Grafton Ghost Town is an abandoned settlement in Rockville, Utah, known for its adobe schoolhouse and well-preserved Russell home. About 4.8 miles from Petty Ranch in Springdale, it makes a nearby outing focused on southern Utah history and rural landscapes.
- Location: southwest of Rockville town center
- Access: follow Bridge Road south from SR 9 through Rockville
- Historic highlights: an adobe schoolhouse and the Russell home
- Trail from Rockville: 3.3 miles one way, or 6.6 miles round trip
Why Grafton Is a Springdale Side Trip
Grafton gives you a look at an abandoned settlement just outside Springdale’s Zion-focused attractions. First settled in 1859, the townsite is now a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
The preserved buildings and open landscape make the history visible on the ground. Scenes from the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, including its bicycle scene, were filmed at Grafton. If you’re planning time in town as well, things to do in Springdale can help you shape the rest of your visit.
Sand Hollow State Park offers another destination to include in a Springdale day trip.
How Do You Get to the Historic Settlement?
To reach Grafton from SR 9, drive through Rockville, turn south onto Bridge Road, cross the Virgin River, then follow the signs and keep right at intersections. The townsite is a few miles southwest of Rockville town center.
The Grafton Heritage Partnership Project, a volunteer-led nonprofit that works to preserve the historic townsite, provides the driving directions. The access road is a dead end and can become impassable in a hard rainstorm. Before setting out, check the official site before you go for current access information.
The cemetery is on the left as you approach the townsite along the access road. The Grafton Heritage Partnership gives the townsite coordinates as 37°10′02″N, 113°04′48″W.
What Can You See at Grafton?
The adobe schoolhouse and the Russell home are two of the townsite’s defining historic buildings. The schoolhouse was built in 1886 and last used as a school in 1919.
Grafton’s history and film connection offer context for a visit, but the site remains an abandoned town rather than a staffed attraction. The available descriptions identify these buildings as features of the townsite; they do not establish which buildings are open for interior visits.
You can also hike to Grafton from Rockville: the route is 3.3 miles one way and 6.6 miles round trip. Visit Utah recommends spring and fall for the trail and advises carrying water or sports drinks. The route crosses open country, which gets hot during the day.
Road Access and Respecting the Site
Grafton has no services, water, power, or toilets, so plan to arrive prepared. The access road ends at the townsite, and there are no facilities there for replenishing supplies.
Some parts of Grafton are private property. Stay out of fenced areas and obey No Trespassing signs; preserving the site means respecting both its historic structures and property boundaries.
FAQs
Where is Grafton Ghost Town?
Grafton Historic Townsite is in Rockville, Utah, a few miles southwest of the town center.
Is there a hiking route to Grafton?
Yes. The route from Rockville is 3.3 miles each way, or 6.6 miles round trip. It crosses open country, so carry water or sports drinks.
Are there services at the townsite?
No. Grafton has no services, water, power, or toilets.