When the weather is decent, it is the perfect time to explore the Beehive State. Why not take a ghost town road trip in Utah to see some of the remnants of our state's Wild West history? These ten towns are perfect for exploring and photography...and a few of them might just send chills up your spine.
Utah is full of cool ghost towns, and we wanted to design a trip that you could reasonably do in 1-2 days, so this trip just covers some of the towns in southern Utah - we’ll create another ghost town road trip for the northern part of the state soon!
For the full road trip details, check out this Google map and route we’ve prepared for you.
Google notes that this trip is over 14 hours long, so clearly you'll want to plan it over a few days so that you'll have time to explore each town and the many cool places nearby.
The little ghost towns of Sego, Cisco and Thompson Springs are just about five miles apart, so you can easily see all three. The towns were founded in the 1880s and were both involved in coal mining. Sego’s population declined during the 1930s; Thompson Springs still had about 40 residents during the 2010 U.S. Census.
Cisco was an important stop for the railroads - both for refueling the trains and the people (via the saloon). Like many towns in the area, when I-70 was built, traffic was diverted away from the area. Read more about this abandoned town right here.
Sulpherdale was founded in 1870 thanks to a large deposit of sulpher ore in the area. The town once included many homes, a school and mining offices (an abandoned mining office is pictured here). Sulpher production started decreasing in the 1940s, and by the 1970s, Sulpherdale was a ghost town.
Widtsoe was only in existence from 1908 to about 1936. In the 1910s, the town thrived briefly with hotels, a church, schools, shops and sawmills. The drought in 1920 had significant impact on the town, as did the relocation of the Forest Service office in 1925. In 1936, the Resettlement Administration bought out the remaining families.
In the 1870s, Paria (also called Pahreah) was home to about 47 families. The town had a general store and church and many homes. Unfortunately, the Paria river flooded regularly, destroying property and crops. After many such floods, most families moved out. The post office shuttered its doors in 1914.When you visit, you'll see why the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, where Paria is located, was named one of the most beautiful places in Utah.
Grafton is popular with photographers and is one of the most well-known ghost towns in the West. It was founded in 1859, but farming was difficult. Frequent flooding and Indian attacks led to the abandonment of the town. Starting in 1997, the Grafton Heritage Partnership began renovating several buildings in Grafton. You can visit the church, cemetery and several homes.
Harrisburg had a short, tragic history. Originally founded as Harrisville in 1859, the town was flooded in 1869 and moved farther north up Quail Creek. The new town, Harrisburg, also flooded. Indian attacks and a locust plague finished the town off by 1895. Several stone houses, including the Orson Adams Home (pictured here) still stand.
Old Iron Town (also called Iron City), had a brief history. It was founded in 1868, and was vacated by 1876. Ruins include a charcoal oven, portions of the original foundry and some building foundations.
Frisco was once a thriving silver-mining town with over 6,000 residents. The town was founded in 1879, and quickly boomed. It was known for its wild, unlawful residents (the 23 saloons in town probably didn’t help). Homicides were a common occurrence in the mid-1880s. In February, 1885 the silver mine collapsed. Most people moved out shortly thereafter. By 1929 the town was completely abandoned.
The Energy Loop, one of the best scenic drives in Utah, actually consists of two forks. From Fairview, you'll travel along State Highway 31 to the junction of State Highway 264. From there, the byway forks. You can continue along State Highway 264 to Scofield, then on to Colton. Or, head south through the Manti-La Sal National Forest along State Highway 31 until you reach Huntington. To make a complete loop, you could drive from Colton, along State Highway 6 to State Highway 10, past Helper, and down to Huntington.
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If you want to take a drive on the Energy Loop in Utah, you will be blown away by the fantastic views, but first, you should make sure you have the proper road trip snacks.
The Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways, or "Energy Loop," takes you through some of Utah's most beautiful and often under-appreciated scenery. It really is a road that should be experienced by everyone in the state and doesn't get nearly the recognition it deserves.
To make a complete loop, you could drive from Colton, along State Highway 6 to State Highway 10, past Helper, and down to Huntington, for a total of 146 miles.
This is one of the best ways to get the most out of this Utah scenic drive. To help you along your journey we made a helpful interactive map so you can customize it however you like and to fit where you want to get on and off the loop.
The little town of Fairview has a population of just over 1,200 people. This can also be the gateway for this scenic byway in Utah.
