Cherry Blossom Trail Offers Spring Day Trip

The Hillcrest Tree Farm is a key stop on the broader Fresno County Blossom Trail, a 62-mile self-guided driving tour established in 1988. This larger trail winds through orchards of almond, plum, apricot, peach, and nectarine trees, celebrating the region's rich agricultural heritage. While many orchards along the main trail are private, Hillcrest offers a rare opportunity for visitors to walk among the blossoms. Originally a Christmas tree farm founded in 1960, Hillcrest is the oldest in the San Joaquin Valley. The farm has become a year-round destination, also hosting a popular pumpkin patch in the fall and seasonal Easter egg hunts. A main attraction is the half-scale, live steam railroad that offers 15-minute rides through the blossoming trees and pine groves. For the Blossom Trail event, running on weekends from late February through March 15th, both admission and parking at the farm are free. While entry to the grounds is complimentary, round-trip tickets for the steam train are required, costing $10 per person for ages two and up. Food vendors are available on-site during the event weekends. The farm is located in Reedley, nicknamed "The World's Fruit Basket," a city with deep agricultural roots along the Kings River. The drive from Fremont to Hillcrest Tree Farm takes approximately three hours, making it a manageable day trip from the Bay Area. To break up the drive, a family-friendly stop just off the highway is Bravo Farms. The Kettleman City location (off I-5) features a BBQ restaurant, a sprawling gift shop, a giant treehouse, and a petting zoo with goats and llamas. A similar location in Traver (off CA-99) also offers a restaurant, cheese-making viewing, and a seven-story treehouse for kids to explore.