2026 update: Slide Rock State Park is not offering apple picking for the fall 2026 season, according to Arizona State Parks. The historic orchard is still there to see, and Sedona’s apple season carries on at Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek, with Apple Bob’s Cowboy Cider at The Pumphouse Station, and with Oak Creek Apple Company’s products. In a normal year, picking at Slide Rock starts September 15, first come, first served.
Sedona, AZ - There’s something timeless about apples in Sedona. Long before the red rocks became a backdrop for Hollywood films, world-class art galleries, and luxury spas, the orchards along Oak Creek were the heartbeat of the valley. Generations of families grew, picked, and pressed apples here, building a tradition that still ripens every fall. Today, visitors can taste this living history with every crisp bite and golden sip.
Best Time to Pick Apples in Sedona
The historic orchard at Slide Rock State Park is one of the only places in Arizona where you can pick your own apples. In a typical year, starting September 15, visitors can fill baskets straight from the orchard while apples last. For fall 2026, Arizona State Parks says the park will not be offering apple picking, so plan on seeing the orchard and the canyon rather than harvesting, an experience that blends nostalgia with the beauty of Sedona’s canyon landscape.
What you need to know before you go:
- Apple picking is seasonal and not guaranteed: in a normal year it is first come, first served until the harvest is gone. There is no picking in fall 2026.
- Entry is by vehicle only through the main station, no walk-ins, drop-offs, or bicycles.
- Park hours: Opens at 8 a.m. (no lining up on the road before opening); the swim area and entry close one hour prior to park closing.
- No pets allowed in the park through September 30 (annual restriction).
- Reservations aren’t available, so plan ahead and arrive early.
A day at Slide Rock offers more than apples, it’s a step back in time, where orchard rows meet canyon cliffs, making it one of the best family-friendly things to do in Sedona in the fall.
Apple Orchards & Scenic Escapes on Oak Creek
For a more relaxed experience, Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek welcomes guests to shaded groves, charming cabins, and farm-to-table dining. It’s a place where apples mingle with towering sycamores, inviting you to savor the slower pace of the season.
Stay in a rustic log cabin at Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek in Sedona. Shady orchards, peaceful gardens, and cozy charm await.
🍎 Spotlight: Oak Creek Apple Company: Holistic Apple Wellness
Oak Creek Apple Company takes Sedona’s apple legacy to an entirely new level. More than just a superfood, apples here are the foundation for therapeutic blends of honey, vinegar, and magnesium-based products, each one crafted with the goal of supporting holistic, whole-being health.
- Locally sourced organic apples in every batch
- Researched and tested in OCA Labs for purity, taste, and efficacy
- Innovative products that combine apples with honey, herbs, and minerals
- Focus on holistic wellness that goes beyond nutrition
Whether you’re seeking natural remedies, functional wellness products, or simply curious about the next generation of apple innovation, Oak Creek Apple Company offers a superior path to health, straight from Sedona’s orchards.
🍏 Spotlight: Cowboy Cider at The Pumphouse Station
If you’re craving something with a little kick, head to The Pumphouse Station Urban Eatery & Market in the heart of Sedona. This lively café pours Apple Bob’s Cowboy Cider, a bold blend of locally pressed fresh cider and Fireball Whiskey.
- Served hot or cold: perfect for chilly fall evenings or sunny Sedona afternoons
- Infused with Sedona’s cowboy spirit and orchard tradition
- Cozy café setting with fresh eats and local market finds
It’s more than a drink: it’s a seasonal experience that captures Sedona’s playful side while celebrating its apple roots.
Where to Find the Best Cider in Sedona
Explore Sedona’s Apple History
Apples shaped Sedona long before tourism did. The Sedona Heritage Museum preserves stories of orchard families who farmed the land and supplied fruit to Arizona markets. Nearby, the Jordan Historical Park invites you to picnic beneath heritage fruit trees, where the whispers of Sedona’s past still linger in the orchard breeze.
Frequently asked questions
Is there apple picking at Slide Rock State Park in 2026?
No. Arizona State Parks says the park will not be offering apple picking for the fall 2026 season. In a normal year, picking starts September 15 and runs first come, first served until the harvest is gone, with no reservations.
How do you get into Slide Rock State Park?
Entry is by vehicle only through the main park station. No walk-ins, drop-offs or bicycles. The park opens at 8 a.m., and lining up on the road before opening is not allowed.
Can I bring my dog to Slide Rock?
No. Pets are not allowed in Slide Rock State Park through September 30 each year, and never in the creek.
Where else can I enjoy Sedona’s apple season?
Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek has shaded groves, cabins and farm-to-table dining. The Pumphouse Station pours Apple Bob’s Cowboy Cider, a blend of locally pressed cider and Fireball whiskey. Oak Creek Apple Company makes wellness products from local organic apples.
Where can I learn about Sedona’s apple history?
The Sedona Heritage Museum preserves the stories of the orchard families, and Jordan Historical Park has picnic spots beneath heritage fruit trees.
Keep exploring: things to do in Sedona · best hikes in Sedona · best time to visit Sedona · Sedona, Arizona guide