Slide Rock State Park
Originally the Pendley Homestead, Slide Rock State Park 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. 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.
The park is named after the famous Slide Rock, a stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent to the homestead. Visitors may slide down a slick natural water chute or wade and sun along the creek. The swimming area is located on National Forest land which is jointly managed by Arizona State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service. Together these areas have seen the making of many Hollywood movies such as "Broken Arrow" (1950) with James Stewart, "Drum Beat" (1954) with Alan Ladd and Charles Bronson, "Gun Fury" (1953) with Rock Hudson and Donna Reed, and a scene from "Angel and the Badman" (1946) with John Wayne. [Click here for more information about Slide Rock State Park (opns new browser)]
Much of the remaining natural wonders of the Sedona area are located to the west of town along AZ 89A to the Upper and Lower Red Rock Loop Road. Along the loop is the Red Rock State Park, which features a variety of animal and plant species that make their home along the banks of Oak Creek. A visitor's center can help explain the area's ecosystem as well as guide you to the best hiking trails. Red Rock State Park also has the distinction of having one of the most photographed spots in the U.S - the magnificent rock formations at Red Rock Crossing known as Cathedral Rock.
