Round Trip Distance: 0.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 7156 - 7177 feet
Cellphone: 0-2 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: Swasey Cabin
Fee: none
Attractions: Historic cabin
The Swasey Cabin is located in the San Rafael Swell west of Green River, Utah. The cabin was built in 1921 and belonged to the Joseph Swasey family who according to the information at the trailhead farmed and ran livestock in the 'heart of Sinbad Country'. The Sinbad Country has a rich history that includes Butch Cassidy and 'The Wild Bunch', ancient Indians and the Old Spanish Trail from which wild burros can still be seen grazing in the area to this day.
To get to the trailhead follow the directions to the Lone Warrior Panel. From that point there are signs directing the way to the Swasey Cabin which is about 1 mile away. Maps of the area show several other routes that can also be taken although we haven't explored those yet and can't say whether they are in fact better or worse.
The BLM has a trail register that visitors can sign to give them an idea of how many people are coming to Swasey's Cabin. The nice parking area with its kiosk and newer restroom indicates that they are trying to keep the place up.
There is a wide hard packed gravel path that leads from the parking area to the cabin that looks well suited to strollers and wheelchairs where a little assistance is provided.
The cabin sits in a remarkably scenic setting with a tall pinnacle that we were calling Swasey's Rock for our own references that towers above it in the background.
The information at the kiosk mentions that the cabin was built in 1921 using douglas fir from Eagle Canyon. It is hard to tell if any reconstruction has been done to the cabin which appears to be the typical 12 feet x 12 feet size that was required by the Homestead Act. Whether any work has been done to fix it up or not it is still impressive that it is in such good condition. Some of the logs on the outside look like they have been enduring the weather for about 100 years. The roof is made from Utah junipers that appear to be more recent. Anyway, kudos to the BLM and their preservation efforts.
While at the cabin it is nice to stroll around the area and enjoy the scenery.
Looking out their front door they had a commanding view of Sinbad Country as it stretched out to the north and east.
