Table of Contents
The natural water slide, scenic beauty, hiking trails, and cultural heritage of Slide Rock State Park are all well-known. Slide Rock State Park provides a variety of activities, whether you’re seeking outdoor pursuits or educational pursuits.
- The park is well-known for its freshwater slide, which is produced by the slick red sandstone along Oak Creek. Guests may roll down the cliffs and dive into the crystal-clear sea, creating it a favorite destination for families and adventurous alike.
- Scenic Beauty: The park is situated in a breathtaking setting, surrounded by high canyon walls and rich foliage. The park’s natural beauty draws tourists from all over the world, making it a popular destination for photographers and outdoor lovers.
- Hiking Trails: The Slide Rock Route, Clifftop Nature Trail, and Pendley Homestead Trail are just a few of the hiking paths that snake through the park’s challenging landscape. The paths give visitors spectacular panoramas of the surrounding terrain as well as an opportunity to learn about the park’s distinctive flora and animals.
- Cultural History: The area additionally has a rich cultural heritage, featuring a vintage apple orchard and the early 1900s Pendley Farmhouse. Visitors may discover the town’s heritage and early residents, resulting in a great instructional trip for both pupils and their families.
History and Facts
Slide Rock State Park is a stunning natural beauty near Sedona, Arizona. These are three historical and factual points:
- The name “Slide Rock” is derived from the slick rocky outcrops in the park’s creek bed. Visitors may tumble down the boulders, which have been eroded over time by the rushing water, for a memorable and distinctive experience.
- Historical Importance: Slide Rock State Park was formerly part of the Pendley Homestead, an early 1900s farm. The Pendleys cultivated the area and grew apples, which they sold to nearby towns. Visitors may still view the original Pendley Homestead cottage and apple orchard today, giving them a look into the area’s history.
Location
- Address: 6871 N State Rte 89A, Sedona,
- Location: Arizona, United States
- Zip code: 86336
slide rock state park climate address – Search (bing.com)
- Slide Rock State Park is noted for its unusual geological formations, such as the Coconino Sandstone red rock formations and the Oak Creek Canyon.
- The park offers various natural water slides, waterfalls, and pools ideal for swimming which is formed by sandstone erosion via river stream.
- Park’s geology of the region is defined by layers of sedimentary rock accumulated through time, including sandstone, limestone, and shale.
Weather Conditions
- Summers in Slide Rock State Park are hot and dry, with temperatures averaging 90°F (32°C). Winters are moderate, with temperatures averaging 50°F (10°C).
- Even though snowfall is uncommon, tourists should still bring appropriate clothing.
Wind speed Range (mph):
Rainfall Range (in):
Snowfall Days:
Flora & Fauna
Plants:
- Arizona sycamore
- Fremont cottonwood
- Alligator juniper
- Ponderosa pine
- Gambel oak
- Manzanita
- Cactus species (e.g. prickly pear, cholla, saguaro)
Animals:
- Mule deer
- Gray fox
- Coyote
- Mountain lion
- Javelina
- Bobcat
- Rattlesnake
- Gila monster
- Several bird species (e.g. hawks, eagles, owls, hummingbirds)
- Aquatic life such as crayfish and several species of fish.
Activities
Ricketts Glen State Park is a lovely natural area in northern Pennsylvania. The park, which spans 13,050 acres of beautiful woodland, falls, and waterways, is a popular tourist destination for hiking, picnicking, fishing, and canoeing. Ricketts Glen State Park offers the following activities:
- Apple Selection:
- Pendley built his first apple orchard in 1912, setting a precedent for initial agricultural growth in the state.
- Pendley’s effort is still visible to guests, both literally and metaphorically. Almost 300 apple trees were full on one of our trips, with many dropping to the ground.
- Guests may pick apples for free if they visit during harvest season. The cold weather in the winter will have forced the autumnal trees’ leaves to fall, and trimming may have commenced.
- Blossoms and bud development are tiny, white with pink tints, and have a delightful aroma in early spring.
- Fruit trees require irrigation throughout the summer, and electric pumps are utilized to carry water from the rill. Picking season often begins in late August or early September, when it is also the perfect time to cool down in the stream.
