A. B. YOUNG TRAIL #100
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| Oak Creek flows at the base of A.B. Young trail |
Sedona
This hike has everything --water, high-desert ridges, a
grueling climb and a pleasant traipse through a pine/oak forest to the
historic East Pocket fire lookout. Also, from late October through early November, the sycamores lining the lower part of the trail along Oak Creek come alive in vivid shades of amber and rusty gold.
The trail begins in the Bootlegger Day Use Area near site
number two. From there, descend
the flagstone stairs to Oak Creek and follow the generic trail markers to the
creek. Boulder-hop the water and head toward the stone retaining wall where
there’s a metal “A.B. Young #100” sign.
The ascent begins immediately through a cool, creek-side environment
that quickly transcends into a pine forest. After about the half-mile point,
the trail leaves the shade and begins switch backing up steep sun-drenched
cliffs on its way to the 7,196-foot West Rim of Oak Creek Canyon. Many spectacular rock formations and
great views of the narrow canyon open up as the trail gains elevation. Once on the rim, follow the carins into
the forest to the wooden “A.B. Young/Oak Creek” sign that marks the official
end of the trail. To reach the East Pocket fire lookout, continue for just
under a mile following a series of huge rock cairns. Staffed by a USFS worker
during the fire season, visitors are welcome in the funky old 1930s-style wooden
tower.
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| Submerged foliage |
LENGTH: 6 miles
round trip
RATING:
difficult
ELEVATION: 5,100’ – 7,196”
FACILITIES: restroom
FEE: a Red Rock Pass is required: there’s a permit kiosk at
the trailhead that takes paper, plastic and coins. http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to the Sedona-Oak Creek exit
298 for SR179. Head left (west) on
SR179 and continue to the Sedona “Y” intersection of SR 179 and US89A. Veer
right (north) through the traffic circle and continue 8.8 miles to the
Bootlegger Day Use Area near milepost 383. Roads are 100% paved.
INFO: Red Rock
Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-282-4119
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