It can be difficult to choose a nice place to go to for vacations. Most people think the beach is overrated and international travel is not appealing. If you are in this category of people, Zion ghost tours southern Utah is for you. Ghost towns in the vicinity of the Zion National Park sound interesting. The landscape is graced with amazing canyons that you will find enticing.
Silver reef is one of the two known ghost towns in Southern Utah. Silver reef was mining a mining town with silver deposits plentiful there. Despite a fire in 1879 that destroyed most of these buildings the residents rebuilt it. Facing a drop in the price of silver in 1884, the mines were closed and it was and consequently the town was also relocated
The other ghost town here is Grafton. It is an inspiration for people wishing to catch a glimpse of early life. The beauty of this town lies in its historic homes which can still be seen, green pastures and an amazing view of this Virgin River. It is located on the southern side of Zion Park and has also appeared in a few Hollywood films.
There are vivid tales about the origin of the ghost towns. Grafton was begun in the year 1859 on the southern banks of Virgin River. According to history, the original settlers were Mormon pioneers who established a cotton mission in this area in accordance to directions from Prophet Brigham Young. The establishment of this town along Virgin River was a blessing and curse at the same time.
The story is told that in the year 1862, there was heavy rainfall lasting for forty consecutive days. The result was massive flooding of this river which eventually washed the town away. It had to be relocated about a mile northwards. Industries were then built for cotton and silk spinning which sustained the town until its abandonment in the 1920s.
The 1862 flood coupled with attacks from hostile communities in 1866 led to abandonment of this town eventually. What was left was an old church, a cemetery and a few old houses. The cemetery however is one of brilliant attractions of Grafton as it is a story of sad state of affairs in the 1800s.
The ghost town tours are favorable for the whole family including for the young ones. There are strolling areas and even photography enthusiasts will find the place conducive. In addition, it is a chance to remind you of the far that we have come in history. The state of roads requires a 4WD and as much as it is tempting to take the tour alone it is ill advised. Tour guides are available to show visitors around at a small fee.
A guide shows you around, entertains you and gives you more information about the ecology, geology and history of this area. There are several tour guide operators in the area. You may want to choose the best based on their customer reviews in their websites. The tours are limited to a certain number of people per trip so it is prudent to can in first and book in advance.
Silver reef is one of the two known ghost towns in Southern Utah. Silver reef was mining a mining town with silver deposits plentiful there. Despite a fire in 1879 that destroyed most of these buildings the residents rebuilt it. Facing a drop in the price of silver in 1884, the mines were closed and it was and consequently the town was also relocated
The other ghost town here is Grafton. It is an inspiration for people wishing to catch a glimpse of early life. The beauty of this town lies in its historic homes which can still be seen, green pastures and an amazing view of this Virgin River. It is located on the southern side of Zion Park and has also appeared in a few Hollywood films.
There are vivid tales about the origin of the ghost towns. Grafton was begun in the year 1859 on the southern banks of Virgin River. According to history, the original settlers were Mormon pioneers who established a cotton mission in this area in accordance to directions from Prophet Brigham Young. The establishment of this town along Virgin River was a blessing and curse at the same time.
The story is told that in the year 1862, there was heavy rainfall lasting for forty consecutive days. The result was massive flooding of this river which eventually washed the town away. It had to be relocated about a mile northwards. Industries were then built for cotton and silk spinning which sustained the town until its abandonment in the 1920s.
The 1862 flood coupled with attacks from hostile communities in 1866 led to abandonment of this town eventually. What was left was an old church, a cemetery and a few old houses. The cemetery however is one of brilliant attractions of Grafton as it is a story of sad state of affairs in the 1800s.
The ghost town tours are favorable for the whole family including for the young ones. There are strolling areas and even photography enthusiasts will find the place conducive. In addition, it is a chance to remind you of the far that we have come in history. The state of roads requires a 4WD and as much as it is tempting to take the tour alone it is ill advised. Tour guides are available to show visitors around at a small fee.
A guide shows you around, entertains you and gives you more information about the ecology, geology and history of this area. There are several tour guide operators in the area. You may want to choose the best based on their customer reviews in their websites. The tours are limited to a certain number of people per trip so it is prudent to can in first and book in advance.