- Hiking: The Coconino National Forest is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out park with three short routes and other hiking trails nearby. Glass jars are not permitted, and the park is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out zone. The first two routes, as well as the picturesque third, are recommended for visitors.
| Trails | Level | Attractions |
| Pendley Homestead Trail | Easy | The Pendley Homestead Trail is a flat, paved walk that takes you through the magnificent Pendley Homestead. |
| Slide Rock Route | Moderate | The Slide Rock Trail is a 0.3-mile moderately tough route that provides access to the Slide Rock swim location. It starts near the apple harvesting barn and ends with a little footbridge across the rill. Visitors continue north along sandstone shelves after crossing the footbridge. On the east side of the stream, there is a historic rock house that was used to produce energy for the entire property. Several people leap into the rill from the cliff in front of this cottage. |
| Clifftop Nature Trail | Moderate | The Clifftop Nature Trail is a quarter-mile walk with breathtaking vistas that is ideal for hikers who wish to snap unforgettable images. |
- Wildlife Watching: The park’s animal viewing options include whitetail antelope, javelinas, coyotes, black bears, bird species, mammals, and amphibians, making it more than simply a place to swim.
- Swimming: The park’s Slide Rock portion is a half-mile long and 80 feet long, with a 7% slope. It is comprised of algae that have accumulated on the rocks, making it a slick ride. The rill rushes down from the upper sections, brushing against red rocks and generating a smoother flow down beneath.
- Trout Fishing: The Arizona Game and Fish Department supplies wild brown and rainbow trout numbers in Oak Creek, however, fishing is not permitted inside the swimming area.
- To fish upstream, take a little walk and cast beyond the area in which the trout are sheltering. It is best to catch and release the animal.
Fooding
Park does not have many food options inside it;
- Have a picnic: Visitors can take homemade food to the park and grill them on grillers as the park have picnic spots to enjoy.
- Nearby Restaurants – The Red Rock Grill and the Ricketts Glen Hotel are two eateries close to Ricketts Glen State Park. The costs at these eateries vary based on the item, however, most are reasonable.
- Attend the farmers market: Only just a few kilometers from Slide Rock State Park, the Sedona Farmers Market is open each Sunday morning. It’s a terrific place to get fresh veggies, baked products, and other picnic foods.
- Have a bite to eat at one of the neighboring restaurants: A short drive from the park are numerous eateries, notably Indian Gardens Café & Market, which provides burgers, salads, and bakery items, and The Hudson, which serves American food and has a wonderful patio with views of the red rocks.
#5 of 128 Restaurants in Sedona
3951 N State Route 89A
2.6 miles from Slide Rock State Park
#2 of 128 Restaurants in Sedona
254 N State Route 89a Orchards Inn of Sedona
5 miles from Slide Rock State Park
#6 of 128 Restaurants in Sedona
350 Jordan Road Sedona
4.9 miles from Slide Rock State Park
Lodging
Slide Rock State Park, located in Sedona, Arizona, is a renowned outdoor leisure destination recognised for its spectacular red rock formations and natural water slide. While there are no accommodations within the park, there are some excellent choices nearby that provide easy access to the area.
95 Portal Lane, Coconino National Forest, Sedona, AZ 86336-6166
5.5 miles from Slide Rock State Park
100 Amara Lane, Sedona, AZ 86336-5174
5.0 miles from Slide Rock State Park
#1 Best Value of 402 places to stay in Sedona
400 N State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
4.8 miles from Slide Rock State Park
#2 Best Value of 402 places to stay in Sedona
230 Apple Ave, Sedona, AZ 86336-4806
4.9 miles from Slide Rock State Park
Facilities
Visitors may enjoy a range of facilities in the park. Slide Rock State Park offers the following amenities:
- Parking: There is a spacious parking area where guests may leave their automobiles.
- Restrooms: There are restrooms located around the park.
- Picnic Area: Many picnic tables and barbecues are provided for use by tourists.
- Trails: The park has various trails, including the Slide Rock Trail, which leads to the park’s famed natural water slide.
- Swimming Area: In the rill, the park features a dedicated swimming area where guests may swim and play in the water.
- Visitors may discover more about the park’s history, geography, and fauna at the park’s visitor center.
- Gift Shop: A gift store is available on-site for guests to acquire souvenirs and other products.
- Food and beverage vending machines are provided for snacks and drinks.
- Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and picnic spots are available, as is an accessible route to the swimming area.
Overall, Slide Rock State Park provides a variety of facilities for guests to utilize to make their visit pleasurable and comfortable.
Best Time to Visit
- Slide Rock State Park in Arizona is best visited in the autumn or springtime when the weather is milder and people are fewer.
- Also, the park may become congested on weekends and holidays, so going on weekdays is a preferable alternative to avoid crowds.
| Month | Best Time to Visit | Pros | Cons |
| January | Not recommended | Fewer crowds | Cold weather, park may be closed due to snow or ice |
| February | Not recommended | Fewer crowds, beautiful snowy views | Cold weather, park may be closed due to snow or ice |
| March | Spring | Mild weather, blooming wildflowers | Some trails may be muddy |
| April | Spring | Mild weather, blooming wildflowers | Crowds may be higher due to spring break |
| May | Spring | Mild weather, blooming wildflowers, water may be warmer for swimming | Crowds may be higher, water flow may be lower |
| June | Summer | Warm weather, water is at its peak for swimming | Crowds may be high, hot weather |
| July | Summer | Warm weather, water is at its peak for swimming | Crowds may be high, hot weather |
| August | Summer | Warm weather, water is at its peak for swimming | Crowds may be high, hot weather |
| September | Fall | Mild weather, fewer crowds | Water flow may be lower |
Sightseeing
These are some sites to view while visiting Slide Rock State Park:
- Slide Rock: The park’s major feature is a natural water slide produced by the slick bed of Oak Creek. During the scorching summertime, this is a pleasant place for people to slide down and cool off.
- Swimming holes: Along Oak Creek, the park offers numerous natural swimming holes where tourists may rest and soak in the cool water.
- Hiking paths: The park has various hiking trails that provide wonderful views of the surrounding area. The short and simple Slide Rock Way is a favorite for families with little children, while the lengthier Huckaby Trail is ideal for more experienced climbers.
- Picnic sites: There are various picnic spots around the park where tourists may have a lunch while admiring the scenery.
- Wildlife: Look for mule deer, javelina, coyotes, and a range of bird species among the park’s native fauna.
- Autumn colors: If you visit in the autumn, the oak and sycamore trees that flank the stream will be in full autumn splendor.
- Photographers will love the park’s red rock formations, the crystal-clear water of Oak Creek, and the surrounding natural splendor.
Reservations
The steps are as follows:
- Visit State Parks’ official website https://azstateparks.com/slide-rock
- Scroll over “Find a Park” in the top menu bar and select “Fall Creek Falls State Park.”
- Select the “Reservations” tab on the Fall Creek Falls State Park page.
- Choose the kind of accommodation you want to book (cabin, campground, RV site, etc.) and press “Search.
- To view what’s available for your days, click “Check Availability.”
- After you’ve selected a suitable accommodation, click “Book Now” and continue the on-screen instructions to finish your reservation.
- You may also buy your admission ticket directly during the booking process, or spend when you reach the park.
- Visitors will get an email confirmation with all of the information about their booking after you have finished their reservation and settled for your access pass.
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Fess Charges-
- $30/vehicle – includes 4 adults
- $3 (per additional adult)
- $15/single occupant vehicle
- $2- pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers
Rules for Pets
- Pets are permitted in approved in some specific areas of the park.
Specific Rule or Restriction
These are some ground rules to follow when exploring Ricketts Glen State Park:
- At the park, glass containers are permitted.
- Pets are not authorized in the slide rock or rill regions, although they are acceptable on a lead in other areas of the park.
- Smoking is permitted only in defined places.
- It is not permitted to jump or dive from rocks or cliffs.
- The park does not allow amplified music or sound systems.
- Visitors are not allowed after exit time
- Proper disposal of waste is necessary otherwise park will fine penalty.
Greetings Everyone!
I’m Ritika Vaishnav a freelance content writer with a passion for creating educational and engaging content on a wide range of topics. I love to travel and write about it.