08/20/2026
👻 DID YOU KNOW? Grafton Ghost Town
Just outside of Zion National Park sits Grafton, one of Southern Utah’s best-preserved ghost towns. The settlement dates back to 1859, when pioneer families established a community along the Virgin River. A devastating flood in 1862 destroyed much of the original settlement, forcing residents to rebuild on higher ground.
The building pictured here is Grafton’s historic schoolhouse/church, built around 1886. It wasn’t just a school—it served as the heart of the community for church services, meetings, dances, plays, and other gatherings. The last classes were held here during the 1918–1919 school year, when only nine students remained.
Eventually, families moved away and Grafton became the quiet ghost town we see today. Its remarkably preserved buildings, old cemetery, surrounding farmland, and backdrop of Zion make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into another century.
🎬 Fun fact: Grafton even had its Hollywood moment—scenes from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were filmed here in 1969.
Today you can wander through Grafton and imagine the families who once went to school, worshipped, danced, farmed, and built their lives here.
📍 Grafton Ghost Town | Near Rockville, Utah
An easy little detour to add to your Zion adventure—and definitely one of Southern Utah’s coolest hidden pieces of history.
Would you explore an old ghost town? 👻
