2. Apple Picking

That is why today, visitors can still enjoy the fruits of Pendley’s labor, both literally and figuratively. During one of our visits, nearly 300 apple trees were filled, many falling to the ground. Yes, you can pick apples for free, just come at harvest time. Pendley planted his first apple orchard in 1912, pioneering early agricultural development that became a pattern for the state at the time. Fruit was the primary cash crop of the Pendley Family Homestead, but he was also able to grow a variety of garden produce and even kept some livestock.

If you go in the winter, the freezing temperatures will have caused the leaves to fall from the deciduous trees and pruning may have begun. Early spring brings blossoms and bud growth. Apple flowers are small, white with pink highlights, and a wonderful fragrance. This is a good time to go to the park. After the bees cross-pollinate, the pretty petals drop and fruits begin to take shape. As the fruits grow, thinning removes excess apples to improve the size and quality of what is left on the tree.

During the long hot days of the Arizona summer, fruit trees need watering and electric pumps are used to bring water from the creek. The fruits continue to mature and the branches get so heavily laden that they may need to be propped up with wood. Picking usually starts in late August or early September which is also the best time to cool off in the stream. Along with the spring season, this time is also another good chance to go to the park. We have gone all four seasons but loved our early spring and late summer visits.

3. Swimming And Sliding

But it is the clear rushing creek that offers the best of the experiences available at the park — especially if you are looking for a place to cool off during the hot summer months. The Slide Rock area, open for swimming, is half a mile long and the area for sliding is 80 feet long and 2.5–4 feet wide, going downstream with a seven percent decline. The algae that collect on the rocks make for the slippery ride. The creek rushes down from the upper areas, brushes many red rocks on its way, and settles into a calmer flow down below. This allows for sliding down the whole length in utmost abandon and fun.

There are a few pools where many children and adults wade and swim. At several places, you can sit and let the onrushing little falls massage your back. One section is deep enough that I have seen teenagers jump into the water from the ledge rock up above. There is no lifeguard on duty, however, so doing this is at your own risk.