At a glance
- Address
- Near Bonny Doon, CA
- Activities
- 🎄 Christmas trees
- Features listed
- Choose and cut
- Phone
- (831) 423-6975
- Typical season
- Late Nov to Dec (christmas trees, varies by farm)
- Nearest city we cover
- Bay Area, about 42 miles
- Listing updated
- No date on the listing
- Contact details from
- National Christmas Tree Association
- County
- Santa Cruz County, CA
- Hardiness zone
- USDA zone 10a
- Source
- National Christmas Tree Association locator (checked Nov 2026)
Picking weather
National Weather ServiceLoading the forecast…
Weather only. It does not tell you whether the farm is open, so check hours with the farm.
Make a day of it
- Playground 2.3 mi
- Picnic area 4.9 mi
- Gas station Chevron 4.8 mi
- EV charger 6.3 mi
- 17 places to eat within 5 mi Taqueria El Jarro, Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn, Whale City Bakery Bar & Grill
Farmers markets nearby
- Scotts Valley Farmers' Market Scotts Valley · 7.3 mi
- Santa Cruz Westside Farmers' Market Santa Cruz · 8.3 mi
- East Cliff/Live Oak Farmers Market Santa Cruz · 11 mi
CSA farm shares nearby
- Camp Joy Garden 5.2 mi
- Organicruz Co llc 7.6 mi
- Homeless Garden Project 8.2 mi
Open in Apple Maps · Google Maps directions
Nearby places from OpenStreetMap (straight-line distance). Markets and CSAs from the USDA Local Food Directories.
Weather here in a typical year
Nov here: highs around 71°F, lows around 40°F, about 5 in of rain, 10.1 hours of daylight.
- 🌱 Last spring frostMar 25
- 🍂 First fall frostNov 11
- ☀️ Frost-free season231 days
- 🧭 Hardiness zone10a
NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals, Ben Lomond #4, CA station (5.1 mi); USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 (USDA-ARS, Oregon State University PRISM). Averages, not a forecast. Crops ripen earlier after warm springs.
What you can pick here
- Christmas trees In season nowLate Nov to Dec
Typical US ranges from extension service crop calendars, not this farm's own dates. Seasons shift by region and weather, so check with the farm.
Before you go
- Check that it is open. Call the farm: hours and crops change with the weather.
- Bring cash and a card. Some farms take only one.
- Water, sun protection and closed-toe shoes.
- A bow saw if the farm lets you bring one (many lend saws)
- Work gloves, sap is sticky
- Ratchet straps or rope and an old blanket for the car roof
- A tape measure and your ceiling height
- Ask about pets before you bring a dog.
More tips: your first u-pick visit · choose-and-cut checklist.
How to pick like a pro
- Is it ripe?
Run a branch through your hand: needles should stay on. Check the trunk is straight for 6 to 8 inches at the base so it fits the stand.
- How to pick
Measure ceiling height and stand diameter before you go. Most farms lend a saw; cut low and level. Ask the farm to shake and net the tree.
- Best time to go
Thanksgiving weekend has the best selection but the biggest crowds. Weekday afternoons are calmer.
- Keep it fresh
Make a fresh cut on the trunk when you get home and put it in water within a few hours. Check water daily for the first week.
Farm country: Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County had 614 farms in the latest USDA Census of Agriculture (2022). Of those, 106 sold food straight to the public and 25 earned money from agritourism like u-pick and tours.
- 417 acres of Christmas trees #2 of 19 counties in CA
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2022 Census of Agriculture. Some county numbers are withheld to protect individual farms.
Check hours before you go. Listings come from public directories and many were last updated in 2024.
Farms nearby
All farms near Bay Area · Farms in California · Christmas tree farms everywhere
Plan your trip
Questions about Ward Ranch
Is Ward Ranch open today?
We do not track live hours. Call the farm at (831) 423-6975 before you go. Our listing comes from public directories and was last updated in a past season.
When is the season at Ward Ranch?
Christmas trees typically run Late Nov to Dec in much of the US. Exact dates depend on the farm, the region and the weather, so confirm with the farm.
Where is Ward Ranch?
Near Bonny Doon, CA. Use the Directions button for turn-by-turn directions.
Can I bring my dog to Ward Ranch?
Pet rules vary by farm and by field. Many u-pick farms do not allow dogs in picking areas for food safety. Ask the farm before you go.
Is this listing wrong?
Farms can fix or claim a listing for free on our add or claim your farm page.