Grafton Ghost Town photo 1
© inkknife_2000 (14 million views) · CC BY-SA 2.0
Grafton Ghost Town photo 2
© inkknife_2000 (14 million views) · CC BY-SA 2.0
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Grafton Ghost Town

📍 Grafton Road, Rockville, UT 84763

Step back into the Old West at this remarkably preserved 19th-century pioneer settlement. Famous as a filming location for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, it features a restored schoolhouse, rustic log cabins, and a historic cemetery.

Admission
Free (donations appreciated)
Hours
Daily from sunrise to sunset
Duration
1-2 hours
Parking
Free dirt parking area available at the site
Access
Unpaved dirt and gravel paths; historic buildings have steps at entrances and are not wheelchair accessible
Read more

Settled in 1859 by Mormon pioneers, Grafton was once a bustling agricultural community along the Virgin River. Relentless flooding, disease, and conflicts eventually forced residents to relocate, leaving the town completely deserted by the mid-20th century.

Today, Grafton is celebrated as one of the most photographed and well-preserved ghost towns in the American West. Visitors can wander among several historic structures, including the iconic 1886 adobe schoolhouse, a restored church, and a hauntingly beautiful pioneer cemetery.

Film buffs will likely recognize the picturesque backdrop from the classic movie "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." The site offers a peaceful, evocative glimpse into the harsh realities of pioneer life, framed by southern Utah's dramatic red cliffs.

Ratings

attraction
Historical Significance
4.8/5
Cultural Relevance
4.5/5
Fun Factor
3.5/5
Accessibility
3/5
Photo Worthiness
4.8/5
Interactivity
2/5
Kid Friendliness
3.5/5
Popularity
3.8/5
Free Admission ✓Pet Friendly ✓Kid Friendly ✓

Visitor Tips

  • ◆ Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best photography lighting against the red rock cliffs.
  • ◆ Take time to read the headstones in the Grafton Cemetery to learn the poignant stories of the town's early residents.
  • ◆ The site is free to visit, but donations to the Grafton Heritage Partnership are highly encouraged to help preserve the structures.
  • ◆ Combine this trip with a visit to nearby Zion National Park, located just a few miles to the northeast.

Heads Up

  • ◆ The dirt access road can become muddy and impassable for standard passenger vehicles after heavy rains.
  • ◆ There are no public restrooms, drinking water, or trash services available at the ghost town.
  • ◆ The historic buildings are fragile; do not climb on them, lean on the structures, or remove any artifacts from the property.

Common questions

Do you need 4WD to drive to Grafton Ghost Town?

No, a standard two-wheel-drive vehicle can typically reach the townsite via the graded dirt road under dry conditions. However, the road can become muddy and impassable for passenger cars after heavy rain.

Was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid filmed at Grafton Ghost Town?

Yes, several scenes from the 1969 movie, including the famous bicycle scene set to 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head,' were filmed on-site.

Are dogs allowed at Grafton Ghost Town?

Yes, leashed dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas of the townsite and cemetery. They are not permitted inside any of the historic buildings.

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