Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley, having arrived in the canyon in 1907, formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. Due to his pioneering innovation, he succeeded where others failed by establishing a unique irrigation system still in use by the park today. This allowed Pendley to plant his first apple orchard in 1912, beginning the pattern of agricultural development that has dominated the site since that time. Pendley also grew garden produce and kept some livestock.
As one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today, Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The completion of the canyon road in 1914 and the paving of the roadway in 1938 were strong influences in encouraging recreational use of the canyon. Hence, Pendley followed suit and in 1933, built rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers.
Four Wheel Drive and Off-Highway Vehicle Routes around Sedona in Coconino National Forest (NF) in Arizona. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Area Overview Map of Montezuma Castle National Monument (NM) Arizona and Tuzigoot National Monument (NM) in Arizona. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
Brochure and Map of Arizona State Parks and Trails. Published by Arizona State Parks & Trails.
Slide Rock SP
https://azstateparks.com/slide-rock
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_Rock_State_Park
Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley, having arrived in the canyon in 1907, formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. Due to his pioneering innovation, he succeeded where others failed by establishing a unique irrigation system still in use by the park today. This allowed Pendley to plant his first apple orchard in 1912, beginning the pattern of agricultural development that has dominated the site since that time. Pendley also grew garden produce and kept some livestock.
As one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today, Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The completion of the canyon road in 1914 and the paving of the roadway in 1938 were strong influences in encouraging recreational use of the canyon. Hence, Pendley followed suit and in 1933, built rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers.
Nearby Parks
Picnic Areas/Ramadas
Park Rules
If you’re having a great time here, don’t forget
to visit one of the four nearby state parks!
Red Rock State Park (16 miles) The park is a
286-acre nature preserve and environmental
education center with stunning scenery. Trails
throughout the park reach the rich banks of
Oak Creek. Green meadows are framed by
native vegetation and hills of red rock. The
creek meanders through the park, creating
a habitat abundant with plants and wildlife.
(928) 282-6907
Dead Horse Ranch State Park (27 miles)
Nestled in the cool climate of Cottonwood,
this park offers numerous recreational
opportunities such as camping, hiking,
mountain
biking,
canoeing,
fishing,
horseback riding, and more. Cabins and
access to the Verde River are also available.
(928) 634-5283
Fort Verde State Historic Park (34 miles)
Experience living history and life through the
eyes of a frontier soldier. The fort was a base
for General Crook’s U.S. Army scouts and
soldiers in the 1870s and 1880s. From 1865
– 1891, Camp Lincoln, Camp Verde, and Fort
Verde were home to officers, doctors, families,
enlisted men, and scouts. (928) 567-3275
Jerome State Historic Park (34 miles) This
park reveals the story of the city of Jerome inside
the historic Douglas Mansion. The museum
features photographs, artifacts, and minerals
in addition to a video presentation and a 3-D
model of the town with its underground mines.
(928) 634-5381
There are 28 open-air picnic areas that are
great for small groups available near the entry
station and parking lot on a first-come, firstserved basis.
Two covered ramadas with picnic-bench
seating may be reserved for group day use for
a fee. Each ramada holds about 50 people.
Unfortunately, the park does not take ramada
reservations between the Friday before
Memorial Day and the end of Labor Day.
Contact the park for reservations.
While visiting the park, please help us protect
this special space for your future enjoyment.
General Information
• Do not litter! “Leave no trace” and pack
out what you bring in, or use the trash
receptacles provided in the park.
• Drive your vehicle only on designated
paved surfaces. Park only in designated
parking areas. Do not park on the side of
the road. Obey all posted speed limits.
• Stay on designated trails. Cutting trails
degrades habitat and harms the landscape.
• Glass containers are not allowed in the
park or the swim area.
• All of our parks adhere to firearm and
hunting regulations. Please familiarize
yourself with this information.
Fires
• Keep fires in grills or designated state park
fire rings. Never leave fires unattended!
• Only charcoal fires and propane fires are
allowed in the park
• Do not gather firewood in the parks.
Firewood is for sale in our park stores.
• Fireworks are not permitted in state parks.
• Be “fire smart” and check fire restrictions at
azstateparks.com/fire-safety.
Pets
• Keep your pets on a maximum six-foot
leash at all times. Pets must be attended at
all times.
• Pick up after your pet.
• Pets are not allowed in the swim area.
• For additional information related to pets,
visit our website or ask park staff.
Established 1957
Slide Rock State Park
SLIDE ROCK
01/22
Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley
Homestead, is a 43-acre historic apple
farm located in Oak Creek Canyon, north of
Sedona. Frank L. Pendley, having arrived in the
canyon in 1907, formally acquired the land in
1910 under the Homestead Act. He succeeded
where others failed by establishing a unique
irrigation system, which is still partially in use
by the park today. This allowed Pendley to
plant his first apple orchard in 1912, beginning
the pattern of agricultural development.
The park is named after the famous Slide Rock,
a stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent
to the homestead. Visitors may slide down
the slick natural water chute or wade and sun
along the creek. The swim area is located on
National Forest land, which is jointly managed
by Arizona State Parks & Trails and the U.S.
Forest Service.
Thank you for visiting!
6871 N. Highway 89A Sedona, AZ 86336
(928) 282-3034 | 1-877-MYPARKS
azstateparks.com/slide-rock
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Swimming
The Slide Rock swim area is approximately 0.5
miles of creek. There are multiple places to
swim and wade, as well as the famous slide,
an 80-foot slippery chute that is worn into
sandstone. Please enjoy with caution. Rocks
and creek beds are slippery when wet or icy.
• NOTE: Entry into the park will NOT be
permitted 1 hour before closing. The swim
area closes one hour before closing.
Trail Information
Pendley Homestead Trail: This paved, level
trail is suitable for all visitors and takes you
through a portion of the historic Pendley
Homestead of Slide Rock State Park. Features
along the trail include some of the original
apple orchards, the Pendley Homestead
house, tourist cabins, and the apple-packing
barn.
Slide Rock Route: This primitive r
