Remote cabin

McGuffie Cabin 2.5

Ford the Bill Williams River on your way from Swansea to a remote cabin near Alamo Lake.

We do not know the history of the cabin but expect it was originally associated with the McGuffie Mine, located just northeast of the cabin.

This cabin has seen surprisingly little vandalism. It may have been used as a private cabin for some time after the mine closed down.

There is a GPS - gpx track file at the bottom of the page.

Mc Guffie Cabin

We started this run in Swansea then headed northeast along an aboveground pipeline. We believe the pipeline is still in use. This road continues to the Bill Williams River where a bigger pipeline crosses with support of two large towers. Look closely to see them in the photo.

Aboveground pipeline

Pipeline crossing

The trail nears the Bill Williams River at an abandoned ford, then climbs in a big loop to an active ford. The river flow gauge at the outlet of Alamo Lake showed a flow of 30 cubic feet per second (cfs) when this photo of the ford was taken. It was no more than a foot deep at this flow rate.

Shortly after the ford is the north-side tower for the pipeline crossing. The trail then follows the road for this larger pipeline.

Ford of Bill Williams River

Pipeline road beyond ford

Turn east off the pipeline road and follow an occasionally washed out trail through the Rawhide Mountains. There are no special attractions along this section, but there is enough to keep you awake.

Avoiding a washout

Headed east

Turn south down a mile and a half spur to the cabin. It is obvious that not all vehicles are capable of making it to the cabin.

The ledge pictured is less than a quarter mile from the cabin. You can park at the top of it and walk down if you do not want to drive.