Slip-slidin' away

Slide Rock State Park is part of what used to be a 43-acre private apple farm in Oak Creek Canyon, about 7 miles north of Sedona. It is named for a stretch of slippery creek bottom with natural water chutes that is surrounded by the red rock formations the area is famous for.

After reading about Slide Rock State Park on the internet before our trip, we knew it needed to be on our list of vacation adventures. We wore bathing suits and water shoes and ventured out for a day of wet fun!

I love that Grace is so adventurous. She may be a little nervous about things, but she will jump in and try just about everything.

It helps that Kyle is there to make her feel secure and safe so she is able to take a chance and know he will be there to catch her if she falls.

Literally....Here she is jumping into his arms and the COLD water!

The water was very cold, but it balanced the heat of the air and you just couldn't resist getting in for a dip. The river was crystal clear and the red rocks surrounding us created an amazingly unique atmosphere.  One of those scenes that can't be sufficiently captured in a photo.


We walked up river a little where it was less crowded to get our feet wet and try out the slippery slides before heading to the bigger rock slides down river.

Finally we were all brave enough to try the bigger, faster rock slides. This is where the crowds were gathered in a scene of all ages, shapes, and sizes camped out along the banks and waiting patiently for their turn in the water.

Kyle went alone first to give Grace and me tips on how to navigate the fast moving current without getting injured.

Then Kyle and Grace went together for a ride.

 And, finally, I handed over the camera and jumped in too!

Can you see me cheering for myself?  I was very proud and
happy that Grace saw me try something new.

Kyle said that Slide Rock State Park was one of his favorite things he has ever done.  It was really cool.  Just the fact that nature made this and people are continuing to enjoy a natural amusement park is amazing.

On our way out of the park we climbed one of the cliffs where people were jumping into a deeper section of the river.  Grace - ever the daredevil - wanted to jump but we told her it was too high and the water below was too deep.  That was true for her, but you can guess who did take the plunge!

We went to lunch in Sedona where I snapped some photos of the red rocks. I learned the rocks are sandstone and they get their red color from the high concentration of iron.  In the rising and setting sun, the red is more pronounced which is why they are photographed so often.  We were there in the middle of the day, but you can see the brilliant colors even in this harsh light.

Next time we might need to take one of the Pink Jeep tours at sunset.