This All-natural Red Rock Waterslide Is Cooler Than Anything at a Theme Park

Life is just more fun in the summer.

So when warmer days finally do come around, you're going to want to be sure you're making the most of them. Maybe consider taking a hint from the sunshine experts in Arizona.

Slide Rock State Park in Sedona's Oak Creek Canyon has been a longtime favorite destination for local families and visitors, mainly for its spectacular desert views, cool swimming holes and natural pools, red rock beaches, and a long slide that was completely formed by nature.

The gently sloping slide (about a seven percent decline) is propelled by the natural current and algae to keep it slippery, and it lands in a large pool where you can swim to your heart's content. The slide itself is about 80 feet long and 2.5 to 4 feet wide.

And when you're ready to take a break, you can lounge along the creek and watch the natural wildlife in the area, have a picnic, hike the many trails, or play volleyball on the park's court.

The park is located on the historic, 43-acre Pendley Homestead, which is also home to an orchard with more than 300 apple trees. Every September, visitors can enjoy the fruit at the homestead's annual apple festival.

Park entrance fees vary from $10 to $30 depending on the season, so it’s best to check online or call ahead before you set out on your adventure. The water does get cold during the winter months — yes, even in Arizona — so you may want to dip your toe before jumping in. And lifeguards are not on duty, so be sure to put safety first.