Events

Two yearly events are used to showcase activities at the Ranch.

Cal Poly Day is Sunday of the last weekend of September. Al Smith Day is Sunday on the second weekend of April. The Railroad Society takes care of registration for both events.

Events include barbeque, train rides and roping demonstrations. The Cal Poly Logging Team often joins in the fun with axe throwing and cross-cut demonstrations. Swanton equipment as well as t-shirts, hats, etc are also on display. Please plan on joining us this year.

Apple picking is also becoming a popular event. Our organic u-pick orchard has 12 varieties of apples. Verietals are limited to what's on hand. The apple orchard is certified 100 percent by the California Certified Organic Farmers. In addition to U-Pick harvesting, students also hand-pick apples throughout the season. The 2-acre orchard yields five tons of apples every year.

The Swanton Organic Apple Orchard is open to the public and Cal Poly alumni and parents. To get to the orchard, Take Highway One north from Santa Cruz to Swanton Road. Follow the signs to the apple orchard. U-Pick hours are 9am to 4pm Thur - Mon. The orchard will close Nov 15th for the season and will reopen Aug 2008. Check back for dates and times.