Between Flagstaff And Sedona Lies Arizona's State Park With Scenic Hiking And Swimming

If you're planning a vacation in the state of Arizona, you may be considering the area around the cozy, charming desert town of Sedona. If so, make sure you build in some time to visit a small but beautiful state park with hiking, swimming, and even apple orchards. The 43-acre Slide Rock State Park is the perfect day trip, just around 11 miles northeast of downtown Sedona and around 66 miles south of Flagstaff. In fact, if you're touring the state, this park is around a 145-mile drive south of the unique and ancient wonder that is Grand Canyon National Park. Full of towering red rocks in gorgeous formations, this state park is named for a rocky waterslide along the park's Oak Creek that made the s list of top swimming holes in the country. 

The park itself was once an apple farm in Oak Creek Canyon, and you can see the original owner Frank L. Pendley's homestead along one of the park's lovely hikes. In fact, the orchard, which has over 300 apple trees, is still there, just as it has been since 1912. In the fall, the park holds a fall festival that features apples (of course), educational programs, a bird walk, and more. If fishing is your jam, the creek is stocked with wild and rainbow trout, and you can fish just upstream from the park. You may even catch a trophy-sized fish! You can also visit the apple-packing shed. The park entrance fee at the time of this writing is $20 per vehicle (up to four adults) from August 22, 2026, through April 2027, with additional adults $5 each. If you have your kids along, you can stop by the Visitor Center so they can learn about how to become a Junior Ranger. 

Whether you're looking to cool off in the hot weather or take a chilly dip, Oak Creek in Slide Rock State Park is the perfect place for it. However, it also has a rock you can slide down, which is 80 feet long and 2.5 to 4 feet wide. The sandstone rock is covered with algae, making it slippery, and it's the big draw of the park. You can swim (though the water isn't very deep), slide, or simply dip your toes in. It's also a great area for lounging on the higher rocks and simply enjoying the red rock scenery. Note that there is no lifeguard, so this is at your own risk. There are no glass containers allowed, so if you're bringing a drink with you, do so in a metal or plastic reusable bottle. They do inspect coolers and bags for glass when you enter the park. 

Keep in mind that the water can actually get pretty cold, so the weather is important to track. That said, you can visit all year long. It can be rainy in the spring and late summer, though the spring has apple blossoms to view in the orchards. The summer can get up to the mid-90s Fahrenheit, so make sure to bring water and sunscreen. The fall is chilly but has changing leaves, and winter can get below freezing, and you might even get some snow. While you're visiting, keep your eyes peeled for the local animals. While swimming or lounging, you may see birds like the American dipper, ruby-crowned kinglet, red-naped sapsucker, and the black phoebe. Mammals include Coues whitetail deer, black bear, and javelina, but make sure to keep your distance.

There are some lovely, scenic hikes in Slide Rock State Park, including the moderate, 0.3-mile Slide Rock Trail. This is a popular one to get to the Slide Rock Swim Area with the water slide down the rock. Note that the footbridge on the path can be washed out at certain times of year, and when that happens, you can use the west side of the creek. It's a good one to take with the kids, but dogs aren't allowed. The Pendley Homestead Trail is a quarter-mile long, and it's paved. This one takes you past the historic Pendley Homestead and orchards, with pretty views of the canyon. You can also take the short Clifftop Nature Trail that starts near the apple barn. This allows you to view the swimming area. 

You may want to pack a picnic lunch for before or after your hike, as there are several picnic areas with grills (charcoal only). There are also ADA-accessible restrooms with drinking fountains and a non-accessible vault toilet near the creek. While you're visiting the park, make sure to stop by the park store and gift shop, which is open all year. You can pick up snacks, ice, supplies like sunscreen, and souvenirs. They also have exhibits about the Pendley Homestead.

The closest airport to Slide Rock State Park is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), which is roughly 30 miles away. However, if you're looking for a larger airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is around 131 miles away. It's a good idea to have a car for this visit, particularly if you're looking to explore beyond the park. Finally, while you're in the state, here are the most iconic landmarks to visit in Arizona.