Sedona has been voted the most beautiful place in America, and neighboring Oak Creek Canyon, located just north of Sedona, is considered among the most scenic drives in the country.
Sedona is also the host to Slide Rock State Park, one of the most easily reached swimming holes in Arizona. Slide Rock is located 6 miles north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. There is a large parking area that can hold over one hundred cars, plus 9 RV’s. But warning, the large parking lot still fills up fast during the summer months and getting into the park can take some time if the parking lot is full. The path from the parking lot to Slide Rock is well marked. Slide Rock is named after the slippery chute of the creek that forms a natural “slide”. Both kids and adults have a blast sliding down the “slide” and dropping into the pool of water at the end. (We brought inflatable pool tubes that seemed to make the ride go even faster!) Just downstream from the slide on the east side of the creek is a nice long shelf about 6 feet above a long deep pool which is perfect for doing some cliff jumping. A little trivia: Slide Rock State Park was once the Pendley Homestead, an old apple orchard from the early 1900’s.
South of Slide Rock State Park is Grasshopper Point. Again, parking spots will fill up quickly, but don’t worry, people are coming and going all day, it was full when we arrived so we drove down the street for a few minutes then returned and a space opened up. There are a couple walkways that lead to the swimming hole, the easiest it to head down the paved walkway until it turns to dirt then turn to the left and cross a sandy ravine. The walk down to the cliff jumping area isn’t far, but you may want to wear comfortable hiking shoes that you aren’t afraid to get wet. There is plenty of shade at Grasshopper Point, so no need to worry about bringing a shade umbrella. There is no “slide” at Grasshopper Point, but the cliff jumping is awesome and walking upstream through through the trees felt like a magical getaway!
For more information, visit: visitsedona.com
