Sunday Drive - Grafton Ghost Town
Everyone loves going to Zion National Park but have you had the chance to make the stop at Grafton Ghost Town while you’re on your way? If you haven’t, it’s definitely worth it!
A beautiful scenic drive, Grafton is located by Rockville off of Route 9 as you head into Zion. As you turn onto Bridge Lane you will cross over a historic bridge built in 1924. After a mile and a half the paved road turns into a dirt road. Surrounded by absolutely amazing views, Grafton was established in 1859 by a group of settlers from Virgin. The town originally grew cotton, wheat, and alfalfa in spite of the poor growing conditions of the soil.
The last inhabitants of Grafton didn’t leave until 1944, though the population started declining in the early 1900s. While many of the original buildings are no longer there, there are five that still remain and were restored in the late 1990s. Along with the buildings, there is a small cemetery located close by with headstones dating from 1860-1910.
The town has also been used as a filming location for a number of westerns, including the 1969 film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. You'll spot the town in the bicycle scene on YouTube.
The history of the town and the scenic beauty of Grafton are definitely worth a Sunday Drive to explore!
