Young, Arizona is situated in Arizona's eastern mountains, just below the Mogollon Rim at an elevation of 5,200 feet. The town is completely surrounded by the Tonto National Forest.

Young is served by two roads. Highway 288 from the south has 35 miles of unpaved surface, and Forest Road 512 from the north is not paved for about 16 miles. Both are mountainous and have steep grades and curves. In wet weather or snow, 4-wheel drive is recommended. Cherry Creek hill that climbs out of Young to the north was recently paved for 4.7 miles. Paving will be ongoing, as Federal funds become available.