Exploring Utah's Ghost Towns

STEPHANIE HOFFEE
March 13, 2024

Spring offers the perfect opportunity to head outon an adventure through Utah's fascinating ghost towns.

Silver Reef

Located near Leeds in southwestern Utah. Once a bustling mining town known for its silver deposits, Silver Reef now stands as a ghost town with well-preserved buildings and fascinating historical artifacts. Explore the old Wells Fargo Express office, the remains of the Cosmopolitan Saloon, and the Silver Reef Museum to learn about the town's past.

Thistle

Nestled in Spanish Fork Canyon. In 1983, a massive landslide caused by heavy rain destroyed much of the town, forcing residents to abandon their homes and businesses. Today, the remnants of Thistle can still be seen from Highway 89, offering a haunting reminder of the power of nature.

Grafton

One of Utah's most famous ghost towns located near Zion National Park. This well-preserved town was settled in the 1850s by Mormon pioneers but was eventually abandoned due to flooding and Native American attacks. Explore the historic buildings, including the Grafton Schoolhouse and the Grafton Cemetery.

Cisco

An eerie ghost town located near the Utah-Colorado border. Once a thriving railroad and mining town, Cisco was abandoned in the mid-20th century and now consists of abandoned buildings and cars.

Frisco

A former mining town located in the San Francisco Mountains of western Utah. Founded in the 1870s, Frisco was once home to thousands of miners and their families but was eventually abandoned as the mines dried up. Today, you can explore the ruins of the old town, including the remains of the Frisco Cemetery and the iconic Horn Silver Mine.

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