The land that is now Slide Rock State Park was originally homesteaded by Frank L. Pendley in 1907, who later formally acquired it under the Homestead Act in 1910. In 1983, Governor Bruce Babbitt created the Arizona Parklands Foundation to acquire the Pendley property, and the park officially opened to the public in October 1987.
Who originally homesteaded the land that is now Slide Rock State Park?
The land that is now Slide Rock State Park was originally homesteaded by Frank L. Pendley. He arrived in Oak Creek Canyon in 1907 and formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910.
What year did Governor Babbitt create the Arizona Parklands Foundation to acquire the Pendley property?
Governor Bruce Babbitt created the Arizona Parklands Foundation in 1983 to acquire the Pendley property. This was part of a broader initiative to secure desirable properties for future state parks.
When did Slide Rock State Park officially open to the public?
Slide Rock State Park officially opened to the public in October 1987. This followed the acquisition of the property by Arizona State Parks from the Arizona Parklands Foundation on July 10, 1985.
Early Development of the Pendley Homestead
- Frank L. Pendley developed an innovative irrigation system, which is still in use today, and planted an apple orchard in 1912.
- He also grew garden produce and kept livestock.
- The completion of the canyon road in 1914 and its paving in 1938 facilitated tourism, leading Pendley to build rustic cabins in 1933 to cater to visitors.
Transition to State Park
- In the 1980s, the Pendley family decided to sell the property.
- Governor Babbitt, who had a personal connection to the area and the Pendley family, initiated efforts to acquire the land as a state park.
- The Arizona Parklands Foundation was established to facilitate this acquisition.
- After negotiations, the property was purchased on July 10, 1985, and the park was officially dedicated in October 1987.
Park Development and Management
- The initial park development included a new entrance, paved interior roads, parking areas, walking paths, and the renovation of existing buildings.
- The park is co-managed by Arizona State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service.
- A small private holding between the park and Forest Service land was donated by Burns International, Inc. in 1987.
Historic Significance
- The Pendley Homestead Historic District was accepted onto the National Register of Historic Places on December 23, 1991.
- The park is one of the few preserved homesteads in Oak Creek Canyon and features historic cabins and an operational apple farm.
Visitor Information
- The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from February 4 to November 25, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from November 26 to February 3.
- Entrance fees vary by season, with rates ranging from $10 to $30 per vehicle depending on the time of year.
Facilities and Activities
- The park includes a natural rock water slide, swimming areas, and hiking trails such as the Pendley Homestead Trail, Slide Rock Route, and Clifftop Nature Trail.
- Visitors can also explore the historic cabins and enjoy the scenic beauty of Oak Creek Canyon.