Often called the most photographed ghost town in the West, Grafton sits on the Virgin River below Zion's cliffs — an 1859 Mormon farm settlement abandoned after repeated floods. The restored adobe schoolhouse/church, several homes, orchards, and a lonely pioneer cemetery starred in 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.'
| Category | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Rockville |
| Top activities | Photographing the 1886 schoolhouse and Russell home, Walking the pioneer cemetery, Film-location spotting, Quiet picnicking with Zion views |
| Best time to visit | Year-round; spring and fall offer the best light and temperatures. Visit at sunset when Zion's towers glow behind the schoolhouse. |
| Entrance fee | Free (donations support preservation) |
| Permits | None. Last 2+ miles are graded dirt; avoid after heavy rain. Open dawn to dusk. |
Visitor tip: From Rockville, take Bridge Road across the historic 1924 steel bridge and follow the graded dirt road about 3.5 miles — fine for cars when dry, slick after rain. Buildings are preserved by a nonprofit; look but don't enter fenced structures.
More attractions & parks in Southern Utah Build a trip around this