4. Hiking At Slide Rock State Park

For those that love hiking, there are three short trails in the park. There are also several Coconino National Forest hiking trails nearby for those who want more. But the entire area, including all the trails, is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out kind of park. In other words, you’ll leave with everything you brought in. Glass containers are also strictly prohibited. When you tour the entire park, you will naturally go through the first two trails. But don’t forget to do the very scenic third.

Pendley Homestead Trail

Easy

The Pendley Homestead Trail is an easy quarter-mile trail. This paved, level trail is suitable for all visitors. It travels through a portion of the historic Pendley Homestead featuring parts of the original apple orchards, the Pendley Homestead House, some tourist cabins, the apple packing barn, various farming implements that were used, a new orchard of semi-dwarf apple trees, and spectacular views.

Slide Rock Route

Moderate

The Slide Rock Route is a 0.3-mile trail with a difficulty rating of moderate and is, actually, the main access to the Slide Rock swim area. It begins near the apple picking barn and you turn right to the descending steps to the creek. Then it crosses via a small footbridge. During periods of high runoff, the footbridge will not be there and visitors will just need to stay on the west side.

After crossing the footbridge, you will proceed north along pretty sandstone shelves. In the summer, sunbathers occupy much of this route, so you may have to step over some of them. There is a historic rock cabin on the east side of the creek which was used with a flume and water wheel to generate electricity for the entire homestead. From the ledge in front of this cabin, many take to jumping into the creek. When you see the eight-foot wall, you can turn around. But you may also decide to negotiate the wall and explore more areas upstream.

Clifftop Nature Trail

Moderate

The Clifftop Nature Trail is a quarter-mile trail that begins near the apple barn after the steps to the creek and leads into the forest above the swim area’s west side. Thus, it offers the most scenic views and is best, not only for those who want to hike, but also for those who want memorable photos.

5. Wildlife Viewing

This nature trail will also offer lucky visitors some wildlife viewing opportunities. Coues whitetail deer, javelinas, coyotes, and black bears have all been spotted in the park. There is also a wide variety of bird species, some smaller mammals and various little reptiles. Such sightings make the park not just for water recreation.