Old Iron Town (Old Irontown)

Old Iron Town — Historic Ghost Town Near Cedar City, Utah

Old Iron Town, also known as Old Irontown, is a fascinating historic ghost town located approximately 20 miles west of Cedar City in Iron County, Utah. This well-preserved site tells the story of the ambitious iron mining and smelting operation established by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s-1870s under the direction of Brigham Young, making it one of the most significant industrial history sites in Southern Utah.

History & Ruins

The settlement was established to produce iron for the growing Utah Territory. Remains of the original charcoal kilns, stone foundations, mining equipment, and smelting furnace are still visible and interpreted through informational signs along a self-guided walking trail. The town once had a population of several hundred residents including miners, charcoal burners, teamsters, and their families. Despite considerable effort, the iron operation struggled with technical challenges and was eventually abandoned.

Visiting Old Iron Town

Old Iron Town is managed as a state historic site with free access year-round. The interpretive trail takes about 30-45 minutes to walk and provides a window into pioneer-era industrial ambitions. The site is accessible via a well-maintained dirt road and makes an excellent day trip from Cedar City. Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Cedar Breaks National Monument and Brian Head Resort. History enthusiasts, photographers, and ghost town explorers will find Old Irontown a rewarding and uncrowded destination.