Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is mostly a water enthusiasts haven offering wading, swimming, fishing (no glass bait jars), birdwatching and picnicking. There several short hiking trails in the park and a volleyball court. The State Park is also very close to several campgrounds and trail heads in the Coconino National Forest.

Originally, Slide Rock State Park was 43-acres homesteaded by Frank Pendley around 1907. He came into actual ownership of the land under the 1910 Homestead Act. He installed a rather unique irrigation system and turned a good part of the place into an apple orchard. He also kept some livestock and grew lots of garden produce. The Oak Creek Canyon Road was completed through the canyon in 1914 but wasn't paved until 1938. In 1933, seeing more and more recreational and tourist traffic on the road, Pendley built several rustic cabins to cater to the folks driving through who might want to stay and explore the gorgeous countryside a bit.