Slide Rock State Park

Introduction of Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park, formerly known as the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historical apple farm in Oak Creek Canyon. After arriving in the canyon in 1907, Frank L. Pendley formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. He succeeded where others failed by establishing a unique irrigation system that is still in use by the park today. This enabled Pendley to plant his first apple orchard in 1912, kicking off the pattern of agricultural development that has dominated the site since. Pendley also grew vegetables and kept livestock.

Slide Rock State Park, as one of the few remaining homesteads in the canyon, is an excellent example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The site was also important in the growth of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The canyon road’s completion in 1914 and paving in 1938 were significant factors in encouraging recreational use of the canyon. As a result, Pendley followed suit and built rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers in 1933.

The park is named after Slide Rock, a slick stretch of creek bottom adjacent to the homestead. Visitors can either slide down a slick natural water chute or sunbathe along the creek. The swim area is on National Forest land managed jointly by Arizona State Parks and the United States Forest Service. Many Hollywood films have been made in these areas, including “Broken Arrow” (1950) starring James Stewart, “Drum Beat” (1954) starring Alan Ladd and Charles Bronson, “Gun Fury” (1953) starring Rock Hudson and Donna Reed, and a scene from “Angel and the Badman” (1946) starring John Wayne.

The Arizona Parklands Foundation sold the park property to Arizona State Parks on July 10, 1985. The park was dedicated in October 1987, and on December 23, 1991, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Making preparations for your visit Slide Rock State Park’s weather is similar to that of Sedona. The altitude is nearly 5,000 feet. Bring your bathing suit, towel, plenty of sunblock, a trash bag, and shoes to protect your feet for an ideal summer visit. Bring your camera to capture ice on the rocks and binoculars to enjoy the birds in the winter.

Camping

Slide Rock State Park Activities

Fishing

Rainbow trout are periodically stocked in Oak Creek. Where there are swimmers, fishing is not permitted. Please, no glass bait jars!

Anglers fourteen and older must have a valid Arizona fishing licence. Licensing information is available online at Arizona Game & Fish, or a fishing licence can be purchased at a local dealer.

Hiking

There are several short trails in the park, including a nature trail. It is also close to several hiking trails in the Coconino National Forest. This area is managed on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis, and glass containers of any kind are strictly prohibited.

Pendley Homestead Trail is a 0.25 mile trail with an easy difficulty rating. This paved, level trail travels through a portion of Slide Rock State Park’s historic Pendley Homestead and is accessible to all visitors. Some of the original apple orchards, the Pendley Homestead house, tourist cabins, an apple packing barn, various farming implements used historically in the homestead, a new orchard of semi-dwarf apple trees, and spectacular views of the canyon walls of Oak Creek Canyon can be found along the trail.

Slide Rock Route is a 0.3-mile trail with a moderate difficulty rating. The main access to the Slide Rock Swim Area is via this primitive route along Oak Creek. This popular spot includes a natural water slide along Oak Creek.

This trail starts near the apple packing shed. It descends steps to the creek and then crosses it on a small footbridge. During periods of high runoff, the footbridge will be closed, and visitors must remain on the west side of the creek. Continue north along the sandstone shelves after crossing the footbridge. Many sunbathers will be using some of this route for sunbathing during the summer months, so you may have to step over quite a few people.

You may notice a historic rock cabin on the west side of the creek as you proceed. To generate electricity for the homestead, the original homesteader used this in conjunction with a flume and water wheel. You will reach an eight-foot wall that will serve as your turn-around point. If you choose to go around the wall, you can explore the remote areas upstream where the route becomes more primitive.

Clifftop Nature Trail: This 0.25-mile trail begins near the apple barn and provides scenic views of Slide Rock Swim Area.

Picnicking

On a first-come, first-served basis, fifteen open air picnic areas suitable for small groups are available near the entry station and parking lot. Propane grills, charcoal fires, and wood fires are strictly prohibited at all times!

Slide Rock State Park Location

Take I-17 north from Phoenix to Hwy 179 west through Sedona to Hwy 89A north. The park is located 7 miles north of Sedona.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available