teens and kids

Slide Rock State Park
by Danielle Ruberto

As the weather starts to warm up, my brother and I look forward to our annual trek to Slide Rock State Park located six miles north of Sedona in scenic Oak Creek Canyon. The scenery in and around the park is so pretty that it has been listed by Life Magazine as one of America's ten most beautiful swimming holes.

The park was originally the Pendley Homestead, a 43-acre apple farm. Frank Pendley acquired the land in 1910 and built an ingenious irrigation system (still in use today) that allowed him to plant his first apple orchard in 1912. As time went by, the site became a tourist attraction and in 1933 Pendley built a number of cabins for vacationers and sightseers alike.

Slide Rock is more than just a swimming hole. The main attraction is a long stretch of slippery creek bottom where thrill seekers can slide down slick natural water slides. There are long slides, short slides and one that ends with a deep plunge off a rock into an inviting pool of water below.

During our visit last year, Jim and I quickly found out why it is called Slide Rock. Running into the creek with our water shoes, we quickly found ourselves laughing and sliding down a long, natural waterslide that was as exciting as any found in an amusement park. Except this one was built by nature. The clean, crisp water gushed at us, carrying us forward through the slide. Before I could stand up, my brother had run back to the beginning and was heading towards me again. What a joy it was going down these water chutes surrounded by stunning views with virtually no lines to stand and wait in!

The rocks are a bit slippery, so water shoes are recommended. We had to keep a close eye on Father, even with his top-of-the-line Keen river rock shoes. He had taken the most incredible, unintentional fall (dump) into Oak Creek a year earlier at Red Rock Crossing that the family still laughs about. But that’s a story for another column! You’ll also want your bathing suit, towels, sun screen and a camera. If you enjoy nature and bird watching, a pair of binoculars will come in handy.

A visit to Sedona during the summer is not complete without spending a day at Slide Rock State Park. As you can see by the smile on my brother’s face, it is fun-filled for both kids and adults. My family spent most of the time cascading down the natural water slides, while others simply waded in the creek or enjoyed the sun along the water’s edge.

Slide Rock State Park is located at 6871 N. Highway 89A. For more information you can call (928) 282-3034 or visit www.pr.state.az.us.

Happy Sliding!

Danielle Ruberto is the 16 year old daughter of Key publisher Tom Ruberto and a sophomore in high school.

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