A short 7 mile drive from Sedona, Slide Rock State Park was our last destination after a day full of outdoor family adventures! Slide Rock swimming was the perfect way to cool off after a day in the Arizona sun.
What is Slide Rock?
Slide Rock is a frequent top-10 runner on lists of the best swimming spots in the Sedona area. It is far from a secret location, and can draw big crowds. However, we did not find it overly crowded in the late afternoon.
Underground springs help Oak Creek form a natural water slide of icy cold water. Aided by a thin layer of algae on the rocks, this combination creates hours of chilly fun. This refreshing plunge is the perfect way to beat Arizona’s summer heat.
Slide Rock Swimming Visitor Information
| Address | 6871 N. Highway 89A Sedona, AZ 86336 |
| Entrance Cost | varies by season ($10-$30 per car) (Your America the Beautiful National Park Pass is not accepted at Slide Rock) |
| Hours | 8 am - 6 pm (varies by season) |
| Cell Service | limited |
Disclaimer: Always make sure to check out the latest park information from the park website before you arrive.
Reaching the Swimming Area of Slide Rock
To get to the natural water slide, you enter the state park and follow the crowds down the paved walkways. Along the path you will learn about the Pendley Homestead, a 43-acre historic apple farm that encompasses the current park. Frank L. Pendley acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. And due to his unique irrigation system (which is still in use by the park today) Pendley was successful in planting an apple orchard. The Pendleton Homestead is one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today.
Once you reach the trail, you cross over rocks until you find the perfect place to jump in. We opted to hold Spider Monkey’s hand over the rocks since they were a little slippery. Buttercup had no problem until we started walking through the water. Then it gets really slippery!
Buttercup opted to explore the area first, while Spider Monkey jumped straight to the slide.
Slide Rock Swimming:
Safety Tip
The water gets really deep in areas! This did not come up in any of my pre-trip research. And, we saw little kids all over Slide Rock swimming without any life vests. We tried to catch Spider Monkey before she ventured too far down the slide. Our catch method worked, but I would have preferred having her in a life vest.
Slide Rock Swimming:
Sliding Tip
I would definitely recommend bringing a small tube or float for easier sliding. The girls had no problem using their bottoms, but it looked much easier with the aid of a float.
The Family Verdict
Dustin was a little slow to warm up to the chilling water, but everyone ended up having a great time swimming at Slide Rock. Just be sure to keep an eye on your littles while they are in the water. In all, Slide Rock swimming was a great way to end our family adventures in Sedona.
Make sure to check out our adventures in nearby Montezuma Castle National Monument, Sedona, and Petrified Forest National Park. Also, follow along on our road trip through the American Southwest!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
Basics:
Outdoors:
- Pocket Binoculars
- Travel Umbrella
- Adult Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Kid’s Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Water Bladder Cleaning Tablets
- Microfiber Towels
- Women’s All Around Jacket
- Women’s Water-Resistant Hiking Pants, These and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Pants and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Women’s Long Sleeve UV Rash Guard
- Women’s Hiking Socks
- Women’s Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Quick Dry Pants
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shorts
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Kid’s Long Sleeve UV Rash Guard
- Kid’s Hiking Socks and These
- Kids Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Rain Pants
- Foldable Kid’s Hat
- Men’s Rain Jacket
