The action at Slide Rock is cool, wet, and wild

Slide Rock State Park is your Rx for cooling off on a hot summerday: Wade across the creek, sit down by rocks where the streamnarrows, then let the rushing waters whoosh you down a 70-foot-longrock chute into a deep swimming hole.

Slide Rock, a slippery natural chute, is deep within thesandstone cliffs of Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon. Along with severaladjacent swimming holes, it’s part of the 43-acre park, which wasonce an apple orchard. If you haven’t been recently, check out theold apple barn being restored by volunteers.

Bring your own picnic, or pick up sandwiches and brownies atnearby Indian Gardens Country Store ($; 3951 N. State 89A, Oak Creek Canyon, AZ; 928/282-7702),then spread out on picnic tables scattered throughout the park orrock ledges near the creek. Wear river sandals and sturdy shorts tohelp smooth the few rough spots along the chute.

Info: Slide Rock State Park ($10 per car; 6871 N. State 89A, Sedona, AZ; www.azstateparks.com or928/282-3034) is open 8-7 daily. Creek waters can be closed forhealth reasons; call the Water Quality Hotline (602/542-0202) before heading out.

Cool off quickly with a frothy ride over slippery stones inSlide Rock State Park near Sedona.

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