AB Young

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AB Young is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest. Designated as Trail #100, it is well marked with signs and easy to follow. The first official trail designated in the Red Rock District, the A.B.Young Trail leaves from the southernmost end of the Bootlegger Picnic Area. Take the steps down to the creek and find a suitable place to "boulder hop" or wade the stream. The swimming hole near the trailhead (SHOWN BELOW) is our favorite part of this hike. Cross the creek and find an old metal sign indicating the trailhead.

This swimming hole near the trailhead for AB Young is our favorite part of the hike.

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.

 

FINDING THE TRAILHEAD

 The trail starts across the creek from Bootlegger Picnic Area, which is 10 miles north of Sedona on Hwy 89A. After crossing the creek, a short climb will bring you onto an old road and telephone line above the creek. The trailhead starts at the old metal sign (see photo) which is within 300 feet of your crossing. From most crossings, the sign will be just downstream (it's upstream from the stairs leading down to the creek, where a shallow crossing can be waded).

HIKE DETAILS

RATED: Difficult due to steep elevation gain.
  
TOTAL DISTANCE
4.5 miles out and back
 
ELEVATION GAIN
2,090 ft
 
EST. HIKING TIME
3-4 hours round trip
 
BEST TIME TO GO
Apr-Nov. Hike early in the day to avoid summer heat.
 
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pet and pack it out.