Utah’s autumn weather is perfect for a day trip to just about any corner of the state, but we’re particularly excited about checking out some of the Beehive State’s ghost towns this fall. Most of our ghost towns are located in the southern part of Utah, which start to finally cool down in October, and the scenery is simply beautiful right now. Grafton is the most well-known ghost town in the state, and if you’ve never visited, now’s the time!
You’ll find the little ghost town of Grafton along the southern edge of Zion National Park.
To reach the town, take UT-State Route 9 to Rockville. Drive over the bridge across the Virgin River, then turn right onto Grafton Road.
DLP/Tripadvisor Make sure you’re prepared before heading out. There are no services out there, and no water. Keep in mind that the road becomes impassable after a rain storm.
The town of Grafton was founded in the mid 1800s, and was once home to as many as 28 families.
Nicholas D./flickr
Life in this remote part of the state was hard, and many of the families who settled here lost loved ones to illness, accidents, and attacks by natives.
DLP/Tripadvisor Stop and explore the graveyard right before you get to town. Read the headstones, and you’ll learn of some heartbreaking tragedies.
The hardy pioneers who settled this little town were plagued by all kinds of hardships.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr Diphtheria claimed the lives of five children and a young woman in 1866 alone.
By 1890, only four families remained in Grafton. Soon after, it became a ghost town.
DLP/Tripadvisor
Parts of the town were renovated back in the 1990s, thanks to the efforts of the Grafton Heritage Partnership. The town includes the Alonzo M. Russell home (shown below), as well as the schoolhouse/church, and several other homes.
Jeff Turner/flickr
You’ll also find evidence of homes that are no longer standing in Grafton. Here is the foundation of a home that has long since disappeared.
Nicholas D./flickr
This is the most photographed ghost town in the West, and you can see why. It’s absolutely picturesque.
Mobilus In Mobili/flickr
Fall is a wonderful time to explore Grafton. You’ll see some pretty fall foliage, and the weather should be cool enough that you’ll be comfortable to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.
Caga3124/Tripadvisor
Have you ever visited Grafton? Tell our readers about your experience in the comments. If you’ve never been, do you think it’s time for a road trip? Tag the friends you want to take with you!
DLP/Tripadvisor
Make sure you’re prepared before heading out. There are no services out there, and no water. Keep in mind that the road becomes impassable after a rain storm.
Nicholas D./flickr
Stop and explore the graveyard right before you get to town. Read the headstones, and you’ll learn of some heartbreaking tragedies.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
Diphtheria claimed the lives of five children and a young woman in 1866 alone.
Jeff Turner/flickr
Mobilus In Mobili/flickr
Caga3124/Tripadvisor
Learn more about Grafton on the Grafton Heritage Partnership Project’s website.
Looking for another great autumn road trip in the Beehive State? Take this fall foliage trip!
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Address: Grafton, UT 84767, USA
