Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is a 43-acre historic apple farm and creek park in Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona. Its famous feature is an 80-foot natural sandstone water slide, but the park also has picnic areas, wildlife watching, farm exhibits, and three short trails. The easy, paved, level Pendley Homestead Trail is 0.

25 mile and passes the old orchard, house, cabins, packing barn, and farm equipment. The 0. 25-mile Clifftop Nature Trail overlooks the swimming area.

The 0. 3-mile route to the creek is moderate, includes steps, and becomes more primitive near the water.

There is a major current limitation. As of August 19, 2026, Arizona State Parks says the Oak Creek swim area is closed until October 1 following the Pocket Fire. The park also says it will not offer apple picking in fall 2026.

Families can still use open park areas and trails, but anyone planning a water-slide day should postpone or confirm the alert before driving. Even when swimming is open, there is no lifeguard. The algae-covered rock is very slippery, the water is cold, and adults must actively watch children.

Grippy water shoes, towels, shade, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water are essential.

This is best for children about 6 to 15 who are steady on uneven rock and, when the creek reopens, confident around moving water. Younger children can enjoy the paved homestead trail, picnic areas, and wildlife with close supervision. Strollers work on the paved homestead route but not well on the stepped, primitive creek route.

Plan two to four hours for a trail-and-picnic visit, longer only when the swim area is open and conditions are safe.

The park is currently open 8 a. m. to 6 p.

m. from January 31 through November 21, with last entry at 5 p. m.

Winter hours are 9 a. m. to 5 p.

m. Reservations are not available. Entry is only by vehicle, and visitors may not walk in, be dropped off, arrive by bicycle, line up on the highway before opening, or wait there when the lot is full.

Limited parking makes arrival the biggest friction point, so come at opening and carpool.

Vehicle admission is $30 from May through September and $20 from October through April for one vehicle carrying up to four adults. A family of four in one vehicle therefore pays that single vehicle rate. The Slide Rock Market sells snacks, water, ice, sunscreen, and limited necessities, and 15 open-air picnic sites are first come, first served.

Modern accessible restrooms are above the creek, but baby-changing and nursing facilities are not confirmed.