Slide Rock State Park
4.7(6.2K)google
4.5(412)yelp
Water ActivitySwimming
Overview
Slide Rock State Park is an Arizona State Park located in Oak Creek Canyon 7 miles (11 km) north of Sedona, Arizona, United States. It takes its name from a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. Slide Rock State Park is located on Coconino National Forest land and is co-managed by the Arizona State Parks agency and the United States Forest Service.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeSummer (June to August) is the absolute golden period, when the icy clear stream water is the ultimate paradise for escaping Arizona's summer heat. If you want to play in the water, be sure to enter before 9 a.m. to grab a parking spot
Getting ThereLocated about 7 miles north of Sedona's old town, beside the scenic AZ-89A. The canyon scenery along the way is picturesque, the park-entrance sign is very conspicuous, and driving there is extremely convenient
Travel Tips
- This was once an ancient apple orchard; because Oak Creek's natural riverbed has scoured a long, extremely smooth, naturally sloped channel into the red sandstone, it forms the nationally famous natural water slide
- Because the riverbed rocks are constantly wetted by flowing water, their surface is covered with an extremely slippery invisible layer of algae; it's highly recommended to wear a durable old swimsuit and you must wear special anti-slip water shoes to avoid slipping and getting injured
- Because it's an extremely popular summer cooling spot with extremely limited parking, the park enforces strict vehicle limits
- As a state park, it does not accept the U.S. National Park annual pass; you need to pay a relatively expensive entrance fee per vehicle separately
Reviews
Positive
- So much fun! A natural water park hand-carved by nature—sitting on the smooth red rock and sliding down the stream is both thrilling and cool, and the whole family went wild
- The park environment is very well maintained; the old apple orchard and the red canyon cliffs set each other off, and even if you don't plan to swim, sitting on the rocks by the bank sunbathing and picnicking is a top-tier enjoyment
Heads up
- In summer there are so many people it's like dumplings in a pot, and the parking queue can back up onto the highway. Also, the stream water flows down from the high mountains, so even in the height of July and August it's bone-chillingly cold and the frail easily catch a chill