PHOENIX – Visitors heading to Sedona to enjoy the natural waterslide and picnic areas at Slide Rock State Park will need to plan for timely arrivals and possible alternate activities starting May 1, 2026. That’s when new rules will go into effect that once the parking lot is full, cars will no longer be allowed to line up along the right-turn lane and driveway to the park. 

The park has approximately 156 parking spots and quickly fills up during the warm spring and summer months. In the past, cars would line up along Highway 89A and wait hours before spots opened on a one-out, one-in practice. Now, once the parking spaces are full, the lot will close until enough spaces are open and available for another rush of cars. Depending on visitors, this could take hours to all day. The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.

“This is a safety issue for our rangers and drivers along the highway,” said Park Manager Sam Axford. “This change means that people will need to arrive at opening time and also have a backup plan in case the parking lot is full. The popularity of the park has necessitated these changes, and we hope this will make it easier for people to plan and enjoy a day at Slide Rock State Park.”

Signage, traffic cones and rangers will all help spread the message that lining up is no longer allowed. Slide Rock State Park has worked closely with the Arizona Department of Transportation for years to alleviate traffic congestion along the stretch of road leading into the park. Lines in years past have made it difficult for staff to enter the park, and safety concerns have led to previous restrictions on people being dropped off along the highway to walk into the park. 

Drop-offs, walk-ins and bicycles are not allowed at the park any time, and pets are not allowed in the park from May 1 to September 30. For more information about the park and facility rules, visit AZStateParks.com/Slide-Rock.

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For information about the more than 30 Arizona State Parks and Natural Areas, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com.

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov