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 Whether you are looking to cool off during the hot days of summer in Sedona or you are on the lookout for one of the most scenic spots around town – Slide Rock State Park is yours to discover. It is named for a long stretch of flat red rocks that are turned into a natural water slide by Oak Creek, gently cascading through the magnificent canyon that bears its name. The creek slows to a near halt in a series of natural pools as well as deep swimming holes, some of them adjourned by cliffs that serve as jumping rocks. Life Magazine listed Slide Rock State Park among America´s ten most scenic swimming holes.
Frolick in the water, enjoy a slippery ride downstream or just lounge on the warm, flat rocks surrounding the creek under a breathtaking redrock panorama. However, you may want to consider leaving your favorite swim trunks at home, because while Sedona´s red rocks are uniquely beautiful, remember that they are sandstone, which is rough on any fabric.
There is a park entry fee of 10 dollars per vehicle. Upon entering the park, you will make your way through a 100-year-old apple orchard. In late summer and fall, grab your lunch right off the trees!
What today is Slide Rock State Park was originally part of the Pendley Homestead, a 43-acre apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley came to Oak Creek Canyon in 1907 and formally acquired this land under the Homestead Act in 1910. Pendley established a unique irrigation system for his crops that allowed him to successfully grow his apple orchard and an array of garden produce. Pendley´s irrigation system is still in use by the park today, although there is no longer commercial apple farming here.
The beautiful creek bed that ran through Pendley´s property was also instrumental to the development of tourism in Oak Creek Canyon. After the completion of the canyon road in 1914 and the paving of the roadway in 1938, more and more people had relatively easy access to this marvelous spot. Pendley himself started to build rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers in 1933.
Even Hollywood took advantage of the bewildering beauty of Slide Rock. Movies such as "Broken Arrow" (1950) with James Stewart, "Drum Beat" (1954) with Alan Ladd and Charles Bronson, "Gun Fury" (1953) with Rock Hudson and Donna Reed, and a scene from "Angel and the Badman" (1946) with John Wayne were filmed here.
Please be aware that during the summer months and especially on weekends and holidays, Slide Rock State Park is an extremely popular attraction with limited parking.
So get there early – and enjoy one of Sedona´s favorite recreation spots!
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