Slide Rock State Park

Monica Enriquez, Arizona State Parks

Slide Rock State Park is named after the famous stretch of slippery creek just north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. The popular area features a natural water slide where the more adventurous can take the plunge and slip down the water chute while onlookers wade and sun along the creek. Tout fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping are activities also enjoyed at Slide Rock.

This natural waterpark and 43-acre historical apple farm was originally the Pendley Homestead. Frank L. Pendley arrived in the canyon in 1907 and 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.

The park has several short trails and is close to Coconino National Forest hiking trails. The Homestead Trail is an easy 0.25-mile paved, level trail suitable for all visitors. It winds through a portion of the historic Pendley Homestead and features some of the original apple orchards, the family home, tourist cabins, and spectacular views of the canyon walls of Oak Creek Canyon.

The Slide Rock Trail is a 0.3-mile trail with a difficulty rating of moderate. This primitive route along Oak Creek is the main access to Slide Rock Swim Area, so be prepared to step around sunbathers. The Clifftop Nature Trail is a 0.25-mile trail that begins near the apple barn and offers scenic views of the Slide Rock Swim Area.

Slide Rock is a park for all seasons. For an ideal summer visit, bring your bathing suit, towel, plenty of sunblock, a trash bag, and shoes to protect your feet. In the fall, beautiful red, yellow and orange leaves gently drop to cover plants on the forest floor. In the winter, be sure to bring your camera to capture ice on the rocks and a pair of binoculars to watch the birds.

Summer park hours are 8 1.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance is $10 per vehicle with 1 to 4 adults. For more information, call 928-282-3034 or visit www.azstateparks.com.