utah ghost town road trip

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Ghost Towns in Utah

Every ghost town has a story to tell. They are often reminders of long forgotten dreams, hopes, struggles and gradual decline. Sometimes left behind are abandoned homes and buildings. Other times, there's just a hole in the ground and a few scattered boards. But every one of these dusty towns pays homage to the memories of those who lived and died there.

Many ghost towns require maneuvering backroads with unreliable cell service and terrain, so be sure to do your research and ask locals before setting out. Remember the lives who once lived here and visit with respect. 

Utah Culture & History National Historic Trails

Southern Utah Ghost Towns

Ghost towns like Old Irontown, Stateline and Sego existed in tough desert conditions. First timers should start with Grafton and Silver Reef.

The ghost town of Grafton , located south of Zion National Park , was originally settled by Mormon pioneers, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who answered the calling of their prophet and church president Brigham Young to establish towns throughout Utah. It’s unique because it was established for less than a decade before settlers were forced out due to tensions with Native Americans. Only the graveyard and a renovated schoolhouse remain.

While you can’t go into the schoolhouse, it’s one of the most pristine abandoned buildings left in all of Utah’s ghost towns and makes for a great photo opportunity. Some say that Grafton is the most photographed ghost town in the West. It was even one of the filming locations for parts of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," among other Hollywood movies.

Silver Reef

This fading ghost town is located north of St. George , close to Leeds. A mining town, Silver Reef was the first sandstone location to hold silver and was named for the lode of it that was discovered there. Dhuring the late 1870s and early 1880s, the height of the town’s silver boom, Silver Reef was the most populous place in southern Utah. 

Today, little remains of the once-bustling mining town, but you can spot foundation remnants, the old Wells Fargo building and the graveyard (where many miners lay, purportedly the outcome of settling their disputes the Western way). A nearby building has some replicas and historical information about Silver Reef.

About 15 miles west of the small town of Milford, Utah, exists the remnants of a once wild — and wildly profitable — mining town called Frisco , named for the nearby San Francisco Mountains. The site includes stone kilns and a cemetery. 

Grafton ghost town outside of Zion National Park.

Photo: Eric Erlenbusch

The cemetery at Grafton.

Photo: Rosie Serago

A charcoal kiln at Frisco ghost town.

"Every ghost town has a story to tell. They are often reminders of long forgotten dreams, hopes, struggles and gradual decline."

Northern utah ghost towns.

Utah's northern ghost towns dot the upper half of the state, including across the Great Basin Desert west of Salt Lake City and along the Carbon Corridor between Price and Moab. 

Terrace's fate was tied to the formation of the Transcontinental Railroad. At its peak, Terrace reached nearly 1,000 residents, many of whom were likely Chinese, excluded from the census. The railroad town and its population attracted a chain store, imported trees, library, opera house, pleasure garden, a couple of hotels, a school, a public bath and even a justice of the peace who, according to the shot-up interpretive signage at the site, also ran the saloon.

Terrace all but vanished after the shorter line was completed across Great Salt Lake. Travel to this area requires remote navigating on the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway (Read: A View from The Past ).  

Unlike many ghost towns in Utah, Thistle wasn't a mining hub nor was it abandoned due to its veins of ore being tapped out. It was designed as a railroad town in the late 1800s and served as a waypoint between Denver and points west. Thistle survived well into modern times until it was dealt its death blow in 1983 when a landslide triggered a massive flood that effectively washed away the entire town. To be fair, the town's population had peaked at 600 in 1917 and was reduced to less than 50 when the flood wiped out what was left — meaning it was well on its way to ghost town status even without the natural disaster. 

Some structures still stand, imprisoned by silt. This includes water-ravaged homes and railroad archway entrances to buildings long since destroyed. There are even a few rusting cars within the remaining debris. Thistle is unique in that it is a town that fell into ruin in recent memory and was still functional — although barely — into the 80s. 

Continue driving about an hour toward Helper and you can also find Latuda, a ghost town formed after the mine closed in 1967. 

Not much remains of the old colony that existed here for nearly 50 years. Mormon missionaries found eager converts in the Hawaiian Islands in the 1850s and 1860s, and church leaders decided to settle a community of about 100 converts in the desolate Skull Valley.  A minor leprosy outbreak in 1896 gave Iosepa the distinction of having one of the few leper colonies on American soil.

You see the site of Iosepa a long time before reaching it, with the last remaining old shade trees clearly visible for several miles. The town site is a private ranch today, but you may still access the old cemetery, where there is an especially fine memorial and historical marker describing the settlement of the area. Drive about half a mile up the dirt road between two farmhouses (keep in mind you are on private property) and head toward the large pavilion visible from the road. Built by the Iosepa Historical Association, it is now the site of commemorative events every Memorial Day.

Aerial terrain maps of the region show a hand-drawn re-creation of the former Terrace town site.

Photo: Andrew Dash Gillman

A landslide in 1983 triggered a massive flood that effectively washed away the entire town of Thistle. Some structures still stand, imprisoned by silt.

Photo: Jenny Bauman, Flickr

A momument and memorial at Iosepa Cemetery.

Frisco, a ghost town about 15 miles west of Milford, had been one of the wildest mining towns in the West. 

Exploring Other Ghost Towns

Utah's extensive ghost towns make for excellent day adventures, especially for history buffs and photographers. The earliest ghosts towns date back to the mid-1800s. When you're ready to delve into the days of yore in the wild west, there is no shortage of ghost towns to explore. As for spotting actual ghosts — you'll have to see for your

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A View From the Past

Written By Andrew Dash Gillman

8 minute read

Follow a historian on a tour of the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway as he reconstructs forgotten history.

Frisco: West Desert Ghost Town

Written By Visit Utah

3 minute read

Standing in the Basin and Range topography of Utah's West Desert at ghost town Frisco, you'll feel the solitude of the space

Get Your Spook On: Northern Utah's Most Haunted Places

Written By Brett Prettyman

4 minute read

Looking for a different kind of adventure? One seemingly outside the realms of possibility? Here are some of Utah’s most haunted places.

Movies Filmed in Utah: Plotting a Cinematic Drive-Through

Written By Andrea David

Follow a Germany-based film enthusiast on an extended road trip to discover the rich history of Utah cinematography.

The Unknown & Otherworldly Near Vernal, Utah

Written By Arianna Rees

5 minute read

UFOs, dinosaur bones, ghosts — there’s a chance to see all of them in the wild, weird and existential landscapes of Northeastern Utah.

Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops

Written By Melissa McGibbon

You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.

What Hasn’t Been Found

Written By Rosie Serago

9 minute read

Heritage, families and legends converge along the historic Pony Express route in Utah's West Desert.

Why Price Is the Perfect Basecamp for Your Adventures in Central Utah

Written By Matcha

The gateway to outdoor recreation in Utah's Carbon Corridor, Price offers easy access to climbing, hiking, mountain biking and off-roading.

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead

life in utopia

living life through experiences

Lost In Time: Utah’s Ghost Town Treasures

Our content may include affiliate links, through which we earn a small commission on purchases. Want to learn more about us? Read here .

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature as you discover some of the best ghost towns Utah offers. Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? Utah has some of the most incredible hidden gems, perfect for those exploring beyond the beaten path.

You’ve seen the beautiful national parks and red rock canyons. It’s time to check out some of the many ghost towns; a Utah road trip offers something for everyone.

Getting There

If you’re looking to explore the historic ghost towns of Utah, one of the best ways to do it is by flying into Salt Lake City and renting a car. From there, embark on an adventurous road trip that allows you to spend a week visiting some of the most spectacular ghost towns in the area.

With unique features like abandoned buildings, old mines, and other hidden gems, this journey through time will surely be unforgettable. Whether you take a few days or a full week, you’ll enjoy every moment of discovering these intriguing sites.

Elgin Station and Mercur

• 60 miles from Salt Lake City

Located in Tooele County, Utah, Elgin Station and Mercur Ghost Towns are two of the most well-preserved ghost towns in the state. A former stagecoach station, Elgin Station, was built in 1868 and later served as a post office and Pony Express station.

Today it still stands with its original stone foundation and weathered walls, offering visitors a peek into what life was like in the 1800s. Just down the road is Mercur Ghost Town, originally formed around a gold ore processing mill built in 1891. It once boasted some 500 inhabitants who worked at nearby mines and had access to a company store, churches, schools, and saloons.

Structures here include an old schoolhouse, stamping mill ruins, general store foundations, and a nameplate from the rail line that passed through town. Visitors today can stroll along the remaining boardwalks or investigate Mercur’s mining pits for a glimpse of this old Western boomtown’s history.

• 104 miles from Mercur

Gold Hill is a charming ghost town located in Washington County. Founded during the 1800s, the town was once home to almost 1,000 people who worked at nearby mines and later farmed the land. After World War II, the population of Gold Hill began to decline steadily until it became a virtually deserted town by the 1960s.

Nowadays, visitors to Gold Hill can explore its many abandoned buildings, including an old hotel, saloon, barbershop, and store, and get a glimpse of its rich and fascinating history. For example, you can still see many rusting mining tools scattered around the area, which reminds you of Gold Hill’s past.

The desolate site still holds a certain allure for visitors today who experience its haunting atmosphere and forgotten secrets. Gold Hill is one of Utah’s ghost towns that is certainly off the beaten path, the nearest town, Dugway, is 65 miles east. So this may not be part of your itinerary if your schedule is tight.

• 129 miles from Gold Hill

Tintic, an authentic ghost town, is located in Juab County. The town was first established in the late 1880s as a mining camp and grew rapidly to house over 1,500 people by 1900. The mines of the Tintic Mining District produced more than $100 million in gold, silver, and lead ore.

The mines were eventually ditched due to rising production costs and declining prices for metals. Today the remaining old buildings serve as reminders of Tintic’s old mining town history, providing an interesting look into this once-thriving community that is now only inhabited by ghosts.

• 49 miles from Tintic (Eureka)

Thistle is a ghost town located in Sanpete County. The town was once a bustling railway stop, but with the decline of the region’s coal industry in the 1950s and 1960s, it eventually became deserted. Although the once-lively railroad town station is long gone, its sandstone formation remains.

Visitors to Thistle ghost town can investigate several different ruins, including the old saloon and hotel used by workers in the local coal industry. Other remnants of the past include broken bottles and dishes, an old factory, and even a deserted schoolhouse. Today these ruins act as reminders of Thistle’s former life and continue to fascinate visitors who come to tour these historic places.

Territorial State House State Park

• 109 miles from Thistle

Territorial State House in Fillmore is a unique ghost town experience. The park features the oldest existing capitol building west of the Mississippi River, which served as the state house from 1855 to 1856. It offers a glimpse into Utah’s earliest days of statehood and is home to numerous other historic buildings, including several homesteads, a courthouse, a blacksmith shop, and more.

Visitors can tour the many artifacts throughout the park, learn about its past inhabitants, and participate in various educational programs the park staff offers. Territorial State House is a living museum where visitors can glimpse the beehive state past.

• 33 miles from Territorial State House

Nestled in the corner of Beaver County is the historic ghost town of Cove Fort. Established in 1867 and originally owned by early Mormon settlers, the fort was a prominent stop for wagon trains and travelers heading further west. Though uninhabited in 1895, a few original buildings remain, including a blacksmith shop, carpenter’s shop, powder house, and President Brigham Young’s office.

Visitors can explore an ongoing museum project inside some of these structures to learn more about Cove Fort’s unique history. Authentic artifacts such as old tools and cooking utensils give visitors an insight into life during the 1800s. At the same time, stories surrounding the fort provide captivating tales of courage, struggle, and determination during those times.

Whether interested in history or curious to see what remains of an uncompleted dream, Cove Fort is worth visiting to peer into this pioneering past.

• 70 miles from Cove Fort

Frisco is a picturesque ghost town in Beaver County in the west-central part of the state. Originally founded as a coal mining town in the late 1880s, it was once home to over 2,000 people employed at various mines and other businesses. Today, many of its buildings and remaining structures remain intact, giving visitors a glimpse into its past.

There are two main stops for tourists on the Frisco Ghost Town Trail: The first is the cemetery with some 600 graves where you can pay your respects to those who lived and worked here; then there’s the old mining supply store and icehouse, which still stands. Other attractions include an old schoolhouse, abandoned buildings like an old livery stable and blacksmith shop, and calming views of open fields stretching out over surrounding hillsides.

This challenging terrain has kept much of Frisco isolated from modern development, making it a lovely spot to traverse Utah’s history.

Silver Reef

• 27 miles from Cedar City

Most people agree that Silver Reef is Utah’s most popular ghost town. Silver Reef is a ghost town located in Washington County. First established in 1866, the town boomed with a population of over 8,000 after the discovery of silver ore deposits in the area.

The silver mine was an important resource for years until mining operations were discontinued due to the collapse of silver prices in 1894. While no longer inhabited, visitors can still tour the remaining historic buildings, including a saloon and livery stable.

Silver Reef offers a fascinating glimpse into Utah’s mining past and will captivate any explorer looking for this kind of adventure.

• 30 miles from Silver Reef

The historic site, Grafton ghost town, is a small town in the southwestern corner of Washington County. Situated just outside the Zion National Park along the Virgin River. It was founded by Mormon settlement pioneers in 1859 and initially served as a trading post for supplies and provisions for nearby settlers.

During the mid-1800s, Grafton slowly developed into an important supply hub for overland travelers passing through the area. Abundant fruit orchards were planted and cattle raised, making it an ideal place to trade and rest from long journeys.

Then in 1862, Grafton was struck by a natural disaster. The Virgin River washed away most of the town, dislocating most families. Only a few years later, the Black Hawk War started, forcing even more residents to flee.

Unfortunately, by the mid-1950s, its population had dwindled to only a handful of people who eventually moved away, leaving behind a picturesque ghost town full of deserted houses and weathered buildings that visitors can tour today.

The area around Grafton has also become popular with explorers and historians who come here to experience its unique atmosphere, making Grafton the most photographed ghost town in Utah. Today, the Grafton Heritage Partnership Projects works with local, state, and federal agencies to preserve Grafton’s historic designation on the national register.

You may even recognize some sights from the classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid movie.

Lesser Known Ghost Towns

If you will spend time north of the Great Salt Lake, check out Kelton, Utah, an abandoned mining settlement in northwestern Utah’s West Desert region. Uninhabited since the 1930s, visitors can rediscover this forgotten era as they explore its remnants, including old homes and an old cemetery that still stands as a silent reminder of times passed.

At one time, the transcontinental railroad went through here until the early 1900s, when its station was relocated.

Thompson Springs

It was a small railroad town in Grand County, Utah, founded in the late 19th century. The town was named after E.W. Thompson, a Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad civil engineer.

In the early 20th century, the town experienced a boom as the oil demand increased. The oil was discovered in the area, and the town quickly grew with the influx of workers and their families.

However, with the decline in oil prices and the shift to diesel engines in the mid-20th century, the town’s population gradually dwindled. Today, Thompson Springs is a ghost town with many abandoned buildings and structures that offer a glimpse into its rich history.

Iosepa Ghost Town is a desert settlement founded and later deserted by a small group of Hawaiian members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah’s Skull Valley. You could add this one to your itinerary just before Gold Hill.

Russian Settlement

Russian Settlement is often called a ghost town with no name and is located in the northwestern part of the state. Swindled by land agents, the Russians arrived from California with promises of beautiful land, only to find harsh conditions and drought. The settlement dispersed in 1918, with many returning to California.

Home of the Truth

Home of Truth in southern Utah, founded by Marie Ogden, a spiritualist, started it in 1933. Many followers departed after she began to share her writings on raising women from the dead.

Lastly, Sego ghost town lies in the eastern part of Utah, just north of Utah State Route 50 in Sego Canyon. It was once a coal mining town, transporting its coal on the Ballard & Thompson Railroad from Denver and Rio Grande Western.

It was a booming town with company stores and a boarding house soon being built. However, due to the diminishing water supply, mining was slowed, and paydays were unreliable. One stint lasted five months between paydays. Sego is only about 5 miles north of Thompson Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the history behind Utah’s ghost towns? Many of Utah’s deserted towns sprang up in the wake of mining excitement or were established by members of the Mormon faith. Grafton, for instance, located near Zion National Park, was initially settled by Mormons. However, conflicts with Native Americans led to its abandonment. Similarly, Old Irontown was created in the 1850s with hopes of mining iron ore, but the project quickly fell through, leading to its desertion.
• How can visitors access these ghost towns? Visiting ghost towns can require navigating less-traveled roads, sometimes with spotty cell phone coverage. It’s wise to gather information and seek advice from locals ahead of your journey.
• What can visitors see today at these ghost towns? Currently, remnants narrating Utah’s history are accessible to those who visit. In the case of Grafton, only a cemetery and a restored schoolhouse are left, reflecting the brief period the town was inhabited. Meanwhile, Old Irontown is rich with structures for exploration, showcasing items like a distinctive beehive-shaped charcoal oven, the remnants of a foundry’s brick chimney, and an “Arastra,” employed for grinding iron ore.

A co-founder of life in utopia, a online platform that celebrates outdoor activities and travel. Patrick is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys skiing, hiking and backpacking. When he's not exploring the natural world, Patrick loves spending time with his wife and two dogs.

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21 Ghost Towns In Utah [MAP]

Last Updated on August 26, 2022 by Urbex Underground

If you’re searching for ghost towns in Utah we’ve got you covered! Below are 21 different ghost towns you can explore across the great state of Utah along with their status and exact GPS coordinates.

We rate ghost towns in Utah based on their status. Here’s how our system works:

• Abandoned: Is abandoned with ruins and structures in a decayed state. Great for urban explorers .
• Historic: Preservation efforts have been made and sometimes plaques installed. Great for everyone .
• Barren: Almost nothing remains of the town. Ideal for metal detectorists.
• Commercial: Is commercially owned with amenities, restaurants, and stores. Great for families .
• Semi-Abandoned : Abandoned areas with a small population in the area.
• Privately Owned: Tours might be available but not open to the general public.

2. Silver Reef

3. old irontown, 4. stateline, 7. castle gate, 9. promontory, 11. thompson springs, 12. marysvale, 13. mammoth, 15. home of truth, 17. nine mile canyon, 18. blacks fork, 19. coal city, 21. sulphurdale, the anarchist’s guide to exploration.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of urban exploration, this book is for you. Learn how to uncover more abandoned places and the techniques used to capture their beauty.

37.16746, -113.08094 Status: Historic

A small group of settlers from Virginia established this beautiful area in 1858. They grew cotton, alfalfa, and wheat in scenic surroundings thanks to good soils. The occupancy started declining in 1907 because people started leaving due to floods, harsh winter weather, and attacks by Indians.

Life was very harsh in this area due to attacks such as three brothers and one wife were killed by Indians in 1866. Three children died young (below 9 years of age) from 1865 and 1877. Their graves along with the burial sites of several Native Americans can be seen in the cemetery. The last inhabitants left this area in 1944.

What’s Left?

Grafton is a historical place near the boundary of Zion National Park. There are aged wooden buildings in good condition and a very well-preserved cemetery with graves from the 1860s. Grafton Heritage Partnership was established in 1997 that manages the site. Some people live in small houses in the neighborhood, there is a nearby ranch, farmlands, and orchards. The surroundings are peaceful, authentic, and atmospheric with colorful cliffs of the national park in the backdrop.

37.25333, -113.36673 Status: Historic

Silver reef became a mining town in late 1800s when silver was discovered in this area. In 1870s, another mining town Pioche, Nevada started to decline and miners were relocating to Silver Reef. In a couple of years, it became a vibrant business district with more than 2000 inhabitants.

The boom of the mining town was short because most of the mines had closed in 1884. People started moving to the nearby town of Leeds by 1901. Uranium was mined in this area after World War II for a very short time. After that Silver Reef became a ghost town with very few buildings.

Silver Reef is a true Wild West Ghost Town. You can visit this stunning geological setting by taking a guided tour, or just wondering around. It starts at the National Historic Register named Wells Fargo Express office that was restored and converted into a museum. There are walking trails that lead to old stone kilns where silver was processed, a museum, a gift shop located in the old bank, an old main street, a gallery, a restaurant, and many other places of interest.

37.60047, -113.4558 Status: Historic

Irontown was established by Mormon leader, Brigham Young when Irontown was discovered in Southern Utah. He called for volunteers in 1851 to colonize the region. In June 1868, Union Iron Company was established with the investment of Ebenezer Hanks which later became Great Western Iron Company.

By 1870, almost 19 households, two kilns, a pattern shop, a grinding device, and a molding shop in the city. After that, many people started settling in the area and by 1871 the mining town had a schoolhouse, post office, general store, boarding house, and butcher shop. During peak operation, the town was producing five to seven tons of pig iron. Reduced sales of iron items and increased shipping costs became the primary reason for the decline of the Great Western iron company.

There are some places of interest, beehive style charcoal oven, original foundry remains including chimneys and furnace which are very well preserved among the ruins. The site was registered as Old Iron Town, on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. There are some occupied homes and a few newer homes in the town.

38.9624, -119.9399 Status: Semi-Abandoned

In 1894, Stateline Canyon started to attract residents when gold and silver were discovered in the area. The boom took place after the Ophir mine was discovered in the area and the population started increasing. There were many general stores and approximately 300 people living in the area by 1903. With the decline of mines, miners started moving to other areas for greener areas and gold mines.

You can explore sandstone formations and ruins throughout the canyon. There are well-preserved stone buildings, a mercantile store, a cemetery, and old foundations. Ophir Mine mill is also in a good condition and is one of my favorite buildings on the property. There is also a reservoir for mining facilities that are now used by local ranchers for water in the valley of Stateline.

39.04145, -109.7115 Status: Abandoned

In the early 1890s, a farmer by the name of Harry Ballard discovered coal adjacent to his ranch. He kept his discovery a secret and purchased that property. Coal operations started on a small scale by digging out manually. The news quickly reached Salt Lake City and a hardware store owner bought Ballard’s property.

People started developing the area rapidly in the coming years. In 1916, the primary investor was not happy with the profits because they started declining. In 1955, Grand coal Company sold all its holdings to another company. That resulted in the decline of population and made this area a ghost town.

The old site displays various places that belong to the prosperous past of the site. There are foundations, mine shafts, old railroad bridges, cemeteries, and other crumbling structures. There is native American rock art among other structures. This combination of history and ruin makes its one of the best ghost towns in Utah.

39.99134, -111.49824 Status: Abandoned

Thistle was once an important place for visitors of Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. There was a school, saloon, restaurant, and a population of around 650 residents. After the railroads converted from locomotive to diesel engines, trains no longer stopped in Thistle.

After a massive rainfall in 1983, floods and landslides blocked the Spanish Fork River and wiped out the rail line. People had a couple of hours to evacuate the area. Their homes were destroyed and the town became abandoned. There are some houses which are broken and partially in the water.

The town is abandoned and the remaining structures are under swampy water. This area cannot be easily explored. Vigilant explorers can find a few water-logged homes throughout the area. Unlike many ghost towns in Utah, Thistle is one of the few that was completely decimated by a change in water levels.

39.73559, -110.8727 Status: Abandoned

Castle Gate was a coal mining town that started in 1886, operated by Pleasant Valley Coal Company. The town started booming in no time when more people started settling and building houses. In 1889, coke ovens started to provide coke for Salt Lake smelters.

In November 1903, coal miners went on a strike for dangerous working conditions, low wages, and longer working hours. Later, coal mine 2 and coal mine 3 also opened for mining. In 1924 an open flame ignited the coal dust in Castle gate no.2. Two more explosions occurred after the first one that resulted in the destruction of mining equipment, coal cars, telephone poles, and other things. In 2015, Castle Gate Power Plant closed due to environmental issues related to mercury.

There are many headstones in the Castle Gate cemetery. Most of them are from 1918’s epidemic flu and 1924 of people who were killed in the explosion. You can see the ethnic and religious diversity of this area by the names of people on the gravestones. While the area is far from abandoned there are plenty of ruins in and around the Castle Gate area to explore.

38.46081, -113.26279 Status: Abandoned

Frisco was a thriving town of 6000 people that was an active mining town between 1879 to 1929. The name of the town was inspired by the famous city of San Francisco. The area started developing when the Horn Silver Mine was established in 1875 and later became the largest producer of silver in the area. With the passage of time many other mines were also discovered. This area had a short-lived success as a mining camp as the mines dried up and silver declined in price. After the decline of mining, people started leaving the town.

Today, there are abandoned structures, crumbling foundations, cemeteries, charcoal ovens, rusting mining equipment, and many other things to explore making Frisco one of the most fascinating ghost towns in Utah.

41.61977, -112.54679 Status: Historic

Promontory is a high-ground area in the Northwest of Salt Lake City. It is famous for Promontory the Summit with the transcontinental railroad from Sacramento to Omaha. There is an original abandoned alignment called Lucin Cutoff that crosses Promontory mountains.

The first rail route was completed in 1868 through the Sierra Nevada mountains and more than 4000 workers were working on-site, most of them were Chinese. There were shops, stores, tents, and many other places of interest in the area by December 1869. By June 1870, the population started to decline and by 20th century, wheat farmers started changing the landscape with families and farms. As harsh summers dried up the lands, the farmer quickly left for greener pastures.

Golden Spike National Historic Site was signed into law in July 1965. The administration of the park is under National Park Service. There is a visitor center, engine house, walking trails, and the famous Golden Spike ceremony in this area. Promontory is beautifully preserved making it one of the best historic ghost towns in Utah.

40.54195, -112.73361 Status: Abandoned

Losepa is located in Skull Valley Tooele county, southwest of Salt Lake City. In 1850s Mormon missionaries started settling in the Polynesia area. In 1870s native Hawaiians started settling in Salt Lake City. They faced mistreatment and culture shock due to the white majority. Despite this, they endured and established a settlement.

People started building homes, schools, stores, and a church in this area. An extensive irrigation system was also developed in this area to bring water from the Stansbury mountains.

The entire settlement was very well planned whereas the harsh environment was tough and there were many diseases like smallpox, leprosy pneumonia, and diphtheria. Several crop failures made times harder in this area. People started leaving the area to find somewhere more hospitable. By January 1917, Losepa was a ghost town.

The Losepa cemetery was placed in 1971 on the National Register of Historic Places. A memorial day was organized in 1980 that was attended by a few Polynesian families of Utah. People gather at the location for the celebration. A large concrete pavilion and restrooms were added to the location in 1999. People can visit the location and enjoy camping as well as exploring in this area.

32.95983, -98.76534 Status: Abandoned

The town started when E.W.Thompson operated a sawmill near the cliffs and established a small settlement. The name of the town was decided based on his name. This small community called Thompson Springs contained sheepherders, small-scale farmers, and cattlemen.

A stop was created in the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad to reach the settlement. Harry Ballard discovered coal mines in the land adjacent to his ranch that became a reason for this town’s prosperity. The town started declining when power engines were replaced by diesel engines and mining transportation became an issue.

The town is a few miles away from the new highway. There is an exit from the road and a gas station. Thompson Spring is visited by tourists for a quick stop while passing west.

38.48097, -112.3714 Status: Historic

This area started to take off when Silver ore was discovered in Marysvale in the 1860s. After this discovery, gold was discovered in 1889 and in 1949 uranium was discovered just in time to support the war effort. People started moving to Marysvale for mining and other work opportunities. Town started developing when the United States Atomic Energy Commission established a field office and ore purchasing station in Marysvale.

The post office of Marysvale started in 1872 and it is still operating. There is a Paiute ATV trail in Marysvale along with many other activities. Tourists visit this area for ATV tours and other activities.  Of all the ghost towns in Utah Marysvale is arguably the most active.

39.92633, -112.12633 Status: Semi-Abandoned

Mammoth mine was discovered in February 1870 which kickstarted the population of Mammoth. The environment was harsh with no natural water source. Water pipes were used for industrial use and people had to buy gallons of drinking water for drinking. Mammoth mines produced silver and gold ores. Around 1900-1910, the population of Mammoth rose to 2500-3000 people. There was a school, four large hotels, and other places of interest in the town. The town started declining after 1910 when mining became difficult. People moved to other places with better opportunities, lifestyles, and weather.

Small-scale mining still occurs in the area and some residents still live in Mammoth. The area is popular among campers, hikers, off-road vehicle riders, and ghost town enthusiasts. Mammoth is one of my favorite ghost towns in Utah

38.9114, -109.1404 Status: Semi-Abandoned

In 1880, the town started as a water filling station and saloon for Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad. Stores, restaurants, and hotels started establishing as travelers came through after the discovery of natural gas and oil. Many miners settled in the town.

The town started declining after the replacement of the steam engine and the economy crashed after Interstate 70 was built. There was no proper connectivity between the town with the highway which ultimately killed off the population.

There are different relics of the old town, abandoned vehicles and belongings. An art residency by Eileen Muza is organized that is joined by different communities and people. This art residency bought attention from all over the world to this town.

38.0608, -109.3841 Status: Abandoned

The town formed when a wealthy widow started a religious community in 1933 when her husband passed away. She began claiming that God was dictating messages through the typewriter and speaking through her divine manipulation and opened a “Truth Center”.

This small community believed that everything will come to an end as through an apocalypse, except for the barren place where they were living. The decline of this area started when strange rituals began and a woman who was promised a cure for cancer died. Orgen (the cult lady) refused to bury her body and cult members fed the dead body milk and eggs for two months. The community dissolved by the end of the 1930s.

This land is private property and the owner wants to restore Home of Truth and other places of interests to open them to pthe ublic. There are abandoned buildings and a gate to the inner portal. A small cemetery with five graves. Of all the ghost towns in Utah, Town of Truth undoubtedly has some of the craziest stories and characters.

33.73147, -99.68342 Status: Abandoned

Lucin was developed in the late 19 th century by the employees of Central and Southern Pacific Railroads. It served as a water stop for railroads and steam locomotives. The town was abandoned in 1936. In 1997 a Venturing aviation entrepreneur and manufacturer of a plane propeller (Ivoprop), Ivo Zdarsky lived in this place.

This area is handled by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for migrating songbirds and other wildlife. There is a large artwork created by artist Nancy Holt in 1976, called the Sun Tunnels. 

39.7762, -110.4964 Status: Historic

Nine Mile Canyon was the main transport corridor in the 1880s. There were a number of ranches and a small town named Harper. There were rich deposits of natural gas. However, the fugitive dust and truck traffic was destroying cultural resources and the rock art of the canyon. Eventually, in 1920 it became a ghost town.

Today Nine Mile Canyon is known for its extensive rock artwork, granaries, and shelters promoted as “the world’s longest art gallery”. Most of the works are created by the Ute People and Fremont Culture. This is a destination for tourists and archaeologists alike.

40.97099, -110.587 Status: Abandoned

Backs Fork named after the Blacks Fork River, and was established in 1870 as a supplier of lumber to the mining industries and the railroad. The population of the town reached 100 and soon after that, it was abandoned due to harsh weather conditions. There were a few homes, a post office, and a barn in the town.

The town has abandoned buildings, company offices, large barns, storage places, stores, and restaurants. It is visited by tourists and ghost town enthusiasts. 

39.66666, -111.01638 Status: Abandoned

Coal City was a farming community, established in 1885. Farming and ranching were difficult because the town’s elevation was almost 7000 feet with rich soil. Small-scale mining began in the town when coal was discovered in the area. Mining was also not successful in the area because the town was away from the railroad. Coal production started declining in 1935 and the town was abandoned in the 1960s.

Coal City has a few buildings which are managed by the Gordon Creek Wildlife Management Area. Deteriorating structures and old water systems can be seen in the area. No motor vehicles are allowed in the area. Tourists and archaeologists can visit the area making it

39.78583, -109.07333 Status: Abandoned

Dragon was started as a Gilsonite mining camp in 1888. There were veins of Gilsonite a type of natural asphalt that was found nowhere else at that time. The town boomed at the start of the 20 th century and started declining after the end of the Uintah Railway line.

Gilsonite is flammable causing a couple of accidents during the mine’s operation. One of the accidents resulted in the death of two miners and complete destruction of the Uintah Railway warehouse. Mining operations in the town stopped in 1938. The mine was discovered due to a Black Dragon shape substance on the ground so the mine was named Black dragon mine.

The Dragon and Rainbow mines slowly closed down. There are ruins and remains of Dragon, a hotel in the rubble pile, an old school, a small cemetery, and some old foundations.

38.56027, -112.58194 Status: Abandoned

Sulphurdale kicked off in 1870 but large-scale mining started after 1883 when a thermal plant was built. Proper production began in 1890. Despite the extraction of 1000 tons of Sulphur, high-quality Sulphur was difficult to extract.

There were 30 homes, a company store, offices, and a school in town. Production of Sulphur slowed in 1940s which led to the closing of the mine and mill in 1966. Sulphurdale was completely abandoned by the 1970s. A geothermal power system was installed in 1985 that is still producing electricity.

There is a geothermal power system near the town. There are a couple of houses and a school house in the town. The town is open for visitors. Visitors often stop by to see the town and the old Mormon fort nearby.

Go out and explore!

That concludes our list of ghost towns in Utah, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to find. Take the back roads, follow train tracks, and find some places for yourself. There are plenty of places I kept off this list so get out there and explore.

If you’re having trouble finding ghost towns be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Abandoned Places , or explore other ghost towns across the country .

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6 Spookiest Ghost Towns in Utah for Exploring the Old West

Posted by Liz Dengler March 12, 2022 Updated December 28, 2022

For those with a fascination with the spiritual and the desolate, old deserted towns have an allure that can only be alleviated by exploration.

Luckily, Utah is full of ghost towns and abandoned mining towns to explore. There are over 100 ghost/abandoned towns in the state, most of which are old mining towns (all that remains are cemeteries or old rock walls).

However, a few remnants are especially unique and have a truly fascinating history. Read on to learn more about the 6 ghost towns in Utah you must see for yourself.

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Nearest Town: Thompson Springs (10 minutes)

Just a quick hop north of I-70 is the old Sego ghost town. Set up against the Book Cliffs, this small town was once flourishing due to the discovery of a vein of coal by Henry Ballard.

Buying up land and mining the coal, the town sprang up in 1910. A short railroad spur developed in 1912, and the growth led to the establishment of a post office, company store, boarding house, and expansive growth. However, there was little water nearby (what water there was, was poor quality), and the town struggled to develop beyond a few hundred people.

The coal vein was extremely productive between 1920 to 1947, but eventually, the cost of mining the vein outpaced the income and dwindled. In the 1950s, a flash flood took out what remained of the vanishing town.

Today, only a few old stone foundations and run-down wooden structures remain. There is one large stone building that remains in decent shape. There are a few remaining old railroad cuts and trestles visible throughout the town. If you’re looking for something else to do on your visit, on the way up the canyon, there is a small roadside cliff with some interesting petroglyphs. This is a great side trip for any historian to explore!

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2. Home of Truth

Nearest Town: Monticello

A unique ghost town, the remains of the Home of Truth are tucked in the southeast desert. Once a religious colony, the town was initially established as a post-apocalyptic utopia in 1933. The town’s story begins in New Jersey, when Marie Ogden, the grief-stricken widow of a wealthy man, began searching for answers in religion. Claiming God spoke through her (and her typewriter, she opened the “Truth Center.” She was soon told (by God) to build his kingdom in the Dry Valley near Church Rock, Utah.

Marie Ogden, by this time, had accrued a handful of diehard followers, who all believed her tales that the world was going to an end except for this new kingdom of God — the would-be site of Christ’s second coming. The commune grew from a handful to about 100 in 1935, and the property acquired about 20 buildings. Ogden lived in the inner portal, the heart of a settlement, and spread the word of God through a newspaper, printed on her typewriter.

However, in 1935, only seven diehard followers remained. The cult’s rituals spread across the land, and the decline began. Ogden’s prophecies continued to fail to come true, and her followers began to question her authenticity and abandoned the property. By the end of the 1930s, the cult was dissolved.

After Ogden’s death in 1975, the land was bought, and the new owner made a point to preserve the “Inner Portal” with hopes to restore it and open it to the public. Currently, visitors can only view the compound from the road, though many remains are visible from Utah State Route 211.

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Nearest town: Rockville

Near Zion National Park is the old Mormon settlement of Grafton that was established in 1859 by a small group of five families from the nearby Virgin. The group found fertile soil to plant cotton, wheat, and alfalfa. However, frequent floods, occasional skirmishes with native Americans, and often harsh winters were brutal on the people of the small community.

Despite the challenges, it wasn’t long before the town population swelled to 168 people (28 families) by 1864. After 1907, some left the commune for the larger Rockville settlement, though the hamlet survived a bit longer.

Only a quarter-mile off the road on the way to Zion, Grafton is super accessible for anyone who wants to take a side trip. Before reaching the remains of the old ghost town, you come upon the cemetery with a few dozen graves from 1860 to 1910.

The only remaining structures are close to the road and include a barn, outhouse, a home built in 1877 by John Wood, a church/schoolhouse from 1886, a two-story dwelling of Alonzo Russell, and a house of Louisa Russell. Some of the structures have been partially restored by the Grafton Heritage Partnership to preserve them. There is even a live-in caretaker to oversee the property and management of the site.

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4. Silver Reef

Nearest town: Leeds

Another mining town established in the late 1800s near what is now Zion National Park, Silver Reef now sits as a restored monument to its time. The old town, has been built up into an established tourist spot complete with building tours and mine exhibits. Unfortunately, there is a small admission fee to experience the site.

The town was established when a rare vein of silver was discovered in a sandstone formation in 1866. Bankers from Salt Lake City sent a client (William Barbee) to stake mining claims (21 in total), and from then, there was an influx of mining and people. Accordingly, Barbee established a small town to accommodate the miners. However, when property values skyrocketed in the established Bonanza City, miners settled on the nearby ridge, which eventually became known as Silver Reef.

Nearly 2000 people were living in the town by 1879. The town had grown tremendously — there was now a mile-long Main Street, Wells Fargo office, and restaurants. Interestingly, there was only a Catholic church, despite its location in territory mostly under Mormon influence. As the global markets prices for silver dropped, the mines slowly began to close, with most of them ceasing operations by 1884. By 1901, most buildings were boarded up, and residents moved to nearby Leeds.

Throughout the 1900s, the mines traded hands numerous times, never with much success or long-standing operations. Visiting today, all that remains are the Wells Fargo, the Cosmopolitan Restaurant, the Rice Building, and a few foundations or walls of the town.

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Nearest Town: Milford

At the base of the San Francisco Mountains is the old mining town of Frisco . Built in 1875, the town was established after the discovery of silver. Known as the “toughest” camp, murder was a daily occurrence in the town, with some reports suggesting an average of 12 men each night. After the discovery of silver, the population soared to over 6000 people — even with the daily debit of 12 souls.

The town was scattered with saloons, hotels, gambling halls, and a top-notch redlight district. The Horn Silver Mine produced over $20 million of ore by 1885 and over $60 million of copper, lead, silver, and gold. However, in the winter of 1885, the mine caved in, and the remaining massive fortune was lost forever. Small operations remained until 1929, but Frisco’s productivity faded over the years.

Today, a few old stone kilns and buildings stand in Frisco. The charcoal kilns are by far the most notable feature with their dome-stoned structure — they are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is some old mining equipment that is barely recognizable, rusting away in the desert sand. A highlight for many folks visiting the town is the old cemetery with headstones dating to the 1800s.

While you visit this spot, please do not enter the mines — it is both illegal and incredibly dangerous due to the instability of the mine. On top of that, some gas still emanates from one of the mines. Entering these places can be deadly.

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Nearest town: Thompson Springs

Located right off I-70, the road past Cisco is the back way to Moab. The town was established in the 1880s as a water refilling station for the Denver-Rio Grande Railroad and slowly developed. There was a saloon to start, but more establishments popped up as travelers passed through, including stores, hotels, and restaurants.

Eventually, herds from the Book Cliffs began passing through the small town of Cisco, using it as a provisioning center. Around 1900, there were over 100,000 sheep sheared at Cisco each year. Unfortunately, the town was linked to the steam locomotive, and the town’s economy crashed when the interstate was built, bypassing the small town.

Today, there are numerous relics of the town. Driving through, you wouldn’t think much of it, and the old buildings have lured vandals, and it has become a popular spot to abandon litter and vehicles. The more interesting aspect of Cisco’s more recent existence is the presence of Eileen Muza.

In the early 2010s, the artist began a residency in Cisco. She lives in the town (alone) and uses old salvaged and on-site materials to transform the relics into art. There is now an Airbnb, skatepark, an old bus with a wooden snake winding through, and of course, a welcome mural.

Related read : 10 Wild West Facts of Everyday Life on the Frontier

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Seen in: Southwest , Utah , West

Posted by Liz Dengler

Liz is a freelance writer and editor who lives on the road. Literally. Home is a cozy van parked wherever the views are stunning and the data is adequate. Always exploring, wherever she ends up, you can be sure she will be out hiking, biking, skiing, and paragliding.

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A Ghost Town Side Trip in Southwest Utah

Smack dab between Zion National Park and Red Cliffs National Conservation Area lies a small, abandoned town that was the place to be, be seen, and get rich in the late 1800s. Silver Reef, Utah , one of the Southwest’s most popular ghost towns, was a flourishing mining spot back in the day, filled with western saloons, old prospectors, and plenty of shoot-outs.

While Silver Reef is all ruins, no riches today, its crumbling rock walls hold an interesting history for visitors who take the time to stop by.

Silver Reef’s story starts in 1866, when the prospector John Kemple uncovered a vein of silver in the town’s sandstone—a first-of-its-kind discovery. Geologists spent years refuting his claims, until a group of bankers from Salt Lake City caught wind of the breakthrough and staked their mining claims in the Silver Reef region.

Silver Reef quickly evolved into a flourishing mining town, with 33 mines that produced more than 7 million ounces of silver. During 1879, its peak year, the town boasted a hotel, boarding houses, stores, saloons, restaurants, banks, a newspaper—the Silver Reef Miner —and a population of more than 1000 people.

And, like all good ghost (town) stories, Silver Reef was full of seedy characters who brought gambling, prostitution, shoot-outs, violence and all those The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly -isms to town. After a major fire and many miner strikes, Silver Reef went on the decline in the 1890s before turning into the abandoned roadside ghost town that it is today.

While it’s not a destination where you’d want to spend more than a couple hours, Silver Reef is an interesting stop-off for Southwest road trippers. Four key sights to add to your itinerary include:

1. The Silver Reef Museum is housed in the oldest Wells Fargo Express Station still in existence. Built in 1878, silver was guarded at and exported from the old station, which made it an integral part of Silver Reef’s prosperity. Today, the museum houses old bottles, guns, carpentry tools, and other historical items that help illustrate the mining life of yesteryear.

2. The Cosmopolitan Restaurant was owned by a Bavarian woman who is said to have made some of the best hash in the west. The original building was dismantled in 1895, at the tail-end of when locals were in a mass exodus from the imploding Silver Reef, but a replica of the Cosmopolitan still stands today.

Stephanie Vermillion

3. Silver Reef’s Main Street

was filled with flourishing, bustling businesses, such as the Louder General Store, which was run by the town newspaper's editor. Today, it’s everything you’d expect from an abandoned old ghost town—tumbleweed, cactuses, crippled buildings, and an eerie desert silence.

4. The Elk Horn Saloon was once easily recognizable because of the giant elk horns mounted to its front sign (which are now on display at the town museum; the saloon is no longer standing, and is now marked by a large sign). For about 15 years, the bar was run by a successful German owner who gave out free food to get people drinking. According to Silver Reef historians , the saloon owner’s business luck nearly wore out when he ousted a man for eating—but not drinking—at his bar. The angry patron came back with a vengeance and a gun, and in typical old west fashion, initiated a shoot-out. Fortunately for the community, the man missed five times, so the staff kept working and the drinks kept a-comin’.

Silver Reef is located in Leeds, Utah, right off I-15. It’s 40 minutes west of Zion, 30 minutes northeast of Red Cliffs, and—ironically for a ghost town—is adjacent to an upscale neighborhood with satellite dishes and swimming pools. Someone’s gotta keep the tumbleweed in line, right?

Grafton Ghost Town: Utah’s Whispering Relic of the Past

In the shadow of Utah’s majestic landscapes lies a place frozen in time, where the whispers of the past echo through the deserted streets. Welcome to Grafton Ghost Town, a haunting Old West relic in southern Utah’s heart. As you step into this abandoned settlement, you’re transported back to the days of pioneers and prospectors, where rugged frontiersmen once sought their fortunes against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Join us on a journey through the history and mystery of Grafton Ghost Town as we unravel its secrets and explore the stories etched into its weathered facades. Located only nine miles from Zion National Park, Grafton is a perfect stop to visit while in the area.  

Table of Contents

Grafton Ghost Town Location

Along the way to Zion National Park on SR9, go past Rockville’s town center, then turn south onto Bridge Road  and go over the Virgin River, then take a right at the intersection and bare right at every intersection and follow the signs a few miles to the Grafton Ghost Town, which is a dead end road with no services, no water, power or toilets. The cemetery is on your left before you get to the town. The route is impassable in a brutal rain storm.

History of The Grafton Ghost Town

The history of Grafton Ghost Town in Utah is a tale of resilience, struggle, and, ultimately, abandonment. Founded in 1859 by Mormon pioneers, Grafton was one of the earliest settlements in southern Utah. The fertile land along the Virgin River drew the settlers to the area, which offered farming and ranching opportunities.

Despite its promising beginnings, Grafton faced numerous challenges over the years. Flooding from the nearby river constantly threatened the town, destroying crops and homes on multiple occasions. Additionally, conflicts with local Native American tribes added to the hardships faced by the settlers.

The final blow came in 1921 when the construction of a new bridge across the Virgin River bypassed Grafton, diverting traffic from the town. With its economic lifeline severed, Grafton’s remaining residents gradually departed, leaving behind a ghost town frozen in time.

Today, Grafton Ghost Town is a haunting reminder of the pioneers who once called this place home. The well-preserved buildings offer a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to imagine life in this rugged frontier settlement. Despite its abandonment, Grafton’s legacy lives on through its rich history and the stories of the people who built and inhabited this remote corner of Utah.

You can learn more about Grafton and its preservation efforts on the Grafton Heritage Partnership Projects website.

What You Will See In Grafton Ghost Town, Utah

In Grafton Ghost Town, visitors will find a fascinating array of historical remnants and natural beauty that tell the story of this once-thriving pioneer settlement. Here are some of the notable features and attractions you can expect to encounter:

• Abandoned Buildings: The town has well-preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including homes, a schoolhouse, a church, and other community structures. These weathered buildings offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the town’s former residents and provide a tangible connection to the past.
• Grafton Cemetery: The Grafton Cemetery is a poignant reminder of the challenges and hardships faced by the early settlers. Many of the graves date back to the town’s founding, offering insight into the lives and stories of those who lived and died in Grafton.
• Scenic Views: Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of southern Utah, Grafton Ghost Town offers breathtaking views of red rock cliffs, desert terrain, and the nearby Virgin River. The area’s natural beauty contrasts the town’s abandoned buildings, creating a memorable backdrop for exploration and photography.
• Historical Signage: Throughout the town, visitors will find informational signage providing details about Grafton’s history, including its founding, growth, and eventual decline. These interpretive panels offer valuable context and insight into the site’s significance.

A visit to Grafton Ghost Town offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the remnants of Utah’s pioneer past amidst the backdrop of stunning desert landscapes. Whether you’re interested in history, photography, or outdoor adventure, Grafton Ghost Town has something to offer for visitors of all ages and interests.

1. Grafton School House – Built 1886

This rustic building stands in front of the massive views of Zion National Park. Grafton’s schoolhouse is arguably one of the most photographed ghost town structures of the wild west. It has been used as the setting for a number of western movies including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The residents of Grafton used the schoolhouse as not only a school but also a community meeting place, church as well as a place for dances and plays.

The last students were taught here during the 1918-19 school year with an enrollment of nine students. The following year students were transferred to the school at Rockville.

2. The Russell Home – Built 1862

This adobe house was built around 1862 and has recently been restored. It has a large front porch where the family would socialize, sing, and listen to music. Alonzo Russell was a blacksmith by trade and supplied the town with eating utensils and farm tools in addition to repairing broken wagon parts.

Alonzo Russell lived in this house until he died in 1910 at the age of 89. His grave can be found in the Grafton Cemetery.

3. Grafton Cemetary 1862-1924

One of the most interesting sites for us during our visit to the Grafton Ghost Town, Utah was the old cemetery.

There are estimated to be 84 graves in the Grafton Cemetery, though some are missing headstones.

The desolate land of Grafton in the 1800s was difficult to survive for many. Some died from diseases, such as tuberculosis, and others from accidents. The infant mortality rate was also high back then, and the graves of babies are scattered throughout the cemetery.

1866 was the worst year in Grafton, with 13 recorded deaths that year. Of the 13 deaths, the ages ranged from 6 months to 35 years.

This cemetery is a great monument that provides a unique opportunity for area visitors to learn about early pioneer settlements and Grafton’s settlers.

Other Assorted Structures and Cabins

In addition to the above structures still standing there are a few other cabins, and homes that remain in Grafton. A number of them are open to the public and offer a glimpse into how the Mormon settlers in Utah lived during the 1800s.

Visiting the Grafton Ghost Town, Utah is a quick stop but certainly worth it. We spent approximately 45 minutes to an hour visiting the town with our two children. Coming from New England we are used to historical structures, and structures still standing from the 1800s. However, this was the first time we visited an abandoned ghost town from the wild west.

If you are ever planning on visiting Zion National Park we highly recommend stopping to see Grafton.

Our Experience at the Grafton Ghost Town, Utah

We added the Grafton Ghost Town to  our first cross-country trip , where we stopped to visit Zion National Park.

Thankfully, through all the dirt roads, we could make it to the abandoned town in our RV. Our family spent an hour or so exploring the location. It was a great experience to see the untouched Utah landscape and how the early settlers lived. This ghost town is in reasonable condition thanks to the Grafton Heritage Partnership Project. 

If you plan on visiting Zion National Park during your travels, we highly recommend adding Grafton to your itinerary.

We love to hear from our followers. Please leave a comment below. 

Have you ever visited a ghost town? Is there any great ghost town you would recommend?

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5 Spooky Ghost Towns in Utah (and Awesome Nearby Campsites)

By: Author The Drivin' & Vibin' Team

Posted on October 29, 2020

Ghost towns aren’t necessarily haunted; they’re just places that are deserted for one reason or another. But some of them do seem to have some unsettled spirits wandering the grounds.

Are these spooky destinations something to fear, or are they simply historic places that are interesting to visit because they tell us stories from the past? Take a tour of these ghost towns in Utah and decide for yourself!

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a town, city or village that’s no longer inhabited. Many are former mining towns, while others were abandoned because of some other circumstances, such as a disaster of some kind or even because of pollution.

Living ghost towns are ghost towns that still have a few residents or activities for tourists.

Ghost towns often have a colorful history – and many of them have ghost stories , too!

Grafton , Utah

Many of Utah’s ghost towns are former mining camps. But, Grafton was a small community of Mormon farmers who endured hardships like harsh winters, Indian attacks and flooding from the Virgin River before moving away to the larger town of Rockville.

A handful of residents lingered until 1945. A few partially restored buildings and some farm relics from the 1860s remain on the site, which is the southwestern part of the state near Zion National Park. The surrounding countryside is orchards and farmland.

Today, visitors to Grafton can:

• Visit the picturesque adobe schoolhouse that was built in 1886
• See the site of a movie set that was used in the classic film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
• Wander through a few houses that remain standing
• Read what’s on the tombstones at the historic cemetery
• Take a side trip to Zion National Park

Nearby Camping: Zion River Resort RV Park & Campground

Just minutes away in the town of Virgin, Zion River Resort RV Park & Campground offers great amenities in a wilderness setting with stunning mountain views. It’s clean and tidy with pull-throughs as well as back-ins, full hookups and wide, level sites with cement pads and grassy areas between them. Extras include a heated pool and hot tub plus opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and rock climbing.

Cisco Ghost Town

Cisco is another of the ghost towns in Utah whose history is fairly modern.

In eastern Utah near the Colorado line, it was settled as a place to service the steam-driven trains of the old Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, which later became part of Union Pacific. As many as 200 people lived in Cisco before its decline, which started with the advent of diesel engines in the 1950s.

The final nail in Cisco’s coffin came when Interstate 70 bypassed the town when it was built in the 1970s. A few old buildings and cars and trucks remain in this modern ghost town that has appeared in several movies, including Thelma and Louise .

Today, visitors to Cisco can:

• Visit the Cisco Landing Store, which was once a popular gathering place
• See the nearby spot where oil was discovered in 1924
• Photograph the crumbling buildings that remain, including the old post office
• Try and recognize places you may have seen in the movies
• Take in nearby attractions that include historic petroglyphs and pictographs

Nearby Camping: Ballard RV Park and Vacation Rentals

Take Exit 187 off I-70 to reach Ballard RV Park and Vacation Rentals in nearby Thompson Springs. Besides having full hookups and pull-through sites up to 120 feet, the campground welcomes all kinds of hikers and explorers for the miles of surrounding trails that are great for ATVs.

Frisco Ghost Town, Utah

Frisco was a booming mining town for more than half a century. It was booming until a sudden tunnel collapse brought things to an end.

Between the years 1875 and 1929, millions of dollars were generated from silver, gold, zinc and copper, and as many as 6,000 people lived in the west Utah community at its peak. (It also had a host of saloons, brothels and gambling halls.) One morning in 1885 the residents felt tremors and suddenly there was a massive cave-in that was felt up to 15 miles away!

The mine’s tunnels had given way under the weight of rain and snow that had fallen. The town never fully recovered, and finally gave up the ghost by the 1920s. (Some mining started up again in 2002, however.)

Today, visitors to Frisco can:

• View the charcoal kilns that are on the National Register of Historic Places
• Read the names and epitaphs at the cemetery
• See the abandoned wood and stone structures and old mining machinery
• Enjoy the beauty of the San Francisco Mountains

Nearby Camping: Lions Club Campground

If you are looking for a rustic boondocking experience, this is the place for you. In nearby Milford, Lions Club Campground has a half a dozen spaces and a couple of water spigots and not much else except for a sewage dump and a box for donations. Groceries, gas and supplies are just down the road.

Ophir Historic Site , Utah

The glory days of gold and silver mining in Ophir Canyon were during the late 1800s, and they have returned to some degree.

The once-dead mining town has been revived as an historic district that consists of plenty of cool restored attractions. These include houses and a post office as well as a shoemaker’s shop and a fully furnished train.

These history-minded folks have done a great job piecing together a realistic picture of the past. It’s like an outdoor museum!

• Hop aboard for a tour of the train
• Sign the guestbook in the train’s visitor center
• Get a feel for pioneer education inside the restored schoolhouse
• Learn about the town’s biblical namesake
• Visit the nearby Ophir Canyon Educational Center

Nearby Camping: Vorwaller Homestead and RV Park

Vorwaller Homestead and RV Park is quiet and peaceful, despite being located on Main Street in the town of Tooele. There are full hookups, and it is walking distance to shopping and dining. Some sites are dirt, some paved. You may share the shaded grounds with some long-term tenants.

Sego Ghost Town, Utah

Coal mining in Utah? Yes, there was.

A rancher named Harry Ballard made the discovery in the early 1890s. He started up a small mining operation, but then sold out to a group of Salt Lake City investors who expanded production, eventually to the tune of 800 tons a day!

They built a store and a boarding house and some other buildings, but before long the water supply dried up. The mine, which was in a narrow, winding canyon, was closed in 1947.

Today, visitors to Sego can:

• See the ruins of remaining buildings
• Learn about the miners’ history with union organization
• Check out the intriguing message on the tombstone in the southwestern corner of the cemetery
• Experience the amazing rock formations and Native American art in Sego Canyon

Just a half-hour’s drive from National Arches Park, Ballard RV Park and Vacation Rentals has wide gravel spaces as well as super-clean restrooms and showers. Some sites are slanted from side to side, however. Take advantage of the canyon trails and keep an eye out for grazing antelope!

We love visiting deserted places as often as possible on our travels. By visiting these ghost towns in Utah, you’ll get a new perspective on the olden days. You may not find yourself being haunted, but you’ll certainly have some new stories to tell!

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Ultimate Guide To Visiting Grafton Ghost Town: What To Expect

Are you interested in visiting Grafton ghost town? Look no further as we discuss how to get there, what you can expect to see, and more!

Get ready to saddle up and journey to Grafton, a ghost town nestled in the heart of Utah.

As experienced explorers of ghost towns, we have had the opportunity to visit several abandoned towns and places throughout the US. But one visit to Grafton, and it has truly captured a place in our hearts.

With its rich history and ghostly remnants, this town is a must-visit for naturalists and history buffs alike. So grab your hat and boots, and let’s go on an unforgettable journey to the past to see this ghost town near Zion National Park.

History of Grafton Ghost Town

Grafton was a small farming community in Utah, settled in 1859 by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The church members became hard-working farmers who planted various crops to sustain themselves and to sell for a livelihood. Cotton was particularly in demand then.

The town grew as more settlers came from Salt Lake City to join the community.

The initial Mormon pioneer settlement from 1859 was about a mile downriver from where it currently sits. In 1862, after heavy rain caused severe flooding from the Virgin River at the original site, it moved about a mile upstream to its present location.

Life was difficult for the farmers, but they continued to work and prevail.

At its peak settlement, the community held a post office, a Mormon church, an adobe schoolhouse, a few houses, and other such buildings.

Unfortunately, flooding continued to be an issue even after moving the settlement upriver.

In 1866, the town was abandoned for the first time due to fear of Indian attacks from the local Native American tribes.

Conflicts occurred due to a lack of resources and land disputes between Native Americans and the settlers. And so, in 1866, several small towns converged into one for safety reasons.

Some of the residents moved back a couple of years later and continued to work hard on the land. But by the early 1900s, many of the residents left Grafton for good to settle elsewhere.

It was finally abandoned altogether in the early 1940s.

Map Of Grafton

Here is a map of Grafton and surrounding areas to see this ghost town’s location. As you can see, it is quite close to Zion National Park and makes for a quick day trip from there.

Directions To Grafton

This ghost town is only about a 20-30 drive southwest of Zion National Park.

Coming from the Zion National Park area, you will take the UT-9 South for almost 5 miles. In the city of Rockville, turn left onto Bridge Road.

After a short stretch, veer right onto Grafton Road (just past Smithsonian Butte Rd). Follow the dirt road for just over 3 miles to reach Grafton.

Please remember that while Grafton is public, much of the land nearby is private property. Respect the no-trespassing signs on privately owned land and stick to Grafton’s land only.

📎 Note: The only way to get here is by personal car. There are no buses or shuttles that will take you.

What You Will See In Grafton

The ghost town of Grafton is completely abandoned. All that is left on-site are small buildings, a cemetery, and a few houses.

But it certainly has a beautiful location that is to die for! The moment we saw the beautiful surroundings, it was evident why they worked so hard to stay.

Schoolhouse/Church

This multi-functional building was built in 1866. It housed the children for education as a school house, was used as a church on Sundays, and was a wonderful community space for dances and gatherings.

It was not open during our visit but was very reminiscent looking of the many one-room schoolhouses that still exist in the US.

Alonzo Russell Home

Alonzo Russell was one of the first settlers in Grafton. He was part of the initial settlement downriver that washed away in the flood. And so he moved with his family to Grafton’s current location in 1862 and built a beautiful home. The front porch was a gathering place for his family band to play.

Alonzo, a polygamist, was married to his wife Nancy, with whom he shared this house. But he was also married to Nancy’s sister, Louisa, who had a smaller home nearby.

The inside of the home was empty of any furnishings, but you could visualize what the living situation might have been like.

Louisa Russell Home

As Alonzo’s second wife, Louisa had a smaller log cabin directly across from her sister’s home. Louisa had nine children, six of whom were raised in this cabin.

Talk about not having any privacy!

Grafton Utah Cemetery

The small cemetery is located about 1/2 mile from the town of Grafton itself and contains what is believed to be 74-84 gravesites. Many of the sites no longer have gravestones.

Most of the graves will be from “normal” causes of death. The elderly, those taken by illness, and high infant mortality rates are the types of reasons many are in the cemetery. But there are a few notable exceptions, including a child who was drug by a horse and the Berry brothers.

The Berrys were a husband-wife duo, along with a brother, traveling home when Native Americans attacked them. Even though Grafton was not their home, it was the county seat at the time. So the bodies were delivered and buried here.

📎 Tip: If you are doing a Southwest adventure, Tombstone also has a great cemetery that is worth a visit .

What Is The Best Time To Visit This Mormon Ghost Town

Grafton is open year-round.

Spring and fall will provide the best weather with comfortable temperatures from the mid-60s° F to the mid-80s° F. We went in September, and it was a beautiful, pleasant, sunny day.

Summer can get downright scorching, averaging around 100° F. If you go during this time, take precautions and bring lots of water.

Winter is a possibility, with averages around 55° F. But be aware that winters could bring some snow and rain. The roads may become impassable at that time as they are unpaved.

How Much Time Do You Need

There are only a handful of structures still standing. Even with us taking numerous photographs and leisurely looking around and reading the interpretive signs, we were there for only an hour or two.

It is safe to say a couple of hours would be ample time for you to read all the plagues, visit each structure, and swing by the cemetery. You could certainly do it in less time as well if you are just passing through.

If you blocked off 3 hours in your itinerary, that would be sufficient to drive there and back from accommodations close to Zion and give you plenty of time to look around.

Know Before You Go

Here are some important things you might want to know before your visit.

Entrance Fee

It is free to visit Grafton. There is a donation offering box that provides money to the Grafton Heritage Partnership Project for the continued upkeep of the ghost town.

Amenities Available

There are no services in Grafton. No place to eat or drink. No restrooms or fuel.

Fortunately, as mentioned above, you are only about 30 minutes out of Springdale and can make a quick trip back to civilization if the need arises.

Where To Stay Near Grafton

There are not any accommodations directly in Grafton. We have picked out several options in Springdale, right outside Zion National Park.

Luxury 💵 💵 💵 – Cliffrose Springdale

Located just 8 miles from the national park, this accommodation has mountain views and a fantastic outdoor entertainment area. You can’t go wrong with a pool, garden, and outdoor fireplace when you need some downtime from hiking and exploring.

➡️ Check Rates & Availability at Cliffrose Springdale

Mid-Range 💵 💵 – Novel House Inn

Called the Novel House Inn because each room is decorated with a famous author in mind; these rooms are quaint and quiet. Family-run, this inn has an antique charm to it.

➡️ Check Rates & Availability at Novel House Inn

Budget 💵 – Zion Park Motel

This clean and budget-friendly motel has everything you need. Only one mile from the entrance to Zion National Park, the beds are comfy, and the staff is polite. There is an outdoor pool and sun terrace if you have some downtime.

➡️ Check Rates & Availability at Zion Park Motel

📎 Tip: If you want to visit Grafton, along with several national parks like Zion, then St. George, Utah, is actually a great hub .

Items To Bring To Grafton

As Grafton is a ghost town and there are no amenities, we suggest you bring these items to make the most of your time.

• Sunscreen : Grafton is located in an area with plenty of sunlight. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by bringing sunscreen with a high SPF rating.
• Water : Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in arid regions. Bring ample water to keep yourself hydrated throughout your visit.
• Comfortable footwear: The terrain around Grafton can be uneven, with gravel and dirt paths. Opt for sturdy and comfortable footwear, such as hiking boots or closed-toe shoes, to explore the area comfortably.
• Insect repellent : As with many outdoor locations, it may have its fair share of bugs. Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects by bringing insect repellent.
• Snacks and food: Pack some snacks and light meals to keep yourself energized during your visit.
• Camera or smartphone: Grafton offers picturesque views and unique photo opportunities. Capture the beauty and history of the town by bringing a camera or smartphone with a good camera.
• Comfortable clothing and hat : Dress comfortably for your visit, considering the weather conditions. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, and don’t forget a hat to shield yourself from the sun.

Notable Spots To Visit Near Grafton

While in the Grafton area, we think these parks should definitely be on your list to see.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a perfect name for what it is, pink-hued dunes situated in Utah. Red sandstone is located nearby the dunes. High winds pick up the sandstone debris and drop it onto the sand dunes, giving them a pink tint.

Activities include photography, hiking, camping, off-roading, and even sandboarding.

The park is located about 45 miles from Grafton.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder located not too far from Grafton.

The park is known for its unique geological formations called hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that create a stunning and otherworldly landscape.

Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing after dark.

The park is located about 92 miles from Grafton.

Zion National Park

If we are being honest, this is probably why you are in the area already. It is more likely that you planned a trip to Zion and are looking for other things to see in the area on the side. Hence, visiting Grafton.

Just in case, let us say you should not miss Zion National Park . Zion canyon is gorgeous in every aspect, and a trip to the area would not be complete without at least one day here.

Activities include hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing (amongst many other things to keep you busy).

The park is located about 8 miles from Grafton.

FAQs About Grafton And Utah Ghost Towns

Let’s answer some questions about Grafton!

Is Grafton Ghost Town Worth Visiting?

Yes, Grafton is worth visiting for its historical significance and stunning views. The ghost town offers a unique glimpse into the lives of early settlers and has been well-preserved. Visitors can explore the town’s structures and learn about its past. Additionally, the town’s location provides a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape, making it a great destination for naturalists and photographers.

What Movies Were Filmed In Grafton, Utah?

A handful of movies have been filmed on location in Grafton over the years, including the first-ever outdoor talking movie, In Old Arizona.  Ramrod and The Red Fury can also be added to the list.  But the most famous was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman, which won 4 academy awards. 

What Is The Mormon Ghost Town Near Zion?

Grafton is the well-preserved Mormon ghost town located near Zion National Park in southern Utah. The town was settled in 1859 by Mormons and abandoned in the early 1900s. Today, visitors can explore the remaining structures, including a schoolhouse and several homes, and learn about the town’s history.

How Many Ghost Towns Are In Utah?

It is estimated that Utah has over 100 ghost towns, each with its unique history and story. Many of these towns were once mining or railroad communities that were abandoned as their industries declined. Today, some of these towns are preserved as historical sites, while others are nothing more than a few remnants of buildings and structures.

Why Is Grafton Utah Abandoned?

Grafton, Utah was abandoned due to a combination of factors, including flooding, disease, and conflicts with Native Americans. Economic changes, such as the decline in the local cotton industry also impacted the town. By the early 1900s, the town was largely abandoned, with only a few families remaining until the 1940s.

To Finish – Ultimate Guide To Visiting Grafton Ghost Town

Even though it is relatively tiny, Grafton ghost town is a great choice for one of your half-day trips while exploring this area of Utah.

National parks can be crazy busy, and heading out for a few hours to visit this attraction may be just what the doctor ordered to get some peace and solitude away from the crowds.

Please Share If You Enjoyed!

Jenny Sullivan, owner of Traveling In Focus, is a national park travel expert with a photography degree who has been traveling around not only North America for more than 30 years but also exploring abroad since the age of 13. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of travel through national park guides, planning tips, and photography tricks.

Her latest adventure is an extended RV trip throughout the U.S. and Canada that has her exploring some hidden gems that are sure to end up on your next bucket list.

• Welcome Traveler
• Arch Canyon & Hotel Rock 4×4 Trails
• Beef Basin, S.E. Utah
• El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Central New Mexico
• Hole in the Rock 4×4 Trail
• Overland Trail
• San Rafael Swell Century Mine Tour (Southern Loop)
• San Rafael Swell Northern Loop
• Skyline Drive, Central Eastern Utah
• The Great Western Trail
• The Kokopelli 4×4 Trail
• The Old Spanish Trail
• The Pony Express Trail
• The Transcontinental Railroad Route
• Utah Converse
• Utah Traverse
• 2011 Freeze Your Tail Off
• Home is where the houseboat is: a week on Lake Powell, 2009 – Alex
• Comb Wash, Snow Flat, Arch Canyon, 2009 – By Dave A
• Capitol Reef NP and the Swell, Late Winter ’09 – By Greg G
• Swell or Bust – December 2007 – By Kurt W
• Glade Park, Dolores River, Onion Creek and the La Sals Mtns, 2008 – By Greg G
• Dinner With The In-Laws: Elk Ridge to Canyonlands 2008 – By Ryan H
• July 4th San Rafael Swell and Robbers Roost,2008 – By Paul R
• Lake Powell via Blue Notch Canyon/Piute Pass, 2006 – By Alex
• Ghost Towns

Northern Utah Ghost Town Tour

Dr. Stephen L. Carr is a ghost town legend in the Mountain West, particularly Utah where he authored the Historical Guide to Utah Ghost Towns following his popular Utah Ghost Rails book. His works quickly became the ultimate resource for Utah ghost town and rail road history aficionados and is still a fantastic resource for ghost town explorers and researchers to this day. Several ExpeditionUtah members were able to take a the equivalent of Ghost Town 101, taught by the charismatic Dr. Carr and hosted by the University of Utah Lifetime Learning Program. Early classes included class room lectures along with a one-day tour covering some of the best ghost town sites in Nothern Utah, a tour we strive to share with ghost town lovers. Sadly, Dr. Carr passed away in 2014, leaving a void throughout the ghost town community.

Richville (Benson Mill)

(Iosepa update: visit the Utah Ghost Town Project site report in Iosepa)

(Ajax update: Sadly the cellar and store structure posts can no longer been seen at the site. In the recent years an overzealous farmer dozed the stores depression level with the surrounding, these destroying all remnants of the sites rich history. A historical marker still designates the site and is worthy of a visit.

This tour can easily be competed in a Saturday, plan on 6-8 hours to adequately visit each site and absorb the sites and sounds. Barring any snowfall, the trip is possible year round in a passenger 2wd vehicle. The Benson Mill at Richville, Iosepa and the Camp Floyd State Park facilities are seasonal and you’re be advised to call ahead to verify hours and availability.

Grafton Ghost Town

• Posted in Free Activities
• Updated October 14, 2018

While at Zion National Park in southern Utah, we decided to check out a ghost town. Our boys are still talking about Sego , the last ghost town we visited on a trip to Moab. Grafton Ghost Town is just a few miles from Zion and Springdale which makes it a perfect excursion.

The town of Grafton was established as a cotton mission. Brigham Young called missionaries to southern Utah to grow cotton after the Civil War. Many towns were established, and most survived, but Grafton was abandoned due to heavy flooding of the Virgin River and the outbreak of the Blackhawk War.

Grafton was a pretty important town for a while, even serving as the county seat of Garfield County. Its population peaked right around 1866 when there were nearly 30 families living there.

Recently, Grafton has been refurbished. Several buildings including a few farms and an old school have been upgraded, and orchards have been restored around town. This gives the town a much different feel from the truly abandoned town of Sego that we visited along I-70. Each of the buildings has windows and there are interpretive signs that tell a bit of the history of Grafton.

Make sure to stop at the Grafton cemetery as well. There are well-marked graves of several of the settlers there, and a few Native Americans have been buried in this cemetery as well. (Remember to be respectful of those who have passed at this site.)

Grafton can be found a few miles from the town of Rockville. You access the town via a dirt road, which passes a historic bridge that is worth making the trip for even without the ghost town. If you’d like to see something a little different in the Zion area, Grafton Ghost Town is for you.

Watch for Bridge Road in Rockville, Utah on Highway 9. It’s on the South side of the road and there is a small Grafton sign on the Stop sign as well. You’ll know you are heading the right way if you cross an old bridge. After you cross the bridge, turn right onto Grafton Road (there is another Grafton sign pointing the way to go).  You will travel on this road for about 2.9 miles (there is one fork in the road where you need to stay left. Watch for the Grafton sign!).  You will then see a sign for the Grafton cemetery. We pulled over and visited the cemetery first. When you are done looking at the old gravestones, continue down Grafton road and you will arrive at the ghost town. It’s a dead end road, so you’ll have to head back the way you came.

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Latuda Ghost Town – Utah

The Trek Details

The Trek in a snapshot

Trek Planner Maps

Trail map .

GPS Coordinates

Bridge: 39.70607, -110.95382 Hotel: 39.7059, -110.95516 Building Foundations: 39.70649, -110.95545 Foundations: 39.70658, -110.95468 Buildings: 39.70696, -110.95468

Experience. Discover. Explore.

Follow along on our adventure then go out on your own!

Latuda was a very small town that sprung up around August 1917 when a man by the name of Francisco (Frank) Latuda bought land here.  He bought the mining rights to the coal seems and eventually more buildings were erected and a post office was built.  The original name of the town was called Liberty, but it changed to Latuda when they got a post office.  The small town had a hotel, doctors office, school, and many homes for the miners.  At the height of Latuda, there were 400 people living in the canyon.

The coal mine, which operated in Latuda, was called the Liberty Mine, and it was operated all the way to 1954 and eventually the mine entrance was caved in.

All that remains are some building foundations, an old bridge, and some coal tailings.  I didn’t want to get too close since there were some “no trespassing” signs, so I just took some pictures from far away.  Please also be respectful and don’t trespass.

I found a newspaper article in the Salt Lake Mining Review from December 12, 1927 stating that the Liberty Fuel Company spent $175,000 building a tipple in Latuda. Source.

Personal Thoughts

Latuda was kind of neat to see. It's your typical "boom and bust" mining town. I'm glad that many of the foundations are still visible.

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April 9th, 2021 – My name is Brad Stone. I’m 67 years old. And always wanted to go the Latuda, Utah, where my Mom, Ranae Davis Stone was born. So on Friday, April 9th I rode my motorcycle up to Latuda from Salt Lake City, where I live. My Mom was born in Latuda in 1923, about 5 years after the town was settled. She was one of 4 girls in her family. Her Dad, Levi Washington Davis, worked in the Liberty Mine. In 1927 they decided to move to the adjacent town of Peerless, where they lived in a …  Read more »

Thank you very much for sharing part of your history, Brad

Most insignificant and boring history I’ve read in a while. At least jazz it up with some horror stories or amazing thing. Zzz… Zzz…

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An old cellar maybe?

Just north of I-70, tucked in the Book Cliffs is Sego Ghost Town. The town was inhabited from 1910-1955 and came into existence when a local, Henry Ballard from Thompson, was exploring the area and found an exposed vein of coal. Being a sharp businessman, Ballard bought up the land and began mining the coal. He sold his interests in 1911, and by 1912 a railroad spur was completed to the then named Neslen. The railroad spur and mining brought a post office and growth to the town that was re-named Sego in 1918 after the beautiful sego lily's that flourish in the canyon.

Due to poor quality and quantity of water, the town never flourished beyond a few hundred people at most. Though high coal production occurred from 1920 to 1947, costs finally outgrew profits and the town dwindled. A flash flood sometime in the 1950's laid waste to the few people remaining.

Today, the area has several old foundations and wooden structures. Most interesting is a large stone building that is still in fairly good shape. Remains of the old railroad cuts and trestles are also still visible. I first visited in the late 1990's and was last there in 2013. Just in that 15 or so years since my first visit, a lot more has collapsed and become more dilapidated. Sego is a fascinating roadside attraction I would recommend visiting while the remnants are still visible and somewhat standing.

Note: The road is usually passable to all vehicles, except when wet, then it can be impassable even to 4x4s.

Old bridge with the main building in the background

Getting There

Reaching Sego involves first reaching Thompson, which is east of Crescent Junction (The junction to Moab.) Take the Thompson exit (#187) off of I-70. Go north on UT-94 N/Thompson Canyon Rd toward. Stay on this for 4.6 miles. It passes through the town of Thompson, crosses the railroad tracks, then continues into the Book Cliffs. The Sego rock art panel is on the left at about 4.1 miles. Just past the panel, after crossing the wash, take a right. This passes the Sego Cemetery. Stay left at the next junction, reaching the ghost town proper in 5.6 miles.

From the cemetery mentioned in the trailhead section, there are foundations, cellars, and other ruins all the way to the large stone building and parking area that is Sego proper. Wandering around any or all of these is very interesting.

The old wooden structure across from the stone building was a boarding house and sadly collapsed a few years ago. It was standing in 2008 when I visited, and not in 2011, so collapsed sometime in those years. The stone building was the company store, and being stone, is still holding up fairly well.

Most People Don’t Know This Weird Utah Ghost Town Even Existed

Home of Truth is a ghost town in Utah with a unique history involving a spiritualist colony founded by Marie Ogden.

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Utah has some really cool ghost towns. We wrote about six Utah ghost towns in this article , and we even created a road trip to take you to several of Southern Utah's ghost towns. Here's a ghost town you've probably never heard of. It's located near Monticello, and it has quite a history. Take a look!

Just 15 miles north of Monticello, a forgotten ghost town sits in the desert.

Home of Truth was founded in 1933. By 1937, the town was mostly a ghost town, though a few people stayed on until the mid 1970s.

Marie Ogden was a spiritualist from New Jersey who founded The School Of Truth, which sought to communicate with the dead.

Marie Ogden believed that she could receive revelation through automatic writing on her typewriter. She also believed that she could bring the dead back to life.

Marie and her followers needed a remote place where they could create a colony and practice their beliefs. Marie and a group of 22 people purchased this barren, remote property and settled in.

The compound contained three sections: The Outer Portal, The Middle Portal (shown here), and The Inner Portal. Marie taught that the Inner Portal was the center of the Earth's axis, and that anyone living there would be saved during the Second Coming of Christ.

Local residents weren't particularly worried about the cult living in the desert, since they pretty much kept to themselves. Marie purchased the San Juan Record, the the local newspaper, and used it as a forum for her beliefs. At one point, more than 100 people had joined the community.

The members of Home of Truth gave all their possessions to the commune. They did whatever Marie told them, including giving up alcohol, tobacco and meat.

Things were going fairy smoothly for the group until the death of member Edith Peshak, who died of cancer in February, 1935. That's when things started getting really weird.

Marie claimed that she was having conversations with the deceased woman and that she could bring Edith back to life. She kept Edith's body on the commune and even wrote about it in the newspaper. That's when local law enforcement got involved. They arrived to check it out in June, and found that Edith's corpse was well-preserved. They decided that there was no health hazard, and allowed the body to remain on the commune.

Marie's strange accounts of her supposed powers continued in the San Juan Review, and people began to believe that Home of Truth might be a dangerous cult.

As members started to leave, Marie claimed in February of 1937 (two years after Edith's death), that she was finally going to bring Edith back to life. Authorities showed up to insist that Marie sign a death certificate, but she refused. Eventually, it was revealed that Edith's body had been cremated back in 1935. After Marie made that public announcement, all but seven of Home of Truth's members left.

Marie stayed on the compound, offering piano lessons to local children and writing for the newspaper, which she sold in 1949. In 1975, Marie Ogden died in a nursing home in Blanding.

Though it's on private property, Utah State Route 211 goes right past the abandoned buildings. Visitors to Canyonlands National Park Needles District might catch a glimpse if they're paying attention.

Home of Truth ghost town is located on private property and isn't accessible to the public. However, the current owner is rumored to be preserving some of the buildings and may have plans to open it at some point.

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Our 5 Favorite College Towns in Utah are Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

Some of Utah's most charming college towns make for the perfect weekend away. Here are five Utah college towns that we love to visit all year long.

School pride runs strong in Utah. Even if it has been years since you went to college, you likely still hold a special place in your heart for your alma mater. You may even go back and visit occasionally (like I do!). And while visiting your old college campus will flood you with memories, it is just the beginning of the fabulous places to visit and explore. Many Utah college towns are the perfect destination for exploration and adventure and the following five are ideal for your next weekend away.

Editor’s Note: Please don’t think we have forgotten about the many colleges and universities along the Wasatch Front. We love these schools. We simply want you to explore some of the other charming destinations in Utah for a weekend getaway.

• 1. Logan, Utah

I may be a little biased but no list of the best college towns in Utah is complete without naming Logan (it is my alma mater after all). While Utah State University is a beautiful campus that sits at the mouth of Logan Canyon and features fantastic areas like the Quad and Old Main, it’s easy to spend a weekend exploring Cache Valley. If you only have a day or two, I suggest activities such as walking historic downtown, watching a performance at the Ellen Eccles Theater (which was built in 1923), and exploring Zootah , a charming small zoo. You’ll also want to spend some time in Logan Canyon (particularly in the autumn when the fall foliage is at its peak) and grab a frozen treat at Aggie Ice Cream .

2. Ephraim, Snow College

Not only is Ephraim absolutely beautiful but it is a small town that is packed with history. This town dates back to the 1850s and is nicknamed “Little Denmark” because of the diversity of people who live there. In addition to the historic buildings throughout the town, visit the Great Basin Station, a historical landmark in a renovated U.S. Forest Service research facility. I also recommend taking a scenic drive down Ephraim Canyon Road, going on a hike , and grabbing some dinner at one of the locally owned restaurants in town.

3. Price, Utah State University Eastern

Price is one Utah college town that is often overlooked, particularly for weekend adventures. While there are activities at Utah State University Eastern you can attend, this town is also home to the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum. If you want to spend plenty of time outdoors, this is a delightful place to be as this town is near Goblin Valley State Park , the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, Nine Mile Canyon , and the San Rafael Swell.

4. Cedar City, Southern Utah University

If you wish to venture down south, there’s nothing quite like a weekend adventure in Cedar City . This town is home to Southern Utah University (SUU) and there are always activities and events for you to enjoy throughout the year. If you wish to spend some time in town, learn at the Frontier Homestead State Park or admire masterpieces at the Southern Utah Museum of Art. I love to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument and hike the beautiful Red Hollow Trail . This college town is also near both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park if you want even more adventure. 

5. St. George, Utah Tech University

Yes, I know that St. George is a city rather than a town but it deserved to be on this list as it makes for one incredible weekend getaway. In fact, here there is so much to see and do that you will barely scratch the surface of activities offered in a weekend. If the weather cooperates, I recommend exploring Red Hills Desert Garden , Pioneer Park, and Snow Canyon State Park. You can also go hiking at Red Cliffs Recreation Area and play in the water at Sand Hollow State Park. Spend some time shopping at Town Square or watch a performance at Tuacahn Amphitheatre. If you become hungry, make sure you visit Croshaw’s Gourmet Pie Shop .

What is your favorite college town in Utah? Did you attend any of the colleges or universities on our list? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you.

The Historic Small Town That Every Utahn Should Visit At Least Once

Spring City, Utah, is a historic small town known for its well-preserved buildings and vibrant artistic community.

Many of Utah's small towns are full of historical significance. Many of these historic towns in Utah were settled by early Mormon pioneers, and many have interesting histories of mining or farming. Spring City in Utah is a historic small town that every Utahn should visit at least once.

The little town of Spring City is located in central Utah, near Ephraim.

To find Spring City, take US-89 between Spanish Fork and Salina; it's about halfway between.

Spring City was founded by Mormon pioneers in 1852.

James Allred and several of his family members founded the town. Later, immigrants from Denmark moved to Spring City and the town was nicknamed "Little Denmark." Today, the town is home to just under 1,000 people and 50 of the buildings here are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Many of the historic buildings here are private homes, such as the Behunin-Beck House.

Completed in 1883 by Isaac Behunin, it was sold just four years later to Simon Beck, the local postmaster who raised nine children here.

The Judge Jacob Johnson House was the largest home in town.

The original part of this house was built in 1875, with an addition added in 1892. Judge Johnson had two wives and served as both a circuit judge and US Congressman.

The Orson and Mary Ann Hyde House was home to one of the most distinguished members of the community.

Orson Hyde was one of the original 12 apostles (leaders) of the Mormon church. He had eight wives, and lived with Mary Ann and two of his other wives here. He hosted Brigham Young several times while living at this home at 209 S. Main Street.

The Niels Borreson home has a sordid history.

One of Spring City's first homes, it was built in 1864 for Niels Borreson and his three wives. He served a couple six-month sentences at the Territorial Prison in Sugarhouse for polygamy, though he certainly wasn't the only resident of Spring City to have multiple wives.

The Old Schoolhouse was constructed in 1899.

This beautiful building recently underwent an extensive renovation.

Spring City is well known for its artistic community. You'll definitely want to visit Horseshoe Mountain Pottery while you're here.

Joe Bennion offers his pottery here, and his wife, Lee Bennion is a renowned painter. Look for Horseshow Mountain Pottery at 278 S. Main Street.

While you're in town, don't miss the opportunity to dine at Das Cafe.

This adorable cafe serves up the best German food you've ever tasted. Seriously, people come from all over the state just to eat here!

The Strate's Garage Building was most recently home to the Spring City Arts Gallery.

This turn-of-the-century automotive showroom is an iconic fixture on Main Street Spring City.

These are just a few of the many historic buildings you'll find when you visit Spring City in Utah. Have you been to this charming small town? What are some of your favorite things to do in Spring City? Let us know in the comments.

When you take your day trip to Spring City, consider making it a longer getaway by staying at the historic Hollyhock House built in 1873.

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