Rediscovering Grafton: A Modern Journey Through the Zion Area's Historic Frontier | Utah

Explore the historic ghost town of Grafton, Utah, and the stunning landscapes surrounding Zion National Park. This updated journey uncovers hidden gems, scenic views, and the rich pioneer history that shaped the region.


In this updated exploration, we journey to Grafton, Utah—a small ghost town rich with pioneer history, nestled just outside the majestic Zion National Park. Once a thriving settlement established in the 1860s, Grafton now stands as a silent witness to the hardships and resilience of early Mormon settlers. Its abandoned homes, old church, and cemetery tell the story of lives shaped by the Virgin River’s floods, conflicts with Native American tribes, and the challenges of frontier life.

Our adventure through Grafton showcases the iconic red rock backdrop that made it a popular filming location for classic Westerns like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. As we walk through the remains of this town, you'll see how nature and time have transformed these historic structures into monuments of the past. The scenery is striking—desert landscapes, looming cliffs, and the quiet beauty of an area that has remained largely untouched for over a century.

Beyond Grafton, the surrounding landscapes of Zion National Park offer an abundance of natural wonders. From panoramic vistas to hidden trails, we explore the less-traveled paths that reveal breathtaking overlooks, lush canyons, and vibrant sandstone formations. This video brings you closer to the quieter, often overlooked areas that capture the spirit of the Old West while immersing you in the grandeur of southern Utah’s wilderness.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply curious about the untamed beauty of the region, this updated journey through Grafton and Zion will leave you with a deeper appreciation for both its heritage and its awe-inspiring scenery.


VIDEO FILMED: 07/23/2024

▬▬ R E L A T E D V I D E O S ▬▬
⚪    • Return to THE NARROWS: Our Unbeatable...  
⚪    • GRAFTON - Heaven in the Shadow of Zio...  

▬▬ L O C A T I O N I N F O ▬▬
⚪ GRAFTON GHOST TOWN - https://graftonheritage.org/
⚪ Directions to GRAFTON GHOST TOWN - https://goo.gl/maps/JdT9cW5MYwMxm2sMA

▬▬ T I M E S T A M P S ▬▬
00:00 Unwinding from the Narrows and What's Next?
12:19 Grafton, Utah
37:16 Wild Goose Chase

▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
⚪ Gear we use - https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecactus...
⚪ onX Offroad App - https://alnk.to/gKQ0FLG
⚪ See where we've been - https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mi...
⚪ Music from Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

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Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.

Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!