Slide Rock State Park

Address:6871 N. Highway 89A
Sedona, Arizona

Originally the Pendley Homestead, this park is built on an historical apple farm that has a 100-year old irrigation system, still being used to grow apples to this day. Besides being rich in agricultural history, the great attraction at this park can be found adjacent to the homestead - at the famous Slide Rock. Adults and children alike will love the slick natural water chute that has been captured in John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart movies. For those seeking frolic-free fun, there are incredible hikes through apple orchards with stunning views of Oak Creek Canyon's walls. Whatever your fancy, this park is a one-stop shop for fun.

Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historical apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley, having arrived in the canyon in 1907, formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. Due to his pioneering innovation, he succeeded where others failed by establishing a unique irrigation system still in use by the park today. This allowed Pendley to plant his first apple orchard in 1912, beginning the pattern of agricultural development that has dominated the site since that time. Pendley also grew garden produce and kept some livestock. As one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today, Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The completion of the canyon road in 1914 and the paving of the roadway in 1938 were strong influences in encouraging recreational use of the canyon. Hence, Pendley followed suit and in 1933, built rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers.