Grafton Ghost Town

Grafton Ghost Town stands as one of the most well-preserved and photographed ghost towns in the American West, located along the Virgin River just south of Zion National Park near Rockville, Utah. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this former pioneer settlement offers visitors a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Southern Utah's frontier past, with several original structures still standing against the backdrop of Zion's towering sandstone cliffs.

History of Grafton

Originally settled in 1859 by Mormon pioneers, Grafton was established as an agricultural community along the Virgin River. The town endured repeated flooding, conflicts during the Black Hawk War, and the harsh realities of frontier life in the arid Southwest. Despite multiple relocations to higher ground, the community persevered for decades before residents gradually departed in the early 1900s as better opportunities emerged in larger Southern Utah towns. The last permanent residents left Grafton in 1945.

Preserved Buildings and Structures

Visitors to Grafton can explore several remarkably well-preserved structures including the Grafton schoolhouse and church, multiple family homes, a log cabin, and various outbuildings that paint a vivid picture of pioneer life in the remote desert. The Grafton Heritage Partnership and local preservation efforts have stabilized and maintained these historic structures, ensuring they remain standing for future generations to experience.

Film Location Fame

Grafton gained additional fame as a filming location for the 1969 classic western film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The iconic bicycle scene with Newman and Katharine Ross was filmed at Grafton, with the historic buildings and Zion cliff backdrop providing an authentically Western setting. This Hollywood connection adds an additional layer of interest for film enthusiasts visiting the site.

Visiting Grafton

Grafton Ghost Town is accessible via a paved road from Rockville, Utah, approximately 3.5 miles from Highway 9. From St. George, the drive takes about 45 minutes via Highway 9 through Hurricane and Virgin. The site is free to visit and open year-round during daylight hours. Visitors should respect the historic structures by not entering buildings and staying on designated paths. The adjacent Grafton Cemetery provides additional historical context with graves dating to the town's earliest years.

Photography and Best Times

Grafton is a photographer's paradise, with morning and late afternoon light creating dramatic shadows across the weathered buildings against the red and white cliffs of Zion in the background. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant visiting conditions, with wildflowers adding color in April and May and autumn foliage along the Virgin River providing warm tones in October.