PHOENIX — Slide Rock State Park has been designated a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site for demonstrating excellence in implementing Leave No Trace principles to minimize the impact to natural resources. Slide Rock State Park earned the recognition for its role as a leader in promoting responsible enjoyment in the outdoors, making it the first Arizona state park to do so.

The Gold Standard designation is Leave No Trace’s highest standard of recognition. The designation honors sites and organizations that are exemplary models of Leave No Trace implementation, working to help preserve and protect natural landscapes for generations to come. To be designated as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site, locations must demonstrate that they meet the following criteria:

• Formally train staff and volunteers in Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics
• Successfully implement Leave No Trace outdoor skills, practices, and ethics into programs
• Provide education to the public through signage, educational materials, and online resources on how to reduce recreation impacts

“We are so honored to be recognized by Leave No Trace for our work to protect and conserve the park and the natural areas it encompasses,” said Slide Rock State Park Manager Sam Axford. “Educating our visitors and working with our community partners has helped us ensure that this park will continue to be a beautiful natural area for people to recreate and enjoy nature.”

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. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon.

Today, the park offers picnic areas amid the lush vegetation, meandering trails through wildlife habitat and apple orchards, educational programs about the historic homestead, and of course the world-famous natural slide in Oak Creek. The park opened in 1987 and is one of more than 30 state parks in Arizona and one of two in Sedona. To learn more, visit AZStateParks.com/Slide-Rock.

Connecting people with the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.

For information about Arizona State Parks and the many recreational, historical and cultural programs call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

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