Slide Rock State Park
Sedona, Yavapai County, Arizona. 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon.
Details
- Where
- 6871 N. Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336. Directions
- When
- Last entry one hour prior to closing, swim area closes one hour prior to closing. Reservations are not available. No lining up on the roadway prior to open. Jan. 31 - Nov. 20 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Entry and swim area closes at 5 p.m. Nov 21 - Jan. 30 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entry and swim area closes at 4 p.m.
- Fees
- May - August 21, 2026 Per vehicle (1-4 people): $30.00 August 22, 2026 - April 2027 Per vehicle (1-4 people): $20.00 Additional people: $5.00 *All children under age 6 are free.
- Access
- The swim area at Slide Rock State Park has reopened, in coordination with the revised USFS closure order for Oak Creek. The park will not be offering apple picking for the fall 2026 season. No walk-ins, drop-offs or bicycle entries permitted: admission only by vehicle via the entry station.
- Walk-in or reserve
- Reservations are not available. No lining up on the roadway prior to open.
- Phone
- (928) 282-3034
- Managed by
- Arizona State Parks.
- Established
- 1910 (Pendley arrived 1907).
Originally a homestead apple farm, Slide Rock State Park is one of our most popular recreation spots. Escape the heat in the cool waters of Oak Creek.
Notable Events
- 1907Frank L. Pendley arrived in Oak Creek Canyon in 1907. azstateparks.com
- 1910Frank L. Pendley formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. azstateparks.com
- 1912Pendley's irrigation system allowed him to plant his first apple orchard in 1912, beginning the pattern of agricultural development that has dominated the site since. azstateparks.com
- 1914The completion of the canyon road in 1914 encouraged recreational use of the canyon. azstateparks.com
- 1933Pendley followed the canyon's tourists and in 1933 built rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers. azstateparks.com
- 1938The paving of the roadway in 1938 was a strong influence in encouraging recreational use of the canyon. azstateparks.com
- 1982In 1982, the Pendley family decided it was time to sell the property, one of the largest private parcels in Oak Creek Canyon. azstateparks.com
- 1983Governor Babbitt created the Arizona Parklands Foundation, a non-profit charged with acquiring property and receiving gifts for State Parks. azstateparks.com
- 1985The State Parks Board acquired the Pendley homestead on July 9, 1985, for $3,757,324.65 from the Arizona Parklands Foundation; the homestead included the homestead house (1927), an apple packing shed (1932), three tourist cabins (1933), the Brown house (1926), and the historic apple orchard. azstateparks.com
- 1987With a new entrance, roads, parking, paths and building restorations in place, Slide Rock State Park officially opened to the public in October 1987; the first Park Manager was John Schreiber. azstateparks.com
- 1991The National Register record for the Pendley Homestead Historic District carries the date December 23, 1991. npgallery.nps.gov
People
- Frank L. Pendley, homesteader who developed the apple farm and the irrigation system still in use by the park (1907-1910).
- Bruce Babbitt, governor who created the Arizona Parklands Foundation and pushed the state acquisition of the Pendley homestead (1983).
- John Schreiber, first Park Manager of Slide Rock State Park (1987).
- Tom Pendley, son of Frank Pendley who continued to operate and manage the property.