Last Updated on June 4, 2024 by Nikole

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Hey there fellow nature lovers! I recently had the most amazing experience at Slide Rock State Park and I couldn’t wait to share it with all of you. Nestled in the breathtaking red rock country of Sedona, Arizona, this park is an absolute gem for anyone looking to escape into the great outdoors.

The park gets its name from the natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute blast to slide down into the refreshing water below.

Location

Located just off North State Route 89 Slide Rock State Park is nestled away underneath the cliffs. This state park is located in between Flagstaff and Sedona, and it makes a perfect stop when traveling from one place to the other.

You might also want to add Slide Rock State Park to your hiking list in Sedona, there are several short areas to hike with gorgeous scenery and rewarding backdrops to any photo.

What to Expect While Visiting Slide Rock State Park

Here’s what Slide Rock State Park has to offer:

• A shop called the Slide Rock Market
• Fishing Spots
• Chilli swimming holes
• Hiking areas
• A good time!

There were a few things that caught us off guard when we arrived at the park. For example, there is a random store called the Slide Rock Market on the hike down to the creek, which sells water shoes, towels, and some food (this would have saved us a trip to the store before we went).

We also were not expecting the water chill. This was the coldest water I have ever felt, and it was so unexpected because it was blistering hot that day. We went in the middle of August, so I’m assuming the water is this cold year-long.

The average water temperature of the water during the summer months is anywhere between 55°F-65°F.

Basically, you just need to jump in. Don’t make my mistake, and feel the water first.

There were also restrooms down below, so you don’t have to hike all the way back up the mountain.

Stats of the Hike

• Length: less than a mile to the creak
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cost: $20 per car for up to 4 people. $5 per person after 4 people
• Crowds: Expect a lot of people. We went around 6 PM and it wasn’t too crowded
• Views: Creek, greenery, and mountain cliffs

History of Slide Rock Creek Arizona

Slide Rock Creek is located in the Oak Creek Canyon of Arizona and has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The creek was named after the natural water slide formed by the red rock, which became a popular recreation area for locals and tourists.

In the 1930s, the land surrounding the creek was developed into an apple orchard by Frank Pendley, who also built cabins and a tourist lodge.

The area became known as Slide Rock State Park in the 1980s and is now a popular destination for swimming, picnicking, and hiking.

The creek has also been featured in several films and commercials, adding to its cultural significance.

Over All Slide Rock Experience

Even though the water was freezing I’m glad we went. It was nice to wake up from the cold water after a hot day in Sedona. There were also several short walking trails around the area, one of which took you above the creek where you see an amazing overlook of the mountains and the creek.

Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the slide. This is the BEST part of the whole park. The rocks that you slide on are fairly smooth and you will fall into a few small pools on the way down. I only became submerged at the end.

Obviously, be careful not to hit your head on your trip down. I never felt like I was going to hit, but I was being cautious.

In Conclusion

There are plenty of shallow places to splash around in, and plenty of deep places to wade around in making it perfect for families. There are also plenty of spaces to chill out on the rocks if you are too tired to swim around.

Overall I loved this area. Compared to most places we went to in Arizona, this area wasn’t too crowded, and you could always move up or downstream if you needed some peace and quiet.