"I got both busted heads today."

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That's what I heard one Park Ranger say to another as I walked to Slide Rock with my friend Sebastian earlier today. It sounds a little unusual if you've never been to Slide Rock before, but if you have, you know exactly what they mean. Worn smooth by untold ages of flowing water and slick with algae, the area could just as well be called Slip Rock. You could be walking, running, standing still, kneeling, squatting, crab-walking, doing leaping handsprings... I don't care what you're doing, at some point, you're going to slip and fall and if a flailing arm/leg/other apparatus fails to halt your fall, your head inevitably will. Hence the busted heads.

If you're not bleeding profusely from the face, however, Slide Rock can be a very enjoyable place! And if you're not a big fan of crowds - which I'm not - a quick five minute hike upstream will garner all the peace and quiet one person can stand. I found a few really nice swimming holes upstream from the madding crowd that I will definitely be going back to next time. It really is a beautiful place when you can actually see it through the throngs of people. Lush greenery contrasting brilliantly with the vivid red rock. The soothing sound of rushing water interspersed with serenely calm swimming pools. A warm sun and cool, clear water. What more could you ask for?

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Photos

Whitewater Madness!
The water is actually only about ankle-deep here.

The Road Ahead
Driving south through the Coconino National Forest.

Up the Creek
Oak Creek, that is.

Posh Digs
Watch out for these on the next episode of MTV's Cribs. Tourist cabins, built in '33 if I recall correctly.

Jaws III: Attack of the Snake-Shark
You would have thought a great white was cruising through Slide Rock with the commotion that this little guy caused.

Goobers
This rock looks like a jar of Goober Grape Jelly & Peanut Butter. Mmmm.... I'm hungry.