Discover if Grafton Ghost Town near Zion is worth visiting! Explore its history, location, how to get there, and what to expect on your trip.
If the crumbling buildings of Grafton Ghost Town look familiar, you might have seen them on the big screen. This eerie yet picturesque spot was featured in the 1969 classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, making it one of the most famous ghost towns in Utah. But beyond its Hollywood cameo, Grafton has a fascinating past—one shaped by pioneering settlers, harsh conditions, and eventual abandonment.
Today, visitors are drawn here for its well-preserved structures, hauntingly beautiful scenery, and rich history. Whether you’re a photographer looking for a unique backdrop, a history buff intrigued by the remnants of the Old West, or just someone who loves the thrill of exploring forgotten places, Grafton is worth adding to your itinerary.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Grafton Ghost Town near Zion, including its history, how to get there, what to expect, and whether it’s truly worth the trip.
Read More // Don’t forget to read my Ultimate Guide for your first visit to Zion National Park!
History of Grafton Ghost Town
Tucked away in the shadow of Zion National Park, Grafton Ghost Town is a haunting reminder of the early pioneer days in Utah. Founded in 1859, Grafton was originally settled by Mormon pioneers as part of a cotton-growing experiment encouraged by Brigham Young. The fertile land along the Virgin River made it an ideal spot for agriculture, and the settlers built homes, a schoolhouse, and farms to support their small community.
However, life in Grafton was anything but easy. Frequent flooding from the Virgin River washed away crops and homes, forcing settlers to rebuild multiple times. On top of that, tensions with local Native American tribes, harsh winters, and isolation made survival difficult. By the early 1900s, residents began to leave in search of better opportunities, and by 1945, Grafton was completely abandoned.
Though no one has lived in Grafton for decades, it has gained fame in popular culture. The town’s beautifully preserved structures and Old West aesthetic caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to its appearance in several films. Most notably, Grafton was featured in the 1969 Western classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The famous bicycle scene, set to the song Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head, was filmed right in the heart of Grafton.
Today, the town stands as a well-preserved ghost town, offering visitors a glimpse into the past with its abandoned homes, schoolhouse, and cemetery—a quiet tribute to the resilience of early settlers and the challenges they faced.
How to Get to Grafton Ghost Town
Grafton Ghost Town is just a short drive from Zion National Park, making it a great detour for history lovers and photographers alike. Located about 6 miles southwest of Springdale, the town is easily accessible by car, though the final stretch of the drive requires some caution.
Distance & Driving Directions
- From Springdale (Zion National Park’s main entrance) → Drive 3.5 miles west on UT-9 toward Rockville.
- In Rockville → Turn left (south) onto Bridge Road, cross the historic Rockville Bridge, and continue for 2.5 miles on a dirt road until you reach Grafton.
- The first part of the drive is paved, but the last 2.5 miles are on a dirt road.
- The road is usually passable in dry conditions for any car, but after rain, it can become muddy and difficult for low-clearance vehicles.
- There are no services in Grafton, so make sure to have enough gas, water, and supplies.
The Details
Where | Find Grafton Ghost Town on google map here.
Price | Free to visit – there are no entrance fees or permits required. But they do ask for donation so I invite you to give what you can to help with the preservation of Grafton.
What to Expect When Visiting Grafton Ghost Town
Grafton may be abandoned, but it still holds a powerful presence. The town’s well-preserved structures, hauntingly quiet landscape, and Old West atmosphere make it an unforgettable stop near Zion National Park. Here’s what you can expect when visiting:
What Remains of the Town
While many of Grafton’s original buildings have disappeared over time, a few key structures still stand:
- The Grafton Schoolhouse – One of the most iconic buildings, this brick schoolhouse doubled as a church and community center in its day.
- Abandoned Homes – A few preserved log and adobe houses give a glimpse into pioneer life in the 1800s.
- The Grafton Cemetery – One of the most fascinating (and eerie) parts of the town. Some tombstones date back to the 1860s, with stories of tragic deaths from Native American raids, accidents, and disease.
- Farming Equipment & Fences – Scattered remnants of the town’s early agricultural days can still be found.
Though the town is no longer inhabited, visitors can walk through the area freely, exploring these historic sites up close.
Tips for Visiting Grafton Ghost Town
Before heading to Grafton Ghost Town, keep these tips in mind to make the most of your visit while respecting the historic site.
Best Time to Visit
Best Seasons: Spring and Fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and the best lighting for photography. Winters can be cold, and summer afternoons can be extremely hot.
Best Time of Day:
- Golden Hour (early morning or late afternoon) – The soft light adds an eerie glow to the abandoned buildings and enhances photos.
- Midday visits in summer are not recommended—it gets hot, and the harsh lighting can wash out details.
Rules & Restrictions
Respect the Historic Site:
- Do not enter or climb on buildings – They are fragile and should be preserved for future visitors.
- Leave no trace – No littering or vandalism.
- Respect the cemetery – Many graves date back to the 1800s; be mindful when exploring.
- Check road conditions after rain – The dirt road can become muddy and difficult to drive on.
🚫 No Amenities – There are no bathrooms, visitor centers, or shops, so plan accordingly.
Read More // Where to stay near Zion National Park?
Should you visit Grafton Ghost Town? My final thoughts!
Grafton Ghost Town may be small, but it’s packed with history, charm, and a haunting beauty that makes it a unique stop near Zion National Park. Whether you’re drawn to its pioneer past, eerie abandoned buildings, or its connection to Hollywood, visiting Grafton is like stepping back in time. It’s an easy, free detour that offers incredible photo opportunities, quiet solitude, and a glimpse into Utah’s past.
If you love exploring ghost towns, Old West history, or off-the-beaten-path spots, Grafton is absolutely worth a visit.
Have you visited Grafton Ghost Town? Or is it on your list for your next Zion road trip? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experience!
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Follow me on Instagram!
Did you know you could stay in a treehouse right here in Ontario?
Nestled near Minden, Ontario, The Baltic by @fort_treehouse_co offers just that—a fairytale retreat for two, perched amidst the whispering pines of the Haliburton Highlands.
As a kid, I dreamed of having my own treehouse. One with a ladder to climb, secret corners to hide in, and branches swaying around me like a storybook scene.
But growing up in the city, that dream always felt a little out of reach—more imaginary than real.
Now, as an adult, I finally found it. My dream treehouse.
Not in some faraway forest, but right here in the heart of Ontario.
The Baltic is everything little me imagined and then some: a cozy loft bed with forest views, a fireplace that fills the space with warmth and flickering light, and the most peaceful cedar hot tub tucked away in the woods. It’s off-grid, quiet, and somehow still full of magic.
If you’ve been dreaming of a treehouse stay in Ontario, this one’s for you. ✨
Save this post for your next romantic getaway or solo escape into the woods.
*Invited Stay*
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
#FortTreehouseCo #TreehouseStayOntario #TheBalticTreehouse #OntarioGetaways #UniqueStaysCanada #HaliburtonHighlands #OffGridRetreat #CozyCabinsOntario #RomanticGetawayOntario #TreehouseVibes #OntarioCabinStay #NatureEscape #BucketListStays #exploreontario
Plot twist: went on a ski trip… and kind of learned to ski?? 🫣
Spent the weekend at @calabogiepeaks and it was the perfect girls’ winter getaway—even for someone who’s more après-ski than ski itself…
✨ bunny hill ski lessons with the most patient instructor (shoutout Bruce)
✨ snowshoeing down the Ole K&P trail
✨ spicy Caesars and snowy views
We stayed right at the Calabogie Peaks Resort Hotel—literally steps from the slopes and trails. Whether you’re skiing, snowshoeing, or just in it for the vibes, it’s the perfect base for an Ontario ski trip.
The moral of this story? You don’t have to be a pro skier to plan a weekend getaway at Calabogie Peaks Resort!
Save this for your next adventure in the Ottawa Valley 🏔️
‼️ Calabogie Peaks just closed for the season but the resort is still open! Stay tuned for summer hiking!!
*invited stay*
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#CalabogiePeaks #OntarioWinterGetaway #SkiOntario #GirlsWeekendTrip #CalabogieResort #WinterInOntario #WeekendGetaway #SnowshoeOntario #SkiTripVibes #ApresSkiClub #BunnyHillAdventures
There are places you dream about for so long, you start to wonder if they’ll ever live up to the picture you’ve painted in your mind. For me, the Amalfi Coast was one of those places.
The winding roads, lemon-scented air, and colorful cliffside villages—I’d imagined it all a hundred times. But visiting solo in March, without a car, came with a few surprises. Ferries weren’t running, buses were few and far between, and I realized seeing everything I wanted might be trickier than I thought.
So I did something I rarely do when I travel solo: I joined a guided day tour with @getyourguide . And honestly? It was the best decision. I got to explore Positano, Amalfi, Ravello—and take in the coast from all angles, without the stress of figuring it out on my own.
Swipe through for a glimpse of one of Italy’s dreamiest regions—yes, even in the off-season, the Amalfi Coast is pure magic.
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#AmalfiCoast #ItalyTravel #SoloTravel #WomenWhoTravel #Positano #Amalfi #Ravello #SpringInItaly #CoastalViews #TravelItaly #GetYourGuidePartner
Welcome to the third edition of my “Why cross the border when Ontario has this?” series—this time, we’re exploring Thousand Islands, Ontario.
Located along the St. Lawrence River, this region has been a go-to tourist destination since the 1800s. But you don’t need to leave Canada to enjoy its beauty—the Canadian side is just as magical.
Here’s the perfect Thousand Islands itinerary on the Ontario side:
🛶 Paddle through quiet island channels by kayak
🍳 Grab brunch at Lavern’s Eatery in Gananoque
🚁 Take a scenic helicopter ride for incredible views
🚢 Hop on a Thousand Islands cruise past castles and cottages
🥾 Hike to the lookout at Landon Bay for epic river views
🗼 Go up the Thousand Islands Tower for a 360° panorama
🍻 End the day with a local beer or cider tasting at Arbru Brewery or BUSL Cider
⛺ Stay overnight in a Parks Canada O’TENTik tent (some are on private islands!)
If you’re looking for things to do in Thousand Islands, this getaway has it all—nature, views, cozy stays, and local food + drinks.
➡️ What Ontario destination should I do next? Drop your suggestions below! ⬇️
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
#ThousandIslandsOntario #OntarioTravel #GananoqueOntario #CanadaRoadTrip #ExploreOntario #ThingsToDoInOntario #WeekendGetaway #SoloTravelCanada #OntarioAdventure #ThousandIslandsCruise #LandonBay #ParksCanada #OntarioHikes #WhyCrossTheBorder
You know that feeling when you say “I need this” and it’s not some big luxury resort or five-step itinerary… it’s just a quiet dome in the woods, a good book, and absolutely no one asking you to circle back on that email. Yeah. That.
The Birchwood Luxury Glamping is that escape. If you’re looking for glamping near Toronto, this luxury dome stay is less than an hour away—tucked into a private forest on Scugog Island. This dreamy geodome comes with everything you need to truly unwind:
🛁 Private hot tub under the stars
🔥 Indoor fireplace
🪕 Record player
🚿 Outdoor shower (seasonal)
🍳 Fully equipped kitchenette
📺 TV + WiFi if you want it
🌿 Peace + cozy vibes guaranteed
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or solo escape, this dome getaway in Ontario is the definition of slow, mindful travel—without going far.
📍Scugog Island, ON
🚗 1 hour from Toronto
Dreaming of your next escape? Hit save—this one deserves a spot on your bucket list.
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
#BirchwoodLuxuryGlamping #GlampingNearToronto #OntarioGlamping #UniqueStaysOntario #OntarioDomeStay #GlampingCanada #SoloGetaway #RomanticGetawayOntario #DomeLife #WeekendReset #StayHereNext
