Verde Valley RV Park, Cottonwood AZ 4/21-30/2014

We stay in Verde Valley RV park in Cottonwood AZ most every year.  It isn't normally very warm until the end or March or 1st of April so it is usually our last park in Arizona before heading north and Idaho.  So, we headed there and Larry & Elaine went towards Oregon--leaving us traveling on our own once again.

 

Larry & Elaine had told us about Slide Rock State Park above Sedona AZ, so we decided to go check it out.  Come to find out, our son, Ryan, and his family came here when they lived in Payson AZ.



In 1907, Frank Pendley homesteaded this land and developed an irrigation system that is still used today.  He planted an apple orchard, which is partially still there and in use.  He decided that this would be a really nice place for people to come and use as a resort.  So, in 1935 he built some rustic tourist cabins, some of which still stand today. 


Terry picked out the one he wanted to spend his vacation in . . .

. . . and I chose this one!

Several movies have been made here, using some of the old buildings and homes still standing.



There is a barn where they still pack the apples after they are picked in the orchard and they still use this old tractor for some of the work.

The big attraction at the park is a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek.  It is quite a little walk down to get to it, but well worth the walk.

Arizona State Parks purchased the park in 1985 and it is a really popular attraction.  They only charge for parking and they have a little gift store and snack bar.  There is lots of smooth rock to sun bath on or just watch the sliders.

It was a little cool the day we were there, so there were more watchers than sliders, but it sure looked like a fun thing to do on a warmer day.   Ryan said their family had a blast when they went there!

This young one almost looked like he could have been one of our grandkids!  Looks like he is having a lot of fun.