bucket, not per person.
Links to various Leona Valley Orchards are in the article above.