10 Must-Visit Utah Ghost Towns With a Rich History

Ghost towns are not exclusive to Texas and California. Yes, for instance, states like Utah have their fair share of these intriguing relics as well, and what’s so impressive about them is their historical depth. You won’t believe the stories of many of these towns and how they transformed from bustling communities into deserted remnants. