How to Plan a Surprise Vacation for Your Family in 2025

Grafton, Utah, is perhaps the most photographed ghost town in the American West. Used as a filming location for the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, this abandoned settlement sits in the shadow of Zion National Park's towering cliffs. A visit to Grafton is an easy and rewarding day trip from our Brian Head vacation rentals.

Exploring Grafton

The town was established in 1859 and abandoned by the early 1900s after repeated flooding from the Virgin River. Today, a handful of preserved buildings including a schoolhouse, church, and several cabins stand against a backdrop of red rock formations. The Grafton Cemetery tells poignant stories of the families who tried to build lives in this challenging landscape. A short interpretive trail guides visitors through the site.

A Day Trip from Brian Head

Grafton is approximately ninety minutes from Brian Head, making it ideal for a half-day excursion combined with a scenic drive through Zion National Park. Pack a lunch from your Cabin Aspen or Sweet Mountain Retreat kitchen and enjoy a picnic near the ghost town before heading home. The drive through southern Utah's landscapes is worth the trip alone. Plan your ghost town adventure at LoveYourVacationRental.com.