Bootlegger Picnic Area

Facility · Arizona ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Area (Scenic Area) · Restricted Access

5,199 ft
Elevation

At this creekside picnic area you'll have a fishing hole and that's not all. Add spectacular scenery, clear water swimming holes, picturesque hiking trails and excellent wildlife watching (in other words, the standard amenities of Oak Creek Canyon) and it should come as no surprise that these pieces of recreational real estate are in high demand.

The decor at this day-use site is Arizona ash and box elders, gravel beaches and stream-bed boulders. The creek is regularly stocked with trout. Colorful songbirds add a flash of brilliance to the trees.

The A.B.Young Trail leaves from the southernmost end of the grounds. Take steps down to the creek, cross the creek and find an old metal sign indicating the trailhead.

Attractions: Picnia area, fishing, swimming/wading, hiking, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, photography.

 

Getting there

Location: 18 miles south of Flagstaff, 9 miles north of Sedona in scenic Oak Creek Canyon.

GPS (Map): 34°58'10.8"N 111°45'03.0"W

Access: On US Highway 89A, drive south from Flagstaff or north from Sedona, located just off the paved highway. 18 miles south of Flagstaff, 9 miles north of Sedona in scenic Oak Creek Canyon.

 

Click map graphic for printable view.

34.96965, -111.75082 · 34°58'10.7"N 111°45'2.9"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 90°F in Jul, down to 53°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F545764707888908884746353
Low °F303135394654616054443630
Precip in————————————

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Bootlegger Picnic Area

Can you reserve a site at Bootlegger Picnic Area?
No. Bootlegger Picnic Area is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Bootlegger Picnic Area

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.