Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historic 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.
Today's visitors can still enjoy the fruits of Pendley's labor. Historic cabins are available for viewing, and the creek offers the park's namesake slide for adventures seekers and those looking for a place to cool off. The park is also a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site. NOTE: Pets are not allowed in the creek area year-round, and no pets are allowed in the park between May 1 and September 30.
Explore Slide Rock State Park
Join us for a collaborative clean up event with many of the organizations who care for Oak Creek and surrounding lands. Keeping Oak Creek clean takes all of us!
READ MOREExperience a piece of Arizona history. Get an opportunity to explore the Pendley Homestead Apple Packing Shed. A ranger will be available to answer any questions about the homestead history. Come and see the Bean Cutler 1933 Sorter and Bean Cutler Polisher added in 1946.
READ MORESave the date for Volkswagens in the Canyon
READ MORELast entry one hour prior to closing, swim area closes one hour prior to closing. Reservations are not available. No lining up on the roadway prior to open.
Jan. 31 - Nov. 20
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Entry and swim area closes at 5 p.m.
Nov 21 - Jan. 30
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Entry and swim area closes at 4 p.m.
Visitors may not line up along the driveway or highway prior to the park opening or if the parking lot is full.
Thanksgiving: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christmas: Closed
May - September
Per vehicle (1-4 people): $30.00
October - April
Per vehicle (1-4 people): $20.00
Additional people: $5.00
*All children under age 6 are free.
Visa or MasterCard payments strongly preferred. Cash users must have exact change.
