RT A. B. Young Trail

Trail climbs 1600 feet in 1.6 miles over the 33 switchbacks to the rim of Oak Creek Canyon

General Information

Length:

Approximately 5 miles round trip

Elevation Gain:

About 2,000–2,100 feet

Difficulty:

Strenuous

Hours:

Open daily from sunrise to sunset

Fees:

Red Rock Pass required: $5 per vehicle per day

Pet Policy:

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash

Closest cities with hotels:

Sedona (10 mi)

Seasons:

Spring, summer, and fall are best; winter can bring snow and icy conditions

Location:

Bootlegger Picnic Area, Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, AZ 86336

Website:

fs.usda.gov

How to Get There

From Sedona (10 mi): Take AZ-89A North through Oak Creek Canyon for about 10 miles, park near Bootlegger Picnic Area around milepost 383, then walk down to the creek, cross it, and follow signs to the trailhead.

Overview

The A.B.Young Trail leaves from the southernmost end of the Bootlegger Picnic Area. Take steps down to the creek, find a suitable place to "boulder hop" or wade the stream, cross the creek and find an old metal sign indicating the trailhead.

It immediately begins a moderately steep ascent and enters wilderness area. The shade of the creek area is quickly lost and nice views of the canyon and some interesting rock formations open up. The trail climbs 1600 feet in 1.6 miles over the 33 switchbacks to the rim of Oak Creek Canyon. At this point, the trail enters the shade of ponderosa pine and heads west for 0.8 miles on a gradual ascent (this portion of the trail not well marked), ending at the East Pocket Fire Lookout Tower.

The trail is believed to have been built originally by C.S. (Bear) Howard in the 1880's and it was reconstructed in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corp and supervised by A.B. Young.

This article uses material from usda.gov "A. B. Young Trail No. 100"

A.B. Young Trail in Sedona Arizona with forest scenery and hiking path in Coconino National Forest

Scenic view along A.B. Young Trail in Sedona Arizona featuring trees and mountain landscape

Creek crossing on A.B. Young Trail in Sedona Arizona with water, rocks, and forest surroundings