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!
Quebec City is this close to flipping the switch on full Christmas magic… and you cannot convince me there’s a more magical holiday getaway in Canada. 🎄✨
The cobblestone streets, the twinkling lights, the old stone buildings covered in snow, it feels like stepping straight into a European Christmas village without leaving the country.
So when someone says, “Let’s go on a Christmas getaway”… this is exactly where my brain goes.
➡️ Save this if Québec City is on your holiday list
What’s YOUR pick for Canada’s most magical Christmas city? Or is Quebec City the winner for you too? 👇
#quebeccity #visitthequebeccity #canadianchristmas #christmasincanada #travelquebec #explorecanada
November is honestly the perfect time to discover those Ontario towns you’ve been driving past all year… and Belleville is one of them. 🍂✨
Cozy cafés, great food, waterfront views, cute shops, it’s the kind of small city that’s even better when the air gets crisp and you’re craving a slow, easy weekend away.
If you’ve been looking for a little November escape, this one should be on your list.
➡️ Swipe through to see exactly how I’d spend a fall weekend in Belleville, from morning coffee to dinner plans to the best spots to explore.
📌 Save this for your next Ontario getaway
Which Ontario town should I feature next? 👇
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#bellevilleontario #bayofquinte #discoveron #exploreontario #ontarioadventures
I just had one of the most unexpectedly wholesome getaways in Ontario… and it involved sleeping inside an alpaca enclosure. 🦙✨
Haute Goat Farm has this tiny bunkie tucked right into their alpaca pasture, and staying there felt like stepping into the softest, coziest little world. Between the morning farm chores, the baby goats, the views, and the alpaca chaos (the cute kind), it honestly might be one of my favourite fall stays yet.
If you’re looking for something unique, charming, and a little bit quirky, add this to your list immediately.
📍 Save this for your next Ontario escape
Would you try an alpaca sleepover… or is that a hard no for you? 👀👇
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#haitegoatfarm #ontariostays #uniquegetaways #exploreontario
🏆✨ The 2025 Ontario Awards are here! ✨🏆
Last year, I did my very first Ontario Awards and you guys loved it so much that I had to bring it back this year! 🙌
Some winners stayed the same (because let’s be honest, a few spots are just forever Ontario classics)… but there are also a few new faces on the list 👀, and a bunch of new categories to include even more of my favourites from this past year.
➡️ Swipe through to see all the winners!
📌 Save this post for your 2026 Ontario bucket list
Which spot do you think deserves a trophy next year? 👇
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#discoveron #exploreontario #ontarioadventures #ontariotravel
It’s that time of year when most people start slowing down… but instead of hibernating, I headed back on the road🍂
Haliburton is one of those places I used to just drive through, until I finally realized how much I was missing.
Think wolves, waterfalls, good coffee, and a cabin stay that’ll make you forget your phone exists.
It’s quiet, it’s calm, and it’s peak stick-season energy in the best possible way.
📍 Add Haliburton to your fall bucket list, before winter fully moves in.
Have you ever visited Haliburton? Do you agree with me?
#haliburton #haliburtonhighlands #fallinontario
