Slide Rock is an exciting and entertaining element of the state park, it's also a rich historical location! Check out the hiking path or jump on in!
Experiences, Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek, Sedona

What is Slide Rock?

Some of the biggest attractions in Arizona are state parks. Many different state parks offer stunning views, fun activities, and a far better place to get a workout outside of the gym. One of the best state parks to visit is in Oak Creek. It’s called Slide Rock and it’s a popular destination during the summer. Slide Rock is not just a fun location, it also has a  fascinating history. Visit Slide Rock today and find out why so many people love visiting this beautiful and exciting state park.

In The Beginning

Before the park became known as Slide Rock, it was called the Pendley Homestead. The Pendley Homestead is a 43-acre apple farm in Oak Creek. Frank L. Pendley acquired the land through the Homestead Act in 1910. While others failed, Frank succeeded in creating an irrigation system that is still used today. Roadways were paved in 1938 that went through the canyon, and Frank saw an opportunity to take advantage of the new business headed his way. Cabins were built and vacationers were supplied with a place to stay and enjoy the sights.

Swimming

Slide Rock got its name thanks to a creek bottom that is slippery. It’s located just near the homestead! Using that slippery creek floor visitors can slip down a natural slide. To add more fun to the area, there is deep water located nearby as well. The courageous visitors will jump from the rock formations and into the deeper waters below. Others will just head down to the water for a refreshing swim, minus the heart stopping jump.

No Swimming Required

If swimming isn’t something you want to do, you can enjoy the sights along a walking path. The walking path does go through a very shallow part of the creek so make sure you have appropriate footwear. While this area is not meant for swimming, it is a great place to get your feet wet and enjoy the beauty of Oak Creek. You can spend your time looking for the filming locations of numerous classic films from the late ‘40’s or early ‘50’s. Films like, “Broken Arrow”, “Drum Beat”, and “Angel and The Badman” all have scenes that were filmed at Slide Rock! 

Slide Rock is an exciting and entertaining element of the state park, it's also a rich historical location! Check out the hiking path or jump on in!