Swansea Historic Ghost Town

Swansea can be accessed by vehicle from Parker or Bouse. The trip is about 25 miles either way and the graded gravel road gets a little rough for the last few miles. A high clearance vehicle is recommended, but four-wheel drive is not necessary. From Bouse take the main road east through town. It bends north and turns to gravel just outside of town. Stay left at the first major "Y" about three miles from Bouse. Look carefully and you will see remnants of the Swansea railroad grade by the road. You will cross the Central Arizona Project canal and about five miles beyond that come to another "Y" with a bulletin board. This is called Midway, as it was halfway from Bouse to Swansea on the railroad. Stay left at Midway and travel about 10 miles more until you reach a four way stop. Turn right (east) and follow this road into Swansea. From Parker head south crossing the railroad tracks just outside of town. About a quarter mile further south is Shea Road on the left (east). Turn here and follow the paved road for about 13 miles turning south onto a dirt road marked by a county sign pointing to Swansea. Continue straight at the four way stop until you reach Swansea.

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