One quick stop you can make early on in your journey is the Beaver Dam Reservoir/ Benches Pond. Sit by the water, take in the view, or simply walk around for a moment and enjoy some fresh air.
You'll find interpretive signs along this scenic drive near me. This photo shows Electric Lake from an aerial view but it is just as beautiful from the ground.
Scofield was the site of one of the worst mining disasters in history. In May of 1900, a spark set off an explosion that killed 199 miners. This photo shows the old headstones of the miners who were killed, along with newer headstones that accompany each grave.
Along the way, you will pass the Ford Creek Waterfall which is viewable from the road. Then, you will enter a stunning canyon known as The Castle Gate. This section will feature towering mesas for which Utah is famous.
The Manti-La Sal National Forest covers 1.2 million acres. You will have plenty of time to drive through sections of this beautiful natural area throughout your trip on the Energy Loop.
Have you ever traveled on the Energy Loop in Utah? What are some of your favorite stops along the way? What are some of your favorite scenic byways in the state? What do you consider to be the most beautiful scenic drive in Utah? Let us know in the comments. We'd love to hear from you.
Utah is a mesmerizing state with all types of terrain. From mountains and deserts to red rocks and blue lakes, the sights throughout the Beehive State are sure to take your breath away. While there are several different ways to explore the vast landscapes offered in Utah, a scenic drive is one of the best. There are countless Utah road trip ideas. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed, that’s where we come in. Here are 12 of the best road trips in Utah and believe us, each one will make you fall in love with the Beehive State all over again.
Route: Kanab > Panguitch > Big Rock Candy Mountain > Manti > Spring City
Distance: 255 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours driving time
Highway 89, also known as the Utah Heritage Highway, is one of the best day trips you can take. This beautiful road trip will take you through small towns, past historic buildings, and to fascinating geological sites. While this highway can take you across the state, for this particular drive, you will travel from Kanab to Spanish Fork. It is one scenic drive in Utah you may want to travel over and over again. And it just goes to show that quick road trips in Utah can be just as fun as long journeys.
Route: Zion National Park > Bryce Canyon National Park > Canyonlands National Park
Distance: 330 miles
Trip Time: 5.5 hours driving time
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If you are up for a truly incredible road trip, spend your weekend in three national parks — or three canyons in Utah — in just three days. This is one of our favorite weekend road trips in Utah. It takes you from Zion National Park to Canyonlands National Park or vice versa. While you certainly won’t be able to see all that each national park has to offer during your one-day visit, prioritize the attractions you want to see the most and this will become one special adventure.
Route: Toquerville Falls > Red Cliffs Recreation Area > Zion National Park > Cedar Breaks National Monument > Panguitch Lake > Bryce Canyon National Park > Fish Lake
Distance: 275 miles
Trip Time: 6.5 hours driving time
There’s no doubt that southern Utah is breathtaking. And while there are destinations like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park (both are stops on this road trip!), there are even more southern Utah destinations that will make you fall in love with the Beehive State all over again. From waterfalls to overlooks to lakes, this is easily one of the best road trips in Utah.
Route: Arches National Park > Canyonlands National Park > Natural Bridges National Monument > Capitol Reef National Park > Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument > Bryce Canyon National Park > Zion National Park
Distance: 830 miles
Trip Time: 15 hours driving time
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Utah is known for the Mighty 5 — the five breathtaking national parks in the state. If you want to tackle the ultimate adventure, consider this Utah road trip itinerary. It will take you to all five national parks in the Beehive State, as well as two of the most popular national monuments. This definitely isn’t a short road trip — you’ll travel approximately 830 miles — but you will view some of Utah’s most inspiring natural beauty.
Route: Legends Motor Co > Young Living Lavender Farm > Yuba State Park > Cluff’s Carhop Cafe > Cove Fort > The Creamery > Red Reef Trail
Distance: 273 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours driving time
This drive is one that most Utahns have taken multiple times but it will encourage you to stop at many gems along the way. From unique museums to historic sites to hikes, there is something for everyone on this Utah road trip. While the drive itself is approximately five hours, we recommend you break this road trip into multiple days so you can truly enjoy every single stop and not feel rushed.
Route: Hatch Family Chocolates, Salt Lake City > Carol’s Pastry Shop, Salt Lake City > Spilled Milk, Salt Lake City > Flake Pie Co., South Jordan > The Scoop!, West Jordan > Blox Dessert Bars, American Fork > Simply Cheesecake, Provo
Distance: 54 miles
Trip Time: 1.5 hours driving time
Spring in Utah may mean wet and muddy or blue skies and sunshine — you never know. So, for one of the best road trips in Utah during this time of year, let your taste buds celebrate the change in seasons by tackling this magical Utah dessert trail. You will travel to seven delicious shops from downtown Salt Lake City to Provo. Whether you are in the mood for chocolates, pastries, ice cream, pie, etc., you’ll get a taste on this journey.
Route: Battle Creek Falls > Scout Falls > Stewart Falls > Bridal Veil Falls > Grotto Falls
Distance: 66 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours driving time
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There is something completely refreshing about waterfalls on a hot summer day. If you are searching for the best summer road trip in Utah, this road trip itinerary will take you to five waterfalls in a single day. In less than 70 miles, you will visit breathtaking destinations like Scout Falls and Grotto Falls. Just make sure to bring your hiking boots as some waterfall views do require a bit of a hike to enjoy.
Route: Big Cottonwood Canyon > Guardsman’s Pass > Midway > Heber Valley > Sundance > Alpine Loop > Little Cottonwood Canyon > Top of Little Cottonwood Canyon
Distance: 100 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours driving time
Fall in Utah may be one of our favorite times of the year and this scenic road trip will take you to several of the best destinations for leaf peeping. You’ll drive through areas like Big Cottonwood Canyon, Sundance, and American Fork Canyon — each breathtaking during this time of year. At just under 100 miles and three hours of driving time, you could easily complete this drive in an afternoon, but we suggest you take your time, especially if you time your drive just right and explore this route during peak fall foliage. There’s nothing like the gold, red, and orange hues out of your car window.
Route: Ogden > Roy > Layton > Salt Lake City > Park City > Midway > Heber > Provo > Spanish Fork > Helper
Distance: 192 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours driving time
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There’s no better way to welcome in the holidays than with a road trip to some of the best Christmas towns in Utah. Driving through Ogden to Helper (or vice-versa), you will visit up to 10 towns in Utah that sure know how to get into the holiday spirit. This is one trip where we suggest visiting at least one town per day so you can fully partake in all of their holiday festivities. This is one of the best road trips to take in Utah around the holidays.
Route: George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park > Natural History Museum of Utah > Museum of Ancient Life > Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry > Utah Field House of Natural History Museum > Dinosaur National Monument
Distance: 295 miles
Trip Time: 5.5 hours driving time
Whether you are a dinosaur lover yourself, you have a young dinosaur enthusiast, or you just want to learn a little more about the Beehive State, this dinosaur-themed road trip in Utah is one every member of the family will enjoy. With some of the most incredible and popular dinosaur attractions in Utah like George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park and the Quarry Exhibit Hall at the Dinosaur National Monument, this Utah road trip itinerary will take your entire family way back in time.
Route: Dead Horse Point State Park > Delicate Arch, Arches National Park > Goblin Valley State Park > Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Reef National Park > Pando, Fishlake National Forest > Bryce Canyon National Park > Coral Pink Sand Dunes > Zion National Park >Buckskin Gulch
Distance: 550 miles
Trip Time: 11 hours driving time
To help you enjoy some of the best natural wonders and other landmarks found in Utah, you’ll want to tackle this breathtaking road trip in southern Utah. Taking you from Dead Horse Point State Park to Buckskin Gulch Trailhead near the Utah/Arizona state line, you’ll see many of the most breathtaking and highly recommended natural wonders and landmarks in this area of the state. This is one trip you certainly won’t want to rush through.
Route: Mountain Green > Morgan > Coalville > Wanship > Oakley > Kamas > Francis > Heber > Midway > Alpine
Distance: 117 miles
Trip Time: 3.5 hours driving time
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Utah’s small towns are the heart and soul of this state. With this Utah road trip itinerary, you will visit some of the most charming small towns that are also near several recreation opportunities. From Mountain Green all the way to Alpine, this route may be one that you rarely explore.
Have you experienced any of the above road trips? What do you think are the best road trips in Utah? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to print out your Utah road trip map for your next adventure!
During your travels keep an eye out for a great place to stay. Here are some of our favorites throughout the state:
