jcc,
Pic please.

Yes, a picture would help you get some replies.
Your 'apple' with thorns could be a Quince.
Whatever you do, start a path at the bottom and work up. You don't have to bend over as far. You might be able to make a 'retreat' down there somewhere.
Work with the rocks instead of thinking of them as a hindrance. Rocks can be used to shore up the lower side of the path and also hold up the soil on the upper side. Also, you can build natural looking rock outcroppings which gives an added dimension to your slope. If rock outcroppings are already there, enhance them by exposing as much rock as possible. Some very fine gardens have been made from rock quarries.
Here's what I did on a moderate slope in my garden with purchased quarry rock.
Click on the picture for more.
Mike
{{gwi:62130}}

Mike, that is just beautiful! Our rocks are natural decomposing granite boulders. Some as big as a house. We name them! One is house rock. That's how we describe which plant is where. You know, the Fig on the east side of house rock?

I wish we knew the planting zone of the original poster. We have very well drained soil here along with very steep slopes. I have this big hiking stick to help me navigate the hill. We have many fruit trees, a small vineyard, and lots of rosemary and junipers for water retention. We have two big pine groves, one of which has a nice flat area, and one day a weathered old picnic table will go in there.

We plan to make a natural fire pit on chimney rock... another one we named. It has boulders on top of a big boulder with pretty easy access. We just need to build a deck so we can enjoy the fire in the natural pit. Also need to put some spark arresting mesh so we don't light our mountain on fire. Neighbors would hate that!

Weeds are always a problem. If you are non-organic, roundup works pretty good. You just have to keep at it. Vinegar works also on weeds. Pour boiling hot water near the roots of some. That will kill the roots, but make sure you aren't killing good roots of plants you want.

Good luck!

Suzi