Rise and shine, Arizona! It's peach picking season - and we couldn't be more thrilled! Especially since we have one of the best u-pick orchards in the Southwest right here in Arizona. In addition to peaches, this fun-filled orchard also has pears and apples (in season). Take a look below, and then start planning a day trip to get in on the action asap.

We know for a fact that time is flying by this year, because the peaches are ready for picking at Apple Annie's Orchard in Willcox.

And there are few things more inspiring than a peach tree full of ripening fruit. Just look how beautiful!

Apple Annie's has acres and acres of fresh fruit, and the trees should be ready well into the fall season too.

You'll want to make a note that the u-pick orchards are at the Hardy Road location in Willcox. Apple Annie's has three locations in town, and if you're not familiar with that little fact you could end up at one that doesn't have the u-pick orchard.

When you arrive, grab a wheelbarrow/wagon and a fruit picker and head out to enjoy the fun of picking your own peaches (and apples and pears, in season)!

What a fun family adventure, and a neat way to meet other families!

Plan to stay all day. Apple Annie's has everything you'll need right here at the orchard, including a bakery, a gift shop, and Apple Annie's Orchard Grill.

The grill is open mid-July through at least October on select days of the week. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buttermilk pancake breakfast before you head out to the orchard (pancake breakfast only available on certain days), and then refuel at lunch with burgers and hot dogs. (Season dates and times for grill opening can be found at this link on their website.)

And don't forget to leave room for dessert! Yum!

In fact, grab one of those pies to purchase and take home with you. (On second thought, get two — and bring a fork for the ride home!)

Before you leave, be sure to head to the fudge store and the gift shop... there are goodies in there you won't be able to live without. (Trust us... )

U-pick season should have an honorary fifth season designation in Arizona — at Apple Annie's Orchard, it's just that good.

Here's where to find Apple Annie's:

If there's only one orchard you visit this year in Arizona, take a day trip to Apple Annie's Orchard in Willcox!

Apple Annie's Orchard is located at 2081 Hardy Rd., Willcox, AZ 85643. Orchard hours are July through September 30 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and October 1 through October 31 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Additionally, a special annual festival, called Peach Mania, takes place on weekends now through the end of August. Learn more on the official website of Apple Annie's Orchard and also find a wealth of info on the Facebook page.

(As a point of reference, Apple Annie's Orchard is located 90 miles east of Tucson, 200 miles southeast of Phoenix, 325 miles east of Yuma, and 350 miles southeast of Flagstaff.)

For more easy day trips from Arizona's major cities, keep reading in this previous article.