This page is simply a collection of images with a brief description of my visit to Slide Rock State Park, the most popular swimming hole in Arizona.

On June 23rd, I went with four friends on a day trip to the Sedona / Oak Creek Canyon area. One of the most popular attractions here is Slide Rock State Park, where thousands of people go every summer to take a dip in Oak Creek and escape the brutal Arizona summer heat.

My impression of the park is that it’s basically a very pretty, natural, public swimming pool. I’m sure it must be different in other seasons, and I’m curious what it would be like to visit in the autumn and winter.

It’s located on Route 89 between Flagstaff and Sedona (A scenic drive in itself!), and has been called one of America’s ten most beautiful swimming holes by Life Magazine. There’s an entrance fee, and no camping.

The water was especially clear and cool, with multi-colored stones in the bottom of the creek. There is just something great about cool flowing water among red rocks in the desert heat.

I’m unsure as to the original purpose of this structure. Slide Rock State Park was originally an old homestead owned by Frank L. Pendley, and still has a working apple orchard today.

Even in mid-summer, solitude can be found just a short walk upstream, away from the families and screaming children.

This is the natural water slide that gives the park its name.

The heat returns as we exit through the old Pendley Homestead.