Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com
	Click here for additional photos

Slide Rock State Park is nestled in lush Oak Creek Canyon. The park takes its name from a 30-foot water slide worn in the rocks of the creek bed. Fishing, hiking, picnicking and nature watching, take on new dimensions among the canyon's red rock walls and pine forests. A thriving apple orchard is a unique attraction.

The park is named after the famous Slide Rock, a stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent to the homestead. Visitors may slide down a slick natural water chute or wade and sun along the creek. The swim area is located on National Forest land which is jointly managed by Arizona State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service.

Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historical apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley, having arrived in the canyon in 1907, formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. Due to his pioneering innovation, he succeeded where others failed by establishing a unique irrigation system still in use by the park today. This allowed Pendley to plant his first apple orchard in 1912, beginning the pattern of agricultural development that has dominated the site since that time. Pendley also grew garden produce and kept some livestock.

As one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today, Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The completion of the canyon road in 1914 and the paving of the roadway in 1938 were strong influences in encouraging recreational use of the canyon. Hence, Pendley followed suit and in 1933, built rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers.

Facilities: Slide Rock State Park offers picnic tables and restrooms. The Slide Rock Market, open on weekends, carries a minimal amount of supplies. Coconino National Forest offers several nearby campgrounds. The park also supplies vending machines and park benches.

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to use Slide Rock State Park. Visitors planning on swimming should call the water hotline before their visit.

Best Time To Visit:

Slide Rock State Park is open:

Summer: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Winter: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fall and Spring: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fees: Entrance fees apply. Please call park for current fee information.

Accessibility: Areas of the park are accessible with a paved path and reserved parking spaces.

Rules: No pets or glass in swim area. Littering is unlawful. Pets must be kept on a leash and attended to all times. It is unlawful to pick the fruit. This area contains many natural hazards; please enjoy with caution. Rocks and creek beds are slippery when wet or icy.

Directions: To reach Slide Rock State Park from Sedona take Hwy 179 west through Sedona to Hwy 89A North. The park is 7 miles north of Sedona.

Attractions Near
Slide Rock State Park

Cliff Top Nature Trail
Coconino National Forest
Oak Creek Canyon
Pendley Homestead Trail
Slide Rock Route