Grafton Ghost Town: Utah’s Best Preserved Ghost Town Near Zion

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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