people in the water at Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park, located along Oak Creek Canyon near Coconino National Forest, is only 7 miles north of Sedona and 25 south of Flagstaff.

Before this area became a state park it was the Pendley Homestead, a 43-acre apple farm established in the early 1900s by Frank L Pendley. It became Slide Rock State Park during the 1980s and was named for the famous Slide Rock slippery creek next to the homestead.

This picturesque Arizona state park not only features an 80 ft sandstone ‘water’ slide but also the historic homestead buildings and apple orchard, and provides visitors with access to hiking trails, secluded fishing spots and more.

Activities

Explore this beautiful area, bring refreshments and relax on one of the many picnic tables scattered throughout the park. Slide Rock Market, located inside the park, carries snacks, water, ice, sunscreen, souvenirs and more to help make your visit more comfortable and memorable.

Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Slide Rock State Park:

Natural Water Slide at Slide Rock State Park

Voted one of the ‘10 Top Swimming Holes in the US’, Slide Rock State Park is a popular place to cool off in the summer. The slide, which is 80 feet long and 2-4 feet wide, lies below an apple orchard and is surrounded by the picturesque red hills of Sedona.

The algae on the rocks creates a fun slippery slide. A ½ mile area on Oak Creek provides an ideal spot for swimming and wading. Be aware that the rocks under the water are very slippery to walk on and water temperatures can vary greatly.

Trails at Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park has three short trails that wind through the park’s natural features – Oak Creek, sandstone bluffs, apple trees, wildflowers and more. More trails can be found within adjacent Coconino National Forest.

Here are the 3 hiking trails at Slide Rock State Park:

  • Pendley Homestead Trail – Follow this easy .25 mile trail past the apple orchards, the historic Pendley Homestead house, tourist cabins and the apple-packing barn.
  • Slide Rock Route – Moderate .3 mile trail starts near the apple-packing barn and follows the primitive path out to the Slide rock swim area. Follow the steps down to the creek and then across a small footbridge to the sandstone shelves (a popular sunbathing spot during the summer).
  • Cliff Top Nature Trail – Easy .25 mile trail that starts near the apple barn and features spectacular views of the Slide Rock swim area.

Fish at Slide Rock State Park

A great spot to fish can be found upstream of the park, between the park border and the West Fork confluence. Just take a short hike north while inside the park to reach these ideal trout (wild brown and regularly stocked rainbow) fishing areas.

Remember to pick up an Arizona fishing license before heading over to the park. Fishing licenses are required for anyone over the age of 10.

Historic Homestead at Slide Rock State Park

The historic Pendley Homestead is located along the main paved trail inside the park. This historic house and other farm buildings offer visitors a glimpse back in time – early 1900s.

Large displays and farm implements tell the story of Frank Pendley and the apple orchard that he developed here in 1912. This is also a fun place to take photos!

Wildlife Viewing at Slide Rock State Park

This day use park is a great place to see many types of wildlife – birds, mammals, reptiles and more. Whitetail deer are a common sight since they are attracted to the apple orchard and can be seen throughout the park. Javelina are also often seen, around the thick brushy areas near the main picnic area.

Native and migrating birds may be seen along the trails and throughout the park. Bluejays, warblers, hummingbirds and many other species are commonly spotted here.

Become a Junior Ranger at Slide Rock State Park

Junior Ranger Pledge: ‘As an Arizona State Parks Junior Ranger, I pledge to help the park rangers protect and preserve habitat, wildlife, and help keep the park clean and safe for visitors and wildlife.’

Encourage younger generations to do their part and help preserve the beauty of the parks for future visitors. If your child is between the ages of 6-12 they can become a Junior Ranger at Slide Rock State Park.

All they need to do is download and complete the Junior Ranger Activity Sheet and then request a Junior Ranger booklet at the park’s visitor center once you’ve arrived at the park. Complete each of the activities during your stay.

When all of the activities have been completed report back to a Park Ranger who will swear your Junior Ranger in and award them with a Junior Ranger Button. Kids can become a Junior Ranger at most Arizona State Parks and earn each park’s unique Junior Ranger Button. Check out the For Kids section on each park’s website.

Pets at Slide Rock State Park

Pets are allowed at Slide Rock State Park but must be attended to at all times and kept on a leash no longer than six-feet. Please clean up after your pet.

Lodging Near Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is a day use area only and doesn’t have any overnight accommodations, but nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park (about a 45 minute drive) has modern, primitive and group campsites as well as camping cabins available.

The 100 spacious RV sites have water and electric connections. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings and are within walking distance to ADA accessible bathhouses.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park also has 8 rustic log cabins. Located in a shaded area of the park along the river, these one-room-style cabins have a covered porch, full-sized bed, 2 sets of bunk beds, a table and chairs, dresser-drawer, ceiling fan, electricity and heat/AC.

Each cabin also has a picnic table, BBQ grill and fire ring but no water. Water and bathhouses are conveniently located nearby.

If you’re looking for something a bit closer check out these options all within 5 miles of Slide Rock State Park:

  • The Canyon Wren Cabins – 6425 N State Rte 89A, Sedona

    Cozy two-person cabins in a rustic nature retreat of Oak Creek Canyon. Free breakfast included!

  • Junipine Resort – 8351 AZ-89A, Sedona

    This picturesque resort, located 2 miles from Slide Rock State Park, has one and two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, TVs, WiFi and secluded decks with beautiful views of the peaceful forest.

  • The Sedona Hilltop Inn – 218 AZ-179, Sedona

    Family owned motel with comfortable rooms and gorgeous views of Sedona only 5 miles from the park and an 8 minute walk from downtown Sedona.

Attractions Near Slide Rock State Park

  • Visit Sedona

    Shopping, dining, art galleries, trails and more.

  • Red Rock State Park – 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona

    Nature preserve and environmental education center with trails and spectacular views of the red hills and Oak Creek 16 miles south.

  • Dead Horse Ranch State Park – 675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd, Cottonwood

    Camp near the Verde River, explore trails, fish and more at this state park, only 27 miles from Slide Rock State Park.

More Information

Open Year Round:
8:00am – 5:00 pm
(Open until 6:00pm Fri–Sun, Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Park & Facility Hours:
8:00am – 6:00pm Daily
(9:00am – 5:00pm December 1 – January 31)
*Closed Christmas*

Park Entrance Fees:
Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $20.00
($30.00 Fri–Sun & Holidays Memorial Day – Labor Day)
($10.00 November – February)

Motorcycle: 50% of per vehicle fee
*Additional Adult: $5.00

Park Location

Slide Rock State Park
6871 AZ-89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
Phone: 928.282.3034

Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Slide Rock State Park: