Slide Rock State Park
Oak Creek’s natural sandstone chute, historic apple orchards, canyon geology, and intense summer demand make this both a swimming place and a preserved agricultural landscape.
Artwork inspired by Ted DeGrazia
The slide is a naturally worn sandstone channel in Oak Creek, but the park also preserves Frank Pendley’s orchard and homestead. Reading irrigation, cabins, packing equipment, and apple cultivation explains why this canyon parcel survived development and became public land.
Water is cold, rocks are slippery, and bacteria advisories or high flow can close swimming. Entry frequently stops when parking fills, with no legal roadside fallback. Bring water shoes and warm layers, and never assume that a sunny Sedona forecast guarantees safe creek conditions.
- Established orchard
- 1912
- Water
- Oak Creek
- Allow
- 3–5 hours
Quick guide
- Route question
- Natural rock slide ↔ Pendley Homestead
- Final evidence
- Apple orchard
Slide Rock State Park: check water and arrive early
- Check water
- Read current flow, weather, and advisory status.
- Arrive early
- Parking capacity controls admission.
- Walk history
- See orchard and homestead before entering creek.
- Protect feet
- Use secure water shoes on slick sandstone.
Good to know
There is no safe or legal walk-in workaround when the lot closes. Monsoon storms upstream can change water rapidly, and cold shock remains possible in warm air. Pets are not permitted in the swim area.
Notice these
- Natural rock slide
- Pendley Homestead
- Apple orchard