Is Slide Rock safe to swim in?, How hard is the hike to Slide Rock?, How deep is the water at Slide Rock State Park?, How much does it cost to get into Slide Rock?, Do you need water shoes at Slide Rock?, Are there bathrooms at Slide Rock?, Is alcohol allowed at Slide Rock?

It’s Fourth of July weekend and, like clockwork, Arizonans are flocking to cooler spots to beat the blazing summer heat.

One popular destination? Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, where a natural rock waterslide offers a refreshing escape. But before you pack your towels and sunscreen, there’s something you should know: Recent water tests show high levels of E. coli in Oak Creek, likely from rain runoff stirring up bacteria.

The cool waters of Oak Creek provide an escape from the extreme heat in Arizona at Slide Rock State Park on July 10, 2023, in Sedona.

The park remains open, and swimming is always at your own risk.

From water safety to parking tips to admission fees, here’s everything you need to know before heading to Slide Rock State Park this weekend.

Is Slide Rock safe to swim in?

Swimming in Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park is always at your own risk. That's even more true after a heavy rain.

“In the past, we used to close the park when there were high levels of E. coli," said Sam Axford, park manager at Slide Rock. "Typically, when that happens, it's after a big rainstorm, because what happens is those sediments on the sides of the creek can hold on to that E. coli bacteria."

“And there's also going to be animal waste and litter, and when there's a lot of rain, it washes that stuff into the creek. It kind of stirs up all of the dirt in there, and we start getting higher reading.”

The park's website includes a water quality page that displays weekly test results. The water is tested every Tuesday, and the results are posted on Wednesdays.

Axford said, according to Arizona Department of Environmental Quality guidelines, water is considered unsafe if a single sample exceeds 235 colony-forming units of E. coli per 100 milliliters of water or if the average of recent results exceeds 125 colony-forming units.

How hard is the hike to Slide Rock?

Hiking at Slide Rock State Park is fairly accessible and mostly family-friendly. With several short, easy-to-moderate trails under a mile, it’s perfect for a quick walk that doubles as access to the famous waterslide.

“The hike (to the creek) is about a quarter mile from our parking lot, and it is flat and paved. However, at the end of that, there's a staircase that goes down to the creek area, so anyone who wants to access the water does need to be able to go down about 50 stairs,” said Axford.

How deep is the water at Slide Rock State Park?

The water at Slide Rock State Park varies in depth depending on where you are in the creek.

“There's parts where it's ankle deep and parts where it's over your head, like eight to 10 feet,” said Axford. “It’s pretty easy to tell when you're looking, but the main slide itself, when you're sitting in it, it’s up to your waist. At the end of that, there's a deeper section.”

How much does it cost to get into Slide Rock?

The cost to enter Slide Rock is $30 per vehicle. No reservations are taken.

“It is first come, first served, and it is $30 per vehicle that covers up to four people age 7 and older. If they have extra people that are age 7 and older, it is an extra $5 per person,” said Axford.

Slide Rock State Park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The last entry is at 5 p.m., and the swim area also closes at 5 p.m.

Here are some more tips for visitors:

Don't arrive before 8 a.m. to line up outside the park entrance before it opens. This causes unsafe backups and prevents park staff from getting to work. Cones block the turning lanes into the park overnight and aren't removed until 8 a.m., Axford said.
The park is under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Charcoal and wood fires are prohibited.
Pets are not allowed in the park between May 1 and Sept. 30. Pets cannot be left in vehicles.
Smoking is allowed in the parking lot only.

Do you need water shoes at Slide Rock?

You don’t need to wear water shoes at Slide Rock State Park, but they’re highly recommended. The natural sandstone flume and creek beds are slick with algae and smooth rock, making it easy to slip. Many visitors recommend water shoes or sturdy sandals to improve grip and avoid injuries.

Are there bathrooms at Slide Rock?

Yes, Slide Rock State Park has bathrooms. There are two modern, ADA-accessible restroom buildings with flush toilets, sinks and a drinking fountain above the creek. Closer to the creek, you'll find a vault-style, waterless restroom that's not ADA-accessible.