Young, also known as Pleasant Valley, is surrounded by
mountains and lies in the heart of the Tonto National Forest. At an
elevation of 5,177 feet, the town is located halfway between the
Mogollon Rim and Roosevelt Lake. Young began as a cattle ranching
community in the 1880s. The town became semi-famous as the site
of the Pleasant Valley War between the Grahams and the
Tewksburys, two cattle ranching families. Pleasant Valley eventually
became known as Young in honor of long-time citizen Miss Ola
Young, who served 50 years as the town's first postmistress.
Young is accessible via graveled roads on Forest Road FH-12, from
state Highway 260 on the Rim and state Highway 288 on the east
side of Roosevelt Lake. Of the approximately 5,000 acres in the
community, 1,500 acres have been broken up into two to five-acre
parcels with the balance remaining as grazing land.
Young is primarily a retirement and second home community. Half
of the population is 50 years old or older. The few remaining cattle
ranches are mostly owner-operated, offering few job opportunities.
The Young Public School and the United States Forest Service are
the area's largest employers. The Arizona Department of
Transportation, Gila County road maintenance, the post office and
library each employ two or three individuals. The few local businesses
are owner-operated and service-oriented. Additional self-employed
people provide construction, lawn care, housekeeping or other
personal services.
The Tonto National Forest attracts more visitors than any other
national forest in the United States. Hunting and fishing, as well as
camping and hiking are available with spectacular scenery and
abundant wildlife. Young is located between the Sierra Anchas and
Hell's Gate Wilderness areas. There are major archaeological and
historical sites in the area. Tours feature the various century old
cabins, museums and battle sites of the Pleasant Valley war.
The Arizona Department of Transportation, Forest Service and the
Pleasant Valley Community Council are developing the Pleasant
Valley Airport as a fly-in sports/wildlife recreation area. Forest Road
FH-12 has been selected as a Scenic Byway. Young is also a common
stop on the Payson/Rim Lakes/Pleasant Valley/Roosevelt Lake scenic
loop drive.