Slide Rock State Park

We spent Saturday at Slide Rock State Park, located between Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona. The road there, running along Oak Creek, was scenic and steep, snaking down the mountains at a 7% grade. Slow and steady, old girl. It's hard to tell from a map, but here's a screenshot:

By the time we arrived in the area Friday  evening, all the campgrounds were full. Many campgrounds don't take advance reservations, so you just have to try your luck. We continued driving the beautiful river road until we found a local fishing spot with enough roadside parking for our little rig. A little morning exploring, some hot coffee, and we were on our way!

We arrived just as the park was opening. We had read that Slide Rock is a popular spot and fills quickly. It's true! We descended down iron oxide red rocks with families of all colors carrying coolers, tents, floats and the like.  After sliding through the famous slide rocks...

and jumping off the jumping rocks...

... we decided to hike upriver to escape the Saturday crowds and explore a bit. We were rewarded with this:

We spent the late afternoon exploring Sedona...

... and are now camped at nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park. I promise it's prettier than its name. Tomorrow is Father's Day, and we'll be crossing a big one off our bucket list- The Grand Canyon. Stay tuned! Love y'all!

P.S. Lotus really likes haikus- thanks Ms. Amy :) 

Here's one about Slide Rock:

Slide Rock river fun

Pretty Orange rocks are cool

I could stay all day.