Slide Rock State Park is known as a popular swimming spot along Oak Creek – but did you know there are 300 apples trees on the property AND you can pick apples?
This is an amazing day trip idea that kids and adults alike will love! Simple pay the state park entrance fee ($20/car at the moment), and then decide what size bag or box you’d like to purchase. A small bag is $5, large bag is $10, and a box is $20. Then you are welcome to browse the rows of apple varieties and pick! Most of the apples are of the Starking Double Red Delicious variety, but you will also find Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Winesap, and others. Note that some of the varieties are ready at different times.
We went with a large bag and came home with plenty to eat fresh, plus make an apple pie. The kids loved the excitement of searching for the perfect apple! There were plenty low hanging apples, and some that were reached thanks to a complimentary picker pole we found by the map. The historic orchard from 1912 is set against the beautiful red rocks and makes for amazing photos too.
A few helpful tips:
- apples are available seasonally; as of this weekend there are plenty, and this should continue for another 1-2 weeks. Contact the state park for updates.
- the orchard is located off the walkway as you head towards the creek, just past the Slide Rock Market. The path is paved, but not paved once you veer off to the orchard. Strollers or wagons would be ok.
- we did encounter mosquitos; nothing serious, but we wished we had brought repellant
- there are tiny burrs in the grass; wear close toed shoes, and don’t let kids sit in the grass; check for burrs before sitting down
- the best apples we found were dark red; these tasted so sweet and was like drinking apple juice!
- there are restrooms and plenty of picnic tables available, but note that the restrooms do close shortly BEFORE the official park closing time
Slide Rock State Park is located 7 miles north of Sedona, and currently open 8am-5pm. More information can be found on their website.
More fun things to do around Sedona can be found here!
