Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon red rock scenery in Arizona

Slide Rock State Park Sedona: Swimming & Visitor Guide

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 2, 2026.

Slide Rock State Park is a popular outdoor destination in Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona, Arizona. The park is best known for its natural sandstone water slide and swimming areas along Oak Creek, surrounded by red rock canyon scenery. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, short walks, historic orchard areas and easy access to other attractions throughout Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

Why Visit Slide Rock
Things To Do
Best Time To Visit
Swimming & Safety
Picnicking & Recreation
Visitor Planning
Directions & Distances
Nearby Attractions
FAQ

Natural sandstone water slide at Slide Rock State Park near Sedona Arizona

Slide Rock State Park is located along Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona. Its combination of flowing creek water, smooth sandstone, red rock cliffs and historic orchard scenery makes it one of the area's distinctive outdoor recreation destinations.

Why Visit Slide Rock State Park?

Visitors come to Slide Rock State Park for a rare combination of natural water recreation and classic Sedona red rock scenery. The park offers a refreshing escape during warm weather, with flowing Oak Creek water, smooth sandstone slides, picnic areas, shaded creekside spaces, historic orchard views, and easy access to some of the most scenic parts of Oak Creek Canyon.

Best Time To Visit Slide Rock State Park

Spring: Mild weather, blooming trees, and flowing creek conditions make spring a scenic time to visit.
Summer: Summer is the most popular season for swimming and sliding, but visitors should expect crowds and limited parking.
Fall: Cooler temperatures, apple harvest season, and colorful Oak Creek Canyon scenery make fall especially enjoyable.
Winter: Cold temperatures and occasional snow create beautiful canyon scenery, though swimming is generally not practical.

Things To Do At Slide Rock State Park

Slide The Natural Rock Chute: Enjoy the smooth sandstone water slide that gives the park its name.
Swim In Oak Creek: Cool off in natural pools along one of Arizona’s most scenic canyon creeks.
Picnic Along The Creek: Use picnic areas and shaded spaces for family outings and relaxing breaks.
Explore Short Trails: Walk creekside paths, orchard areas, and scenic viewpoints around the park.
Photography: Capture red rock cliffs, flowing water, fall colors, and historic orchard scenery.
Visit The Historic Orchard: Learn about the Pendley Homestead and the apple-growing history of the area.

Fishing Near Slide Rock State Park

Oak Creek: Fishing is available in sections of Oak Creek near Slide Rock State Park where regulations allow.
Rainbow Trout: Oak Creek is known for trout fishing, including stocked rainbow trout in nearby areas.
Arizona Fishing License: Anglers should check current Arizona fishing license requirements and Oak Creek regulations before fishing.
Quiet Creek Sections: Anglers often look for less crowded stretches away from the main swimming areas.
Seasonal Conditions: Fishing quality can vary depending on water flow, weather, crowds, and seasonal stocking.

Slide Rock Swimming & Safety Tips

Rocks in and around Oak Creek can be very slippery, and water levels can change quickly after storms. Wear sturdy water shoes or old tennis shoes, supervise children closely, avoid glass containers, and never jump into shallow or unclear water. During monsoon season, watch weather conditions carefully because flash flooding can occur in Oak Creek Canyon.

The natural slide forms where flowing Oak Creek water passes over smooth sandstone. During suitable conditions, visitors use the creek for sliding, wading and swimming, but water temperature, depth and flow can vary considerably. Appropriate water shoes can provide better traction on the slippery rock surfaces.

Use caution throughout the swimming area because water depth, submerged rocks and creek conditions can change. Avoid jumping or diving into water unless the area is specifically designated and current conditions are known to be safe. Bring dry clothing for after swimming, and supervise children closely around the creek.

Picnicking & Recreation At Slide Rock

Slide Rock offers more than swimming. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, creekside scenery, historic orchard grounds and short walks surrounded by the red rock walls of Oak Creek Canyon. Available facilities and services can change seasonally, so check current park information before visiting.

Oak Creek swimming pools and red rock scenery at Slide Rock State Park

Short walks around the park provide views of Oak Creek, orchard areas and the historic Pendley Homestead. Visitors interested in fishing can also explore appropriate sections of Oak Creek where current fishing regulations permit.

Scenic viewpoints around the park provide additional perspectives of Oak Creek Canyon. After swimming or exploring the historic areas, visitors can relax along the creek while enjoying the surrounding canyon scenery.

Slide Rock Weather & Seasonal Conditions

Slide Rock State Park sits at a higher elevation than central Sedona, creating distinct seasonal conditions. Summers are generally warm and are the most popular time for swimming, while spring and fall can offer comfortable weather for sightseeing and picnicking.

Winter can bring cold temperatures and occasional snow to Oak Creek Canyon, making swimming impractical but creating dramatic canyon scenery. See the Sedona weather guide for monthly temperature and seasonal climate information.

Planning A Visit To Slide Rock State Park

Entrance fees, operating hours and last-entry times can change by season or park conditions. Check current Slide Rock State Park information before traveling, especially during summer weekends, holidays or periods of severe weather.

Summer weekends and holidays can be very busy, and the parking area may fill early. Arriving earlier in the day can improve the likelihood of finding parking, but access is never guaranteed during peak visitation periods.

Park rules apply to pets, glass containers, fires and use of the swimming areas. Review current Arizona State Parks regulations before arriving so you know which items and activities are permitted during your visit.

Slide Rock State Park
6871 N. Highway 89A
Sedona, Arizona 86336
(928) 282-3034

Slide Rock Map
Includes parking and facilities location. It further explains park rules, guidelines, swimming areas and hiking trail descriptions.

Slide Rock Parking, Fees & Access

Parking fees are charged for entry into Slide Rock State Park and may vary by season and demand. During busy summer weekends and holidays, the parking area can fill quickly by mid-morning, so arriving early is strongly recommended. Fees, hours, and access conditions may change, especially during peak visitation periods or severe weather events.

Directions To Slide Rock State Park

From Phoenix: Slide Rock State Park is reached by traveling north toward Sedona and then following Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. Traffic through Sedona and the canyon can be heavy during weekends and peak travel periods, so allow additional driving time and check current road conditions before leaving.

Driving Distances To Slide Rock State Park

From Sedona: Approximately 7 miles north of Sedona along Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon.
From Flagstaff: Approximately 28 miles south of Flagstaff, about 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.
From Phoenix: Approximately 115 to 125 miles, about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on route and traffic.
From Cottonwood: Approximately 23 miles, about 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic through Sedona.

Attractions Near Slide Rock State Park

Visitors to Slide Rock State Park often explore additional attractions throughout Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon including the scenic West Fork Oak Creek Trail, panoramic views from Oak Creek Canyon Vista Point, and the red rock landscapes, shopping, restaurants, hiking trails, and attractions found throughout Sedona Arizona.

Slide Rock State Park FAQ

Where is Slide Rock State Park?

Slide Rock State Park is located along Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona, Arizona.

Can you swim at Slide Rock State Park?

Yes. Swimming and sliding in Oak Creek are among the park's most popular warm-weather activities. Water temperature, depth and flow vary with conditions.

When is the best time to visit Slide Rock State Park?

Summer is the most popular season for swimming, while spring and fall can offer milder weather and scenic canyon conditions. Winter can bring cold temperatures and occasional snow.

Does Slide Rock State Park get crowded?

Yes. Summer weekends and holidays can be very busy, and the parking area may fill early in the day.

Is fishing allowed near Slide Rock State Park?

Fishing is available in sections of Oak Creek where current regulations permit. Anglers should check Arizona fishing license requirements and applicable Oak Creek regulations before fishing.

Are pets allowed at Slide Rock State Park?

Pet rules can vary by area and park policy. Visitors traveling with pets should check current Arizona State Parks regulations before arriving.

Is Slide Rock State Park safe for swimming?

Swimming and sliding involve natural creek conditions, slippery sandstone and changing water depths. Wear appropriate footwear, supervise children closely, avoid unsafe jumping or diving and follow all posted park warnings and restrictions.

Is there parking at Slide Rock State Park?

Yes. Parking is available at the park, but the parking area can fill during busy summer weekends and holidays. Access may be limited when the lot reaches capacity.

The Wonder Of Sedona & Oak Creek