Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Located in Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona, this state park offers a unique combination of natural beauty, history, and recreational opportunities. The park is known for its natural water slide, which is a popular spot for swimming, sliding, and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails, fishing holes, and picnic areas, or learn about the park’s history at the Pendley Homestead.

At Slide Rock State Park, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. The park’s natural water slide is one of the main attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world. The slide is a 80-foot stretch of Oak Creek that rushes through a narrow red-rock flume, creating a natural water slide that ends in a cold pool. Visitors can slide down the flume and enjoy the refreshing water, or relax on the rocks and watch the action.

In addition to the water slide, Slide Rock State Park offers a variety of other attractions and services. Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the sandstone bluffs and the canyon. They can also fish in the creek, picnic in the shade of the trees, or visit the park’s historic Pendley Homestead. The park also has a gift shop, a snack bar, and a visitor center with information about the park and its programs.

Key Takeaways

• Slide Rock State Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
• The park offers a natural water slide, hiking trails, fishing holes, and picnic areas.
• Visitors can also learn about the park’s history at the Pendley Homestead, and enjoy local attractions and services such as a gift shop and a snack bar.

Park Overview

Slide Rock State Park is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona. It is one of the few homesteads still standing in the canyon and represents a deep past of agriculture in Central Arizona. The park is named after a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek, which is one of the main attractions of the park. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of sliding down the 80-foot stretch of Oak Creek into a cold pool.

Location & Accessibility

Slide Rock State Park is located in Oak Creek Canyon, 7 miles north of Sedona, Arizona, United States. It is easily accessible by car, and there is ample parking available.

Camping & Accommodations

Slide Rock State Park offers limited camping facilities, including campsites for tent and RV camping. There are electrical hookups available for RVs, and reservations can be made in advance. The park also offers public restrooms, vault toilets, and trash removal services.

Amenities & Facilities

The park offers a variety of amenities and facilities for visitors to enjoy, including picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. There is also an on-site boat ramp, dock, and boat slips for visitors who want to enjoy boating or fishing on Oak Creek. The park has a sandy beach area for swimming and sunbathing, and there are numerous hiking trails available for visitors who want to explore the surrounding area.

Activities & Recreation

Slide Rock State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, cycling, and wildlife viewing. The park is also a popular spot for fishing, with rainbow and brown trout being the most abundant fish species in the creek. Visitors can also enjoy water skiing, swimming, and picnicking in the park.

Nature & Wildlife

Slide Rock State Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including a variety of bird species, deer, and other small mammals. The park is also home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow and brown trout. Visitors can enjoy interpretive displays that provide information on the park’s natural history and ecology.

Park Regulations

Visitors to Slide Rock State Park are required to follow all park regulations, including leash laws for pets and restrictions on camping and fires. There are fees for camping and non-resident day use, and visitors are encouraged to make reservations in advance.

Local Attractions & Services

Nearby Destinations

Slide Rock State Park is situated in the middle of Oak Creek Canyon, a scenic wonderland featuring sandstone bluffs, a multitude of flora and fauna, and the water of Oak Creek. The town of Sedona is seven miles south of the park, offering food, lodging, shopping, and many recreational opportunities.

Essential Services

Slide Rock State Park offers essential services such as public restrooms, drinking water, and established fire pits. Visitors can also find groceries, laundry, and showers nearby.

Cultural & Historical Sites

The park is home to a 43-acre working apple farm, one of the few homesteads preserved in the canyon. The Pendley Homestead, established in 1910, is a historic site that visitors can discover.

Recreational Opportunities

Slide Rock State Park offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities. Water activities such as swimming and fishing are popular, and visitors can also rent a dock or tent site. Golf courses are also nearby, and visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding area. Museums are also available for visitors who want to learn more about the history of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities are available for visitors at the park?

Slide Rock State Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular activities is swimming in the natural water slide formed by the creek. Visitors can also hike the trails, have a picnic, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park. Additionally, the park offers fishing opportunities for those who have a valid Arizona fishing license.

Are there any camping facilities, and how can one reserve a spot?

Yes, there are camping facilities available at Slide Rock State Park. The park offers 24 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and cannot be reserved in advance. However, the park does offer a call-ahead service to check the availability of campsites.

Does the park offer cabin rentals, and what are the amenities included?

No, Slide Rock State Park does not offer cabin rentals. However, visitors can view historic cabins on the property that were once used by the Pendley family who originally owned the land.

What types of fish can be caught in the park’s waters?

The park’s waters are home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. Visitors must have a valid Arizona fishing license to fish in the park’s waters.

Can you provide a map of the campground and its sites?

Yes, a map of the campground and its sites is available on the official website of Slide Rock State Park. Visitors can also obtain a map at the park’s entrance.

Are there any other campgrounds nearby for overflow or alternative camping options?

Yes, there are other campgrounds located nearby for overflow or alternative camping options. Some of the nearby campgrounds include Manzanita Campground, Pine Flat Campground, and Cave Springs Campground.