Cruising Past Seventy: The Inner Journeys: TRAVEL AWAITS: 5 BEST EXPERIENCES AT THE SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK

Friday, May 6, 2022

TRAVEL AWAITS: 5 BEST EXPERIENCES AT THE SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK

 



The complete article appeared in Travel Awaits on August 8, 2021. 

This post summarizes the five best experiences visitors can enjoy at Slide Rock State Park on Oak Creek Canyon within the Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona which we have visited five times. We will definitely go again. 

1. Diving Into History


"The Park was originally a 43-acre historic apple farm owned by Frank L. Pendley who arrived in the canyon in 1907 and acquired the land under the Homestead Act of 1910. It then became known as the Pendley Homestead. A unique irrigation system he established is still in use by the park today. It was the reason his farm succeeded while others failed." When new roads were built in 1938, "tourism in the a
rea flourished...Pendley built rustic cabins to cater to those who wanted to stay for a vacation. Some of the historic cabins are still available for viewing today, including various farm implements that were used at the time." It officially opened to the public as a staet park in October 1987.

2. Apple Picking


"During one of our visits, nearly 300 apple trees were filled with fruits, many falling to the ground. Yes, you can pick apples for free, just come at harvest time. Pendley planted his first apple orchard in 1912, pioneering early agricultural development that became the pattern for the state since that time. The fruits were the primary cash crop of the Pendley Family Homestead but he was also able to grow a variety of garden produce and even kept some livestock

3. Swimming and Sliding


"But it is the clear rushing creek that offers the best of the experiences available at the park, especially if you are looking for a place to cool off during the hot summer months. The Slide Rock area open for swimming is half a mile long and the area for sliding is 80 feet long and 2.5 to 4 feet wide, going downstream with a seven percent decline. The algae that collect on the rocks make for a slippery ride. The creek rushes down from the upper areas, brushes many red rocks on its way, and settles into a calmer flow down below. This allows for sliding down the whole length in utmost abandon and fun."

4. Hiking and Photography


"For those who love hikes, there are three short trails in the park.  There are also several Coconino National Forest hiking trails nearby for those who want more. But the entire area, including all the trails, is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out kind of park. In other words, leave with everything you brought in. Glass containers are also strictly prohibited. When you tour the entire park, you will naturally go through the first two trails. But don’t forget to do the very scenic third."  

5. Wildlife Viewing and Trout Fishing


This park also offers wildlife viewing opportunities.  
And great trout fly fishing is available upstream. "The creek is seasonally stocked with wild brown and rainbow trout populations by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Trophy fish of both species have been regularly caught in this stretch of Oak Creek. However, fishing is not permitted within the swimming area. You need to take a short hike upstream into “vast pools, undercut banks, and gentle riffles” that trout love. Besides, trout look upstream for their next meal. By approaching from downstream, you will come unannounced. Cast beyond where the trout are hiding. Catch and release is recommended, though."


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30 comments:

  1. I want to swim in the creek! You always go to these amazing outdoor destinations. I am adding this to my bucket list.

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  2. As someone who has never hiked but is interesting in starting, the Pendley Homestead Trail sounds perfect! Thanks for shedding some light on a state park I've never heard of but is now on my radar!

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  3. One more spot to add to my list of things to visit when I'm in Arizona. The Slide Rock looks like a blast!

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  4. How cool! I have never heard of Slide Rock Park in Sedona, Arizona but to be honest there are so many parks in America that are just so cool like this. Personally, Darcee would love Apple Picking but sign me up for the swimming & actual Slide Rock fun!! That looks beautiful and a lot of fun at the same time.

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    1. Agree but this is my fave...just 2 hours from us!

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    2. What a great hidden gem! The swimming in the creek sounds like fun. I bet the hiking would be incredible.

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  5. Slide Rock State Park is a really nice Park, a place to enjoy the water in the summer heat, and appreciate the surroundings.Dont miss it!

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  6. How nice.I haven't heard of Slide Rock Park before and loved the exposure. Us is full of such beautiful parks which are so very refreshing even watching through pictures. Love to visit this one.

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  7. What an amazing public resource! I am so happy that the state found a way to make this transaction happen, and that Frank Pendley and his descendants were such good keepers of this piece of earth. We are all better off for it.

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  8. This park sounds wonderful and from your pictures, it must be really fantastic. I also love that it has something for everyone and any age group.

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  9. Slide Rock State Park looks very popular. And I can understand why - there is so much to do. The swimming looks very scenic too. And as you mentioned the hiking possibilities, as well as the historical sightseeing, I guess everybody find enought things to enjoy the trip.

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  10. This is an incredible itinerary. I would love to visit Slide Rock State Park. I haven't read of this place before I stumbled upon your blog. Thank you for introducing an extremely new destination that I would consider adding in my bucket list. I am amazed at the sliding rocks.

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  11. Wow, I've been to Arizona half a dozen times and never knew this state park existed! I definitely need to check it out on my next trip. I'm pinning it for later and definitely going apple picking while we're there!

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  12. It was interesting to read the history behind this park. Rare to find such combination of history and adventure. Am all for that swimming and hiking trails -especially the latter which seems to promise quite a treat as far as views are concerned. And Apple picking -least expected given the usual weather in that area.

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    1. Yes the hiking gives you awesome views of the rocks, the water, and the people!

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  13. The fact that you have been back to Slide Rock State Park five times definitely suggests that it is a place to visit. Always great when a spot like this is close to visit. And offers such a great range of things to do. Even if we might pass on trout fishing!

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  14. I hadnt heard of sliding rock before, but this looks like the perfect place to hike and i'd love swim here too but not sure sure i'd go on the slide. I'd try but probably back out haha

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  15. Hadn't come across Sliding Rock but it looks utterly beautiful, and definitely a place I'd like to visit. I'd like to try the fishing there too.

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