Peach Picking and the Hassayampa River Preserve!

"For most of its 100-mile course through the desert, the Hassayampa River flows only underground. But within the preserve its crystal clear waters emerge, flowing above ground throughout the year. This lush streamside habitat is home to some of the desert’s most spectacular wildlife. Yet many of them have become dangerously imperiled as riparian areas have disappeared from the Arizona landscape."© 2025 The Nature Conservancy

I think this is an awesome place! It's great for moderate hiking, walking, wading, exploring, drawing, or napping. There is a nice trail that winds through the river and leads to an expansive view of the mountains around Wickenburg and Lake Pleasant area. The willow and cottonwood trees provide cool shade this time of year. There are many different trails to choose from but none of them are very long and all of them can be done in the time allotted. The Preserve closes at 4pm so, it would be nice to bring a picnic lunch before we end our day here. There is a $5 per person entrance fee and it is totally worth it! It is free with an Annual Maricopa County Parks pass. I bought one once but never used the parks enough to justify the $85 for the pass.

On our way to the Hassayampa River Preserve we will begin our day at Fenway Park Orchards in Morristown and pick from their crop this year. I was informed by the owners that a cold snap killed off the apples but the peaches should be ready by mid May. I was there a few years ago and was told to eat as many peaches as I like while I was picking some to purchase. Due to the drought the past few years there are less trees producing than when I was there in 2020. Picking ripe fruit from an organic orchard is one of my most favorite things about life! I hope our visit proves to be a good time to gorge on these drupes! The following link describes the several varieties they grow and usual time of ripening. An actual opening date for the orchard has not been set but I have been told by the owners that this is the approximate time of year they open. June will be too late and I am not totally keen on fighting the traffic the following Memorial Day Weekend. https://fenwayparkorchards.com/peaches#:~:text=Generally%20they%20are%20ripe%20the,larger%20than%20the%20cling%20peaches.

We will meet at the McDonalds at 3140 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086 at 800am and organize carpools. It is likely that the I17 northbound will be closed from the Loop 303 to the Carefree Hwy. The traffic detours onto the two lanes of the adjacent frontage road. Please plan ahead for this slow down. You can also meet us at the orchard by taking hwy 60 north to Morristown.
The plan is to arrive at Fenway Park 830-9am to pick peaches, then head to the River Preserve at 11-12p. There are no restroom facilities at Fenway Park Orchards. We will explore the River Preserve, have a picnic lunch together and wrap up our day around 3-4p.

We will not be venturing into the wilderness but please bring with you all that you will need to enjoy a day outdoors such as food/water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc. As a participant in this event you agree to be responsible for your own safety and well-being and you won't hold the organizer or any other participant responsible for your own actions. As the organizer I will do everything I can to help anyone in need and hope for the same in return.