With its refreshing swimming holes, unique hiking trails, and wide-open picnic areas, it’s no wonder Slide Rock State Park is one of America’s most famous outdoor destinations. The park is situated along the banks of Oak Creek in Sedona, Ariz., where visitors can soak up the warm sun while enjoying a swim or hiking through the surrounding mountains. While it’s a popular destination year-round, Slide Rock State Park truly shines during the summer months when temperatures soar across the state. Here’s everything you need to know before planning your next trip to Arizona’s beloved park:
Explore Slide Rock State Park and discover the history of Arizona’s old-fashioned family fun.
Slide Rock State Park is located near Sedona, Arizona. The park was established in 1972 with the purpose of protecting this natural wonder and making it accessible to visitors. It’s now one of Arizona’s most popular warm-weather destinations due to its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and dramatic views.
History: In 1911, a man named David Johnson discovered a waterfall while he was exploring the area with his family on horseback. He soon began encouraging others to visit by building trails so they could see this magnificent site as well. Over time more people came out here and started taking advantage of the natural hot tubs that had formed along the riverbank – sliding down them into these soothing pools became an instant hit!
Activities: This unique spot features three separate water slides that are perfect for all ages – from toddlers up to adults (and even dogs can take part). There are also plenty more fun things going on here besides just sliding down rocks into cool water; kayaking trips are available from May through September if you’re looking for something different during your visit (and there’s even tubing if water sports aren’t your thing).
Fees: Admission rates vary depending on whether you want to access only during daylight hours or need access all day long – fees range between $15-$20 per person depending on which type of pass is purchased (children under 13 years old do not have additional charges). Camping spots cost around $15 per night but first come first serve basis so make sure to reserve one early if interested!
The park is named after Slide Rock, a stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent to a historic apple orchard
Slide Rock, the park’s namesake, is a stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent to a historic apple orchard. The water in Slide Rock Creek flows from the nearby Red Mountain Wilderness and is cold enough that you have to beware of hypothermia if you stay in too long. After climbing out onto the rocks, however, you’ll find yourself surrounded by red sandstone cliffs that shimmer with heatwaves and make for some amazing photos.
The site got its name from early pioneer families who used it as a natural waterslide
The site got its name from early pioneer families who used it as a natural waterslide. They would swim in the creek and slide down the rocky incline. In 1876, the area was purchased by a group of investors from Flagstaff to build a resort spa, but this never came to fruition.
The creek offers seasonal swimming at your own risk (lifeguards are not provided)
Swimming is not recommended, but it’s also at your own risk. As we’ve mentioned, there are no lifeguards on duty at the park. Additionally, there are no life jackets available for rent or purchase at the park. (If you want to be extra safe and keep your stuff dry while walking around in the creek, consider bringing an extra shirt that you can quickly change into.)
Red rocks and slippery slides.
Slide Rock State Park is one of Arizona’s most popular warm-weather destinations, but it wasn’t always a hot spot. It was named after Slide Rock, a natural water slide that’s been enjoyed by locals since the 1880s. Located in north-central Arizona, just outside Sedona and Flagstaff, the park is part of Coconino County.
The park itself is smaller than some others in the state—but it still offers plenty to do! In addition to swimming and tubing (with or without knee pads), visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead through Red Rock Country’s spectacular scenery; catch views of Sedona from atop Slide Rock Mountain; hike down into Oak Creek Canyon; look out over the Verde Valley below; visit nearby Boynton Canyon Preserve State Park; go birding at Montezuma Castle National Monument; climb up Camelback Mountain near Phoenix; take advantage of guided tours offered by the U.S. Forest Service.*
Slide Rock State Park is just one of the many amazing places you can visit in Sedona. As you can see from this article, there are so many reasons to visit! We hope that you enjoy your time at Slide Rock State Park, and we look forward to seeing what else Sedona has in store for us.
