Facilities

Facilities available at Slide Rock State Park.
This park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Learn more.
This park will resume daily operations from January 28 to November 2, 2010.

Fire Restrictions

There are no campfires allowed at this park year-round. Propane grilles, charcoal and wood fires are prohibited at all times. Please plan for a picnic lunch to enjoy under one of the ramadas. No glass may be brought near the creek. Check Current Agency Fire Restrictions.

Park hours

January – April: 8 am – 5 pm
May: 8 am – 6 pm
Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend: 8 am – 7 pm
September: 8 am – 6 pm
October – December: 8 am – 5 pm

Note: Entry into the park will not be permitted one hour prior to closing. Pets are not permitted in the Slide Rock swim area. Pets are not to be left in a vehicle.

Restrooms

Modern building with sinks and a drinking fountain. Toilets are flush-free waterless units. Building is handicap accessible and is about 100 yards from the main parking lot.

Gift Shop

Gift Shop The Slide Rock Market is open year-round with seasonal hours of operation. The market offers: snacks, water, film, sunscreen and Slide Rock memorabilia.
November through March: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm
April through October: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 6 pm, Mondays - Fridays 10am - 4pm.

Exhibits

Gazebo style kiosk with eight poster boards displaying general Pendley Homestead information and park information. Historic farm implements are displayed along the Pendley Homestead Trail.

Group: Day Use Areas

There are two covered ramadas with electrical outlets and picnic bench seating. Each ramada will hold approximately fifty people. Ramadas may be reserved for $20 a piece. Reservations are not taken between the Friday before Memorial Day and the end of Labor Day. Contact the park for further information or to make reservations for the designated months. Propane grilles, charcoal and wood fires are prohibited at all times!

Picnic Areas/Shelters

Fifteen open air picnic areas suitable for small groups are available near the entry station and parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis. Propane grilles, charcoal and wood fires are prohibited at all times!

Hiking Trails

The park has short trails including a nature trail. It is also close to several Coconino National Forest hiking trails. This area is managed on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis, and any type of glass containers are strictly prohibited.

Pendley Homestead Trail: 0.25 mile trail with a difficulty rating of easy. This paved, level trail is suitable for all visitors and travels through a portion of the historic Pendley Homestead of Slide Rock State Park. Features along the trail include some of the original apple orchards, Pendley Homestead house, tourist cabins, apple packing barn, various farming implements that were used historically in the homestead, a new orchard of semi-dwarf apple trees, and spectacular views of the canyon walls of Oak Creek Canyon.

Slide Rock Route: This is a 0.3-mile trail with a difficulty rating of moderate. This primitive route along Oak Creek is the main access to the Slide Rock Swim Area. This is extremely popular area features a natural water slide along Oak Creek.

This path begins near the apple packing barn. It descends to the creek via steps where it then crosses the creek via a small footbridge. During periods of high runoff, the footbridge will not be in place and visitors will need to stay on the west side of the creek. After crossing the footbridge, proceed north along the sandstone shelves. In the summer months, many sunbathers will be using some of this route for sunbathing, therefore, you may have to step over quite a few of them. As you proceed, you may notice a historic rock cabin on the west side of the creek. The original homesteader used this in conjunction with a flume and water wheel to generate electricity for the homestead. You will arrive at an eight-foot wall that can be your turn-around point. If you decide to negotiate the wall, you can explore the remote areas upstream where the route becomes more primitive.

Clifftop Nature Trail: This is a 0.25-mile trail that begins near the apple barn and offers scenic views of the Slide Rock Swim Area.

Fishing

Oak Creek is periodically stocked with Rainbow Trout. Fishing is not permitted where swimmers are present. No glass bait jars please!

A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers fourteen and older. Licensing information is available online at Arizona Game & Fish, or purchase a fishing license at a local dealer.

Swimming

Hiking Trails The Slide Rock swim area is approximately 1/2 mile of creek. There are multiple places to swim and wade, as well as the famous Slide. The Slide is an eighty foot slippery shoot that is worn into sandstone. Notes: All water-based activities are at the risk of the user. No lifeguard on duty. Glass containers are not permitted in the swim area.

Wildlife Viewing

Slide Rock is home to an array of wildlife. Coues white-tailed deer, javelina, coyote, black bear, bald eagle, great blue heron and black-tailed rattlesnake have all been spotted at the park.

Download Printable Bird List ( 869 KB PDF)