50 State Challenge - ARIZONA

So far we are 2 states into the 50 State Challenge and the next state on the list is the phenomenal state of Arizona. Of course I could write about Arizona most famous landmark, the Grand Canyon but that would be boring. I want to write about something very few people outside of Arizona know about, I am going to write about Slide Rock State Park in Sedona Arizona.

The falls at Rock Slide Park

Slide Rock State Park takes it name from a natural water slide formed by the slippery rocks of Oak Creek. Within the park you can also visit an apple orchid and hike the three main trails. The trails are Pendley Homestead Trail which is 1/4 mile long. Slide Rock Route which is slightly more than 1/4 mile long. The last trail is Clifftop Nature Trail that is also 1/4 mile long.

The natural water slide at Rock Slide State Park. 

Sliding down the rocks is not the only form of entertainment. Visitors can hike, fish (lots of rainbow trout to be caught!), swim, sightsee and watch for Arizona's vast wildlife. The fee for the park is only $10 per car (4 passengers per car) and if you have more that 4 people with you it is $3 per individual. 

During the summer months things can get a little crazy here as locals and tourist flock to the park to cool off. Park hours are from 8am - 6pm and in the summer the hours are 8am - 7pm. The fee for the park also gets bumped up to $20 per car during the summer. I suggest you get here early because the park gets crowed very fast. 

6871 N. Highway 89A

Sedona, AZ

(928) 282-3034

The Petrified Forest of Arizona

The Painted Desert

Arizona is a state who's rough landscape makes for some of the most beautiful places in the Southwest. By the four corners of the state lies the Petrified Forest National Park. In the northern part of the park is the breath taking Painted Desert.

The Painted Desert region is in the Navajo Nation and they have lived here for almost 1,000 years. Most of the desert is accessible only by foot or off road vehicles. A permit is required for all back road travel in the Navajo Nation, so make sure you get one. As you can tell the Painted Desert emits beautiful colors and watching a sunset/sunrise will be one of the most unforgettable experiences in your life. 

Petrified Wood found at the park

The Painted Desert is not the only attraction in the park. The forest is know for its fossils and for the many fallen trees (Petrified Wood) that lived 225 million years ago. This is heaven for Paleontologist because they have been unearthing and studying the park's fossils since the 20th century. When you are hiking and/or backpacking through the park you may even come across an archeological dig. Evidence from the digs suggest that the earliest humans in the park arrived about 8,000 years ago. 

Petroglyphs at the park

Also scattered within the park are petroglyphs. These petroglyphs are believed to be between 500 and 2,000 years. You can make a fun game out of trying to find the most petroglyphs out of your friends. You'll be surprised how many there are. Along with the ancient petroglyphs are the ruins of pueblos that were built sometime in 1380 CE. 

When you are visiting this park you will be tempted to take home a piece of history but please refrain from stealing the petrified wood. There are gift shops in the park were you can buy petrified wood if you really want to get some. 

For Park Hours click here and for more info about the park click here 

Fees & Reservation info click here

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