Photo: Brent Coulter/Shutterstock

Arizona's 80-Foot Rock Slide Is Basically a Natural Waterpark

Arizona Outdoor Adventure Travel
by Matador Creators Dec 7, 2022

Roughly six miles north of Sedona, Arizona, is Slide Rock State Park, one of the state’s most beloved outdoor attractions. From its stunning red rock formations to its natural water slides, the park is a popular outdoor summer destination for visitors who want to escape the heat of Arizona’s cities.

Slide Rock State Park is named for the natural waterslide formed by the slippery rocks in the park’s Oak Creek Canyon. The slide pours over 80 feet of slippery red sandstone into a shallow pool ideal for swimmers of all ages. The natural slide was formed by eons of water flowing over the canyon rocks, eventually eroding any sharp points and creating a naturally smooth slide.

@matadornetwork #SlideRockStatePark is one of Arizona’s best swimming spots. The natural water slide is about 80 feet long. It’s located just 15 minutes from Sedona or 40 minutes from Flagstaff ️ #naturalwaterslide #sliderock #traveltiktok #arizonalife ♬ Home – Speed songs

It’s not very wide — roughly about four feet across — but the algae on the rocks is slippery enough that it’ll keep you moving in the correct direction. You won’t get stuck between rocks, though it’s not such a powerful stream that you’ll feel out of control. And the ride only takes a few seconds.

The pool at the bottom is also a fabulous place to hang out in the summer, and it’s large enough for jumping and wading even if you don’t feel up for the slide. In the summer, it’s a popular place to hang out and picnic. Just be sure to follow Leave No Trace rules, and don’t bring any glass bottles.

From the main Slide Rock State Park parking lot, it’s only a .3-mile walk to reach the waterslide. The section where the waterslide is is the only section of the river open to guests, and it may be helpful to wear some kind of water sandal or even a quick-drying hiking shoe to protect your feel while walking around. Though the slide is pretty smooth, the rocks nearby can be slippery, so be careful when walking around and use your hands to steady yourself when climbing through the water. It can also be quite cold (definitely don’t confuse this with a hot spring) and use caution as there are no lifeguards on duty, especially if you’re with children.

Slide Rock State Park is open most days from 8 AM to 6 PM, and admission is $20 per car.

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