Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is Sedona's most iconic family attraction -- a natural water slide carved into red sandstone by Oak Creek in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon. The park sits on the historic Pendley Homestead, an apple farm established in 1912, and combines natural swimming with stunning red rock scenery.

The main attraction is the 80-foot natural slide -- a stretch of smooth, algae-covered sandstone where Oak Creek flows through a narrow channel. Kids and adults sit in the shallow creek water and slide downstream, picking up speed on the slippery rock before splashing into deeper pools below. The slide is completely natural -- no concrete, no engineering, just millions of years of water polishing rock into the perfect water park.

Beyond the main slide, Oak Creek offers swimming holes of varying depths, calm wading pools for younger or more cautious kids, flat rock areas for sunbathing, and smaller slide chutes upstream. The creek is bordered by towering red and white canyon walls, making the scenery as memorable as the swimming. In fall, the canyon's deciduous trees turn gold and orange against the red rock.

The park does reach capacity on summer weekends, often by 9-10 AM. Once full, rangers close the entrance until visitors leave and free up parking. This is the single most important planning detail: arrive early on weekends, or visit on a weekday. The water is cold year-round (60-65°F), which is refreshing in Arizona's summer heat but surprises some visitors.

The Pendley Homestead apple orchard remains on the property, and apple picking is available in September and October. Short hiking trails offer views of the canyon and orchard. Restrooms and changing areas are available near the parking lot.