Finding abandoned places in Arizona isn’t difficult. Ghost towns, derelict buildings, and forgotten mining shafts are everywhere, so it’s a rare spot to find one almost erased from memory. In such cases, it’s typically the distance that separates a well-known ghost town from one that history forgot. This is one such town. Step inside the creepy abandoned town of Swansea AZ.

It’s probably accurate to say that the ruins of Swansea are located right in the middle of nowhere.
Google Maps
Found in La Paz County, just a couple of miles away from the Bill Williams River, the town sits about 30 miles from Parker or 109 miles from Wickenburg. Unless you hike, there are only two ways to get here.
That doesn’t sound too far until you consider the quality of the roads that lead you to the town.
The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company/Flickr
Areas of the asphalt are in questionable condition, some parts can get washed out by rain, most areas are narrow, and a good chunk of it amounts to some rather rough dirt roads. A trip here can take one to three hours one way, depending on how you drive.
That said, unless you’re a local or someone who loves seeking abandoned places in Arizona, you’ve probably never even heard of Swansea.
Insulator Blog/Flickr
That’s okay! Let’s go through a quick rundown of the town.
Swansea was settled in 1909 as a small mining and smelting town.
Wikimedia Commons
The name for the town has its origins in international copper ore smelting. Swansea in the United Kingdom’s South Wales was the final destination for the copper ore mined in this part of Arizona for a short time period. Once the post office was established and a smelter installed, the town changed its name from Signal to Swansea.

A couple of different mining companies were established here and the railroad helped to slightly boost Swansea’s population to a few hundred at its peak. It had a small number of commercial buildings like restaurants, a saloon, theatre, and barbershops, but the town never grew to the same size as more well-known mining towns.

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The good times didn’t last for long.
Insulator Blog/Flickr
The first company to operate in the town only lasted another three years before closing shop. Another was set up in 1914 and they enjoyed ten years of production, including providing materials during World War I, but the mines were eventually closed for good.
By 1937, the town was abandoned completely.
Insulator Blog/Flickr
Mines were shut down, people moved on, and eventually, the buildings began to succumb to natural weathering and vandalism.
If you’ve ever seen the 1971 film The Day of the Wolves, then you might recognize parts of Swansea in the film.
Insulator Blog/Flickr
The film was a crime thriller about a group of men taking over an entire town and it’s pretty rare to find these days. However, the training scenes were filmed in Swansea and will show you just how rundown the town became within a few decades.
These days, the town has gone mostly forgotten.
SpaceTrucker/Flickr
The Bureau of Land Management has taken over the area, restoring what’s left of the buildings, covering old mine shafts, and installing plaques detailing the history of the area. Swansea is one of the most fascinating abandoned places in Arizona.

If you want to see more of this town, you can check out this short video from the YouTuber Totally Trailer.

 

Have you ever visited this abandoned town in Arizona? Do you know of any other abandoned towns in AZ? If so, we want to hear all about your experience in the comments! Gotta know what to pack? Check out our definitive road trip packing list.

Do you love a good ghost story? Do you love the thrill of visiting spooky places in Arizona? If so, check out the most haunted places in Arizona today!

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Swansea AZ

Elisa Regulski | September 20, 2019

What other abandoned places are there in Arizona?

There are several abandoned places in Arizona... or at least there used to be.

  • Black Canyon City Greyhound Park was one of the spookiest. It was once a dog-racing track but was left abandoned in the 1980s. It used to sit just off the highway in Black Canyon City. Entrance into the area was not permitted, but some photographers crept over the fence to capture the decay.
  • The Casa Grande Domes were another mysterious abandoned place. These weird structures were covered in graffiti, and people often theorized their meanings.

 

Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in Arizona?

One of the most unique hiking trails in the state leads to an abandoned village.

  • After 20 miles of strenuous hiking through Flagstaff’s high desert, visitors will encounter the Wupatki National Monument.
  • Due to its popularity, hikers have to enter a lottery system in order to gain access. The journey may be difficult, but the end result is so worth it.
  • History buffs and architecture lovers will adore looking at this magnificent old structure. If you want to learn more about The Crack-In-Rock hike, read our feature article here.

 

What ghost towns can you find in Arizona?

There are several ghost towns in Arizona.

  • Canyon Diablo, located north of I-40, is a fascinating slice of the past. This tiny village was established as a railroad town in 1880. Soon, it became a hub for saloons, brothels, and gambling. Today, visitors can walk through the old buildings and read plaques about the city’s unique history.
  • Jerome is another incredible Arizona town with a spooky history. Like Canyon Diablo, this little town was a hot spot for vices and villainy. Thousands of tourists descend upon this place every year. Some come to soak up the history, and others come hoping to experience paranormal activity. Lurking among the creepy buildings lies some spooky energy. Some say this is the most haunted place in Arizona.

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Swansea, AZ 85325, USA