Slide Rock State Park Adventure: Nature’s Water Playground

Learn about visiting Slide Rock State Park, located just outside of Sedona, Arizona. Slide Rock is a natural water park! The rocks of Slide Rock have gradually worn smooth over thousands of years to create a natural water slide experience. These smooth rocks coupled with the algae that lightly coats it makes for a slippery ride.

What to Expect Visiting Slide Rock

Slide Rock State Park is a built-up location in Oak Creek Canyon, just outside of the famous Sedona Arizona. This park is located within a canyon area.

This park is quite popular with people in the area and those traveling through to and from Sedona, so anticipate a full parking lot and a bit of a crowd at the actual Slide Rock Area.

There may be a line as people wait to pay the machine or attendant for parking. The parking is just right off from the entrance and you may have to spend some time trying to find an open parking space.

From there is about a ten-minute walk to Slide Rock. There is a sidewalk that goes to the river, however, the part that goes down to the river is a staircase. From there you will find that there is no longer a sidewalk and instead becomes more of a trail. This will be the difficult portion as you try to navigate to some open sitting area along the river.

Water Temperature

The water is very cold. Which is not ideal for some, but with the warm weather of Arizona can be a very nice treat. Just be prepared when getting into the water that this isn’t a tropical beach!

Warning About Slide Rock

The park is well-deserving of the name Slide Rock. As any rocks in the park area that are wet are bound to be slippery. So exercise extreme caution when moving around any parts of the river. This even includes sections that are just wet from foot traffic.

Prices

Learn about the prices at the Slide Rock State Park website. The prices are different by date!

What to do at Slide Rock

The most obvious thing to do at Slide Rock is to enjoy the river portion of the park. Dip your toes in the chilly walk and try to carefully walk around the slippery rocks.

However, if you are looking for some other things to do at Slide rock here are some ideas:

• Stroll around the river – there are some easy trails that go along the river where you can take photos of the river and escape the crowd.
• Eat some ice cream at the little store – just between the parking lot and slide rock is a little store grab some frozen yogurt and take a break from the sun
• Purchase a souvenir – located in the same shop are some little tourist souvenir and trinkets, purchase an item to remember your time at Slide Rock.

Best Time to Visit Slide Rock State Park

The best time to visit is during the summer months. The warm weather will make the chilly water of Slide Rock more enjoyable.

The best time of day to arrive at Slide Rock State Park is starting early in the morning – as late morning or afternoon rolls around the crowds start growing. If the parking lot is full then you will not be able to visit the park as parking along the street is illegal.

So make sure to arrive in the morning to secure a parking slot and then be able to enjoy a full day at Slide Rock with a prime location.

Slide Rock closes early – most of the time around 4 pm. Therefore this is a location you should have on your itinerary for earlier in the morning to be able to appreciate Slide Rock.

Hours of Operation

• November through March: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 m. – 4 p.m.
• April through October: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 m. – 6 p.m.,
• Mondays – Fridays 10 m. – 4 p.m.

Attire for Slide Rock

Bring a swimsuit! As you will be able to enjoy the chilly water of the river.

Just ensure to bring some sturdy footwear as the portion by the river can be slippery. I would recommend having water shoes as the park is made up entirely of rocks and can hurt your feet without some sort of foot support.

Packing List for a day trip

Visiting Slide Rock State Park is a quick and easy day trip from Sedona, Arizona. Here is what you should expect to bring along to enjoy the day:

• Plenty of water or other beverages – just ensure to have something to go along with your snacks later
• Sun Screen – A day outside requires some sunscreen for protection
• Hat – protect the head or face from the sun
• Sunglasses – well it can be bright out
• Snacks – Always great to have some snacks when out at a park
• Towels – for sitting, and for drying off
• Water shoes – if you are looking at walking around in the water then this will be best to give you a little extra grip.

Facilities Available

Slide Rock is very well built up. There is a park attendant typically running the pay machine for parking. Inside there is a close lot and a far lot. With approximately 100 parking slots available for those visiting. During busy days you may have to browse around to find an empty spot – but there seems to always be something available.

Inside the actual park, there are plenty of restrooms available. There is also a little convenience store where you can buy souvenirs, purchase ice cream or hot dogs.

The amount of facilities makes Slide Rock a popular attraction for families. As you get the fun of a water park experience, but with the comfort of civilization.