Orchard
Nichols Ranch and Orchards
U-pick apples and cherries in La Luz, New Mexico
From the farm's website
The farm's own words, quoted as posted on its website, with the page each line comes from and the day we read it. Seasons, hours and prices change: check with the farm before you go.
U-pick
“Apple Season: Mid-August to October (U-Pick).”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com/apples, checked October 6, 2026
“Pick-your-own fruit at Nichols Ranch and Orchards is relaxing and kid-friendly, a chance to enjoy nature and pick sumptuous fruit.”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com/cherries, checked October 6, 2026
“Visit us to pick your own fruit or purchase already picked fruit.”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com, checked October 6, 2026
Season
“The 2026 Apple Season is here!”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com, checked October 6, 2026
Crops and picking times
“For dark sweet cherries, darkness is the true key to getting a ripe cherry.”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com/cherries, checked October 6, 2026
“We will have apple picking through the 2026 Apple Festival on October 3rd and 4th.”
“The 2026 Pumpkin Patch will occur on October 24 and 25.”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com, checked October 6, 2026
Hours
“Hours are 9am to 5pm.”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com, checked October 6, 2026
Prices
“Pricing: Cherries are $6 per pound”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com/cherries, checked October 6, 2026
Before you go
“Well-behaved dogs are allowed on our farm with the requirement that they remain on leash and owners pick up after them.”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com/cherries, checked October 6, 2026
“Yes so long as they are good boys/girls, remain on a leash, and you, the owner pick up and dispose of their poop.”
“Please abide by the rules and be respectful of others so we can continue to allow dogs.”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com/faqs, checked October 6, 2026
“We accept cash, check, or card.”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com/faqs, checked October 6, 2026
“Wagons are useful for carrying all the items you may purchase such as cherries, pies, and cider.”
“Regular stroller wheels do not do well on our terrain.”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com/apple-festival2026, checked October 6, 2026
Besides picking
“The festival is located in the mountains at an elevation of 6800 feet.”
“The festival takes place on a working farm in a rural setting - there are uneven and unpaved walking surfaces, bugs, rocks, dust, and unpredictable weather.”
“A free shuttle is available to take you from the parking lot to the top of the festival grounds.”
Source: nicholsranchandorchards.com/apple-festival2026, checked October 6, 2026
What you can pick
- Apples · Aug–Oct
- Cherries
Crops and months read from the lines quoted above; a crop with no months is one the farm names without a picking window.
At a glance
- Address
- 236 Cottonwood Canyon Rd, La Luz, NM 88337Otero County
Besides picking
- Festivals
Nichols Ranch and Orchards: questions
Does Nichols Ranch and Orchards have U-pick?
Yes. The farm's website says: "Pick-your-own fruit at Nichols Ranch and Orchards is relaxing and kid-friendly, a chance to enjoy nature and pick sumptuous fruit."
When can you pick apples at Nichols Ranch and Orchards?
August–October, in the farm's words "Mid-August to October", according to the farm's website (checked October 6, 2026). Picking depends on the weather and the crop: check with the farm before you go.