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Swansea Townsite

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Other Names

Buckskin Mountains, Clara Peak, Bill Williams Rd., Shea Rd., Swansea Mine Road, East Cactus Plane, Natural Arch, Planet Ranch Road

Last Known StatusOpen

Once a bustling copper mining town from 1908-1943, this historic landmark is now an abandoned ghost town with scattered ruins and artifacts. An informative self guided hiking loop takes you through the main parts and there are actually five nice developed campsites with gazebos so you camp right within the town ruins.

The surrounding trails are mostly hard packed jeep trails with small sharp rocks and some sand washes. The terrain is largely flat with some scenic canyons and rolling hills but nothing too challenging. Larger RVs and trailers are not recommended to go all the way to the townsite, as the last three miles of the main access road gets a little narrow and steeper, with a one-lane bridge (8-ton limit).

This is a nice easy day ride for seniors or beginner ATV riders who would appreciate the historical sights, but there are not many challenges for aggressive riders.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit RequiredYesAZGFD sticker required
Dates OpenYear-Round
Other ATV Stickers AcceptedNoAll non-residents must purchase an Arizona OHV decal.
Spark ArrestorYesA spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise LimitYes (96 dB)
Whip FlagsNot Required
Maximum Vehicle WidthNo Restriction
Allow Dirt Bikes, Trail Bikes and Motorcycles Motorcycles & Dirt BikesPermitted
Allow All Terrain Vehicles / Quads / Four Wheelers ATVsPermitted
Allow Utility Terrain Vehicles, Side by Sides (SXS), RZR UTV & SXSPermitted
Allow 4x4 Jeeps, SUVs and 4 x 4 Trucks with License Plates SUVs & Jeeps (registered)Permitted
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail
4x4 (unregistered)
Permitted
2 Stroke EnginesNo Restriction
MX Helmet RequiredYouth Onlyrequired for persons under 18 by state law
(RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.)
Camping / Overnight RV Parking CampingSome Areas(camp in developed sites only)
Campfire Restrictions CampfiresSome Areas(permitted in developed campsites only)
Night RidingYes
Trail BlazingProhibitedkeep on the trail
Rule EnforcementFew/Periodic
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TERRAIN

Miles Of Trail5
Climate TypeDesert
Elevation1000 to 1300 ft.
Trail MaintenanceMarked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose DirtThis trail has little loose dirt.Little
Hard PackThe trail has mostly hard pack terrain.Mostly
SandThis trail has some sandy areas.Some
MudThe trail has no mud after it rains.None
DustThe trail has some dust on typical days.Some
RocksThis trail has little rocks.Little
TreesThe trail has no trees.None
Steep HillsThis trail has no steep hills.None
Water CrossingsThe trail has few water crossings.Fewseasonal
Small JumpsThis trail has no small jumps.None
Large JumpsThis trail has no large jumps.None
BermsThe trail has no berms.None
Sand/Gravel PitsThis BLM land has no sand or gravel pits.None
Single TrackThis BLM land has no single track trails.None
RoadsThis BLM land has almost all roads.All
IntersectionsThis trail has few intersections.Few
Rider TrafficThe BLM land has few rider traffic on typical days.Few
ShadeThis BLM land has no shaded areas.None
Ranges/GunfireThis BLM land has no shooting ranges or gunfire.None
HazardsThis trail has few hazards.Few(hazards not marked)
dropoffs
Easy Terrain NoviceThis trail has mostly beginner terrain.Mostly
Moderate Terrain AmateurThis trail has some intermediate level terrain.Some
Difficult Terrain ExpertThis trail has no expert terrain.None

TYPE OF AREA

AreaMotorized Trails
LandBLM

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline Gasoline30+ Miles (W)Parker
Diesel Diesel30+ Miles (W)Parker
Potable Water Water30+ Miles (W)Parker
RV Hookups RV Hookup30+ Miles (W)Blue Water Marine RV Park (928) 669-2433
RV Dump Station RV Disposal30+ Miles (W)Blue Water Marine RV Park (928) 669-2433
Primitive Camping CampgroundOn Site
Convenience Store Conv Store30+ Miles (W)Parker

FEES & PASSES

Parking(None)
Entry(None)
Riding(None)
Camping(None)

RATINGS

Prosinteresting ghost town, ruins to explore
Conslong access road, not many real trails - 4x4 roads and washes, no services
Our RatingRatingFair
Recommended StayFull Day
Fall/Winter
Comments(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest CityParker, AZ
AddressSwansea Road, Parker, AZ 85344
Go Back To Arizona List
Trail MapGo To Trail Map
From: Parker, AZ
1) Take Alt Hwy 95 to Shea Road intersection
2) Turn left (east) on Shea Road, continue 13.3 miles
3) Turn right on Swansea Mine Road, continue 10.4 miles
4) Veer right at stop sign, continue 5.7 miles
5) Trailers and small RVs can stage here, last 3 miles are steep and narrow and not recommended for RVs/trailers.

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact InfoBLM - Lake Havasu Field Office
2610 Sweetwater Ave.
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
(928) 505-1200
(888) 213-2582
lake_havasu@blm.gov
www.blm.gov

RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Swansea Townsite Trail

This side trail starts in the wash and dead ends after a mile or two at the wilderness boundary.  Hikers only after that point.

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

OHV at Swansea Townsite Trail

The ghost town has many buildings and placards with historical information.

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Swansea Townsite Trail

There are a number of sand washes that are accessible and some that are not.

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorbike at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

OHV at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Some amenities at Swansea Townsite Trail

There are a number of developed sites right within the ghost town ruins.  Very unique.

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Scenery from Swansea Townsite Trail

The last part of the main access road can be seen here.  It is probably passable, but not recommended for larger RVs.

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Scenic view at Swansea Townsite Trail

This section of the ghost town was being restored.

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Scenic view at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorbike at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Amenities at Swansea Townsite Trail

There are a few developed campsites like this one.

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Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorbike at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Swansea Townsite Trail

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Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Some terrain at Swansea Townsite Trail

Trails are marked and rated, however the black diamond trails are not really difficult for ATVs and motorcycles.

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Swansea Townsite Trail

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Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

OHV at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Off-Road Bike at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Trail Bike floating the front at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Trail Bike at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Trail Bike at Swansea Townsite Trail

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Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Motorcycle at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

OHV at Swansea Townsite Trail

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Some amenities at Swansea Townsite Trail

There is a kiosk with a map, restrooms, and a sign in book located at the entrance to the ghost town.

Swansea Townsite Trail Photo

Honda CRF Dirt Bike at Swansea Townsite Trail

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