When we pulled into this park I asked the fella at the pay gate what the park offers. He took out a photo, pointed to it, and without word put it down. Of course his action was a pointed answer to a question that probably should not have even been asked. The SLIDE ROCK is what this park is all about.

Slide Rock State Park

Now that doesn't mean there's nothing else to offer at the park. It's picturesque and has fine picnicking areas. No fires, charcoal, or propane grills are allowed, ever! It has clean modern restrooms, a few short trails and a pretty nice gift shop, the Slide Rock Market. There were also three small cabins, in disrepair that were once for lodging. For now they add a historic element. This was once part of an apple orchard and we did see a few apple trees on our walk to The Slide Rock.

It costs $10 for entry. The National Park Passes, Senior and all are not accepted.

Slide Rock, Our Experience

We paid our fee, parked our car and started on the half mile or so walk down to the water where what was more a meandering stream cut through the sandstone. There's a small bridge to cross to the other side no higher than a foot above the water-line. Many naturally flat banks make for friendly places to sit and soak your feet. 

It's the Slide Rock area however that most people are drawn to, if even for a little while. We were there in April where it was a bit of a dare to do the slide. I believe it was the cold chilly winds rather than the test of sliding on hard rock that day. That said, there were a few daring souls who braved the cold winds and unforgiving hard rocks. 

There's a branch of water that makes its way through a rather straight small channel of perhaps two feet deep and two-three feet wide that water streams through. That's where the ride is taken.

There's no formal set-up as to who goes and when. People would strip down to their bathing suits and one at a time pick a spot to start their slide. The distance I would guestimate would be a 100' ride. The waters drop a few small foot to foot and a half drops.

That day, that was chilly and also late in the day about 4pm there were only a few takers. A couple of kids did the slide and to my surprise a couple older dudes like me. They all made their rides with what seemed relative ease and a splash at the last drop. Applause was given to all at rides end!

What I thought as very cool was the natural build-up of rock on both sides of that slide area. It was like an amphitheater was built so the throngs could witness the antics of the select few brave, adventurous or foolish folks who take the plunge.

This slide , according to web sites has been in a number of films over the years. I'll have to check that out.

I wasn't a fool that day though that part of me was reaching out through my mind. I suppose if I went down to the waters with a towel and dry clothes, I would have joined the other fools...I mean adventurous, brave souls.

From talking to a couple of people I learned that this is a VERY popular place to be in the summer. We enjoyed walking along the flat rocks, sitting down and taking in the views and the antics.

I recommend paying the $10 and bringing the family to watch or do Sliding Rock.


Tuzigoot National Monument:A half hour ride from Sedona just off Rt 89a
Jerome, AZ A Ghostly Town Historic rt 89a
Sedona Rainbow Trout Farm Rt 89a It was the best of times!!


Sedona!!
Sedona Real Inn and Suites Off 89a

Recommended: Yes

Review Topic: Overview