Weather: 87ยบ, sunny
About this Hike: This one has been on my bucket list for a while. I love hiking up to fire lookout towers.
In the past when a ranger was manning the tower they'd often invite me up and show all their observation equipment. Due to COVID that's no longer an option, and signs at the base of the tower warn you as much. East Pocket Lookout appeared to be closed as the windows had heat-blocking sheets over them and no ranger vehicle was present.
This hike begins by parking at Bootlegger Picnic Area off 89A. Finding the trail is tricky as a number of trails go down to Oak Creek from the picnic area. You just have to look around carefully as there are signs posted. We went the wrong way at first but eventually found the treacherous creek crossing that kicks off this hike.
We managed to stay dry and successfully crossed Oak Creek on the shaky rock and log bridge previous hikers had built. AB Young Trail begins in dense riparian pine forest. It quickly gives way to exposed switchbacks that are a bit overgrown with grass and manzanita. You might want long pants for this hike. After an elevation gain of about 2,000 feet this hike begins to become rewarding. The top of the mountain is flat mesa and ponderosa forest begins to appear.
The views looking into Oak Creek Canyon are like no other. Highway 89A and even the Bootlegger parking area are tiny specks down below. Humphrey's Peak is quite prominent to the northeast. However, this flank of the mountain that points toward Humphrey's has suffered considerable burn damage.
A walk along the flat top of the mountain eventually leads to the East Pocket Lookout. You could theoretically skip the hike and drive up the forest road (I believe it's #231) to the lookout, but my guess is that the road is closed to public traffic.
On the way down we spotted a lean-too built along a scenic part at the top of the mountain. I imagine it would be magical to camp there and watch the sunset over Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.
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