Ghost Towns of Southern Utah: A Complete Guide to Historic Abandoned Settlements
Explore the ghost towns of Southern Utah, from the famous Grafton near Zion National Park to Silver Reef and Harrisburg. Discover the pioneer history, directions, and visiting tips for Utah's most fascinating abandoned towns.
Photo: SGWOM
February 2026 — Southern Utah is home to some of the most well-preserved and historically significant ghost towns in the American West. From Mormon pioneer settlements abandoned after devastating floods to silver mining boomtowns that went bust, these haunting sites tell the story of human determination and the unforgiving landscape that ultimately reclaimed these communities.
Grafton Ghost Town
Grafton is the crown jewel of Southern Utah's ghost towns and one of the most photographed abandoned settlements in the West. Located just south of Zion National Park near Rockville, Grafton was established in 1859 by Mormon pioneers who farmed along the Virgin River. Repeated flooding, conflicts during the Black Hawk War, and the harsh desert environment gradually drove residents away, with the last permanent inhabitants leaving in 1945.
Today, visitors can explore remarkably well-preserved structures including the schoolhouse and church, family homes, a log cabin, and the pioneer cemetery. Film buffs will recognize Grafton as the filming location for the bicycle scene in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Grafton is accessible via a paved road from Rockville, about 45 minutes from St. George.
View our complete Grafton Ghost Town listing with directions and visiting tips.
Silver Reef
Silver Reef holds the distinction of being the only place in the world where silver was commercially mined from sandstone. Located about 15 miles north of St. George near Leeds, this 1870s boomtown exploded from nothing to a population of over 1,500 in just a few years when miners discovered silver deposits in the red Navajo sandstone formations.
At its peak, Silver Reef boasted a Wells Fargo office, a newspaper, saloons, a Chinatown district, and the kind of colorful frontier lawlessness common in western mining camps. When silver prices collapsed in the 1880s, the town quickly emptied. Today, the restored Wells Fargo building serves as a museum, and the surrounding ruins and mine tailings offer a tangible connection to Utah's mining heritage. Silver Reef is free to visit and sits just off Interstate 15 at the Leeds exit.
Harrisburg
The ghost town of Harrisburg sits quietly along old Highway 91 between St. George and Leeds, its stone ruins visible from Interstate 15. Founded in 1862 by Mormon pioneer Moses Harris, the community attempted to establish cotton farming in what Brigham Young called Utah's Dixie. Water scarcity, alkaline soil, and the Virgin River's unpredictable floods made the endeavor unsustainable, and residents gradually relocated to nearby communities.
Several stone foundations and wall remnants remain visible, along with the restored Harrisburg Cemetery. The site is accessible from a short dirt road off the main highway and provides a quick, educational stop for history enthusiasts traveling between St. George and Zion National Park.
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Pine Valley
While not entirely a ghost town, Pine Valley preserves a remarkable piece of Southern Utah history in its 1868 church, the oldest Mormon chapel still in continuous use and a marvel of pioneer engineering. The town's population has dwindled from its pioneer heyday, and many original structures have disappeared, giving parts of the community a time-capsule quality.
Located in the mountains north of St. George at over 6,500 feet elevation, Pine Valley offers a striking contrast to the desert below. The Pine Valley Heritage Center museum provides context for the settlement's history. The drive from St. George takes approximately 45 minutes through dramatic scenery.
Heberville (Shunesburg)
Nestled in a narrow canyon near the east fork of the Virgin River, the ghost settlement of Shunesburg (also called Heberville) represents one of the most remote pioneer communities ever attempted in Southern Utah. Accessible only by trail, the town site preserves stone foundations and irrigation features that demonstrate the extraordinary effort pioneers invested in taming this challenging landscape.
Tips for Visiting Southern Utah's Ghost Towns
Respect the sites by never removing artifacts, entering unstable structures, or disturbing historical remains. Many of these locations are protected under federal and state preservation laws. Bring water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear, as most ghost town sites have limited or no facilities. Cell service is often unreliable, so download maps before your visit.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable visiting conditions, with mild temperatures and excellent photography light. Most sites are free to access and can be combined into a full day trip from St. George. Start at Silver Reef near Leeds, continue to Harrisburg, then finish at Grafton near Springdale for a scenic ghost town tour through Southern Utah history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous ghost town in Utah?
Grafton, near Zion National Park, is widely considered Utah's most famous ghost town. Its well-preserved buildings, National Register listing, and connection to the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid make it the most visited ghost town in Southern Utah.
Are ghost towns in Utah free to visit?
Most Southern Utah ghost towns are free to visit, including Grafton, Harrisburg, and the exterior areas of Silver Reef. The Silver Reef Museum may have a small admission fee or accept donations.
Can I visit ghost towns near St. George?
Yes, several ghost towns are within an hour's drive of St. George. Silver Reef is about 20 minutes north, Harrisburg is along I-15, and Grafton is about 45 minutes east near Springdale and Zion National Park.
Explore more things to do in St. George and browse our complete guide to attractions and activities across Southern Utah.
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Mentioned Businesses
Legal Services • St. George
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Attractions • Rockville
Historic ghost town near Rockville, Utah, just south of Zion National Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring preserved pioneer-era buildings and cemetery.
Parks • Springdale
Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah is one of America's most visited national parks, featuring Angels Landing, The Narrows, towering sandstone cliffs, and world-class hiking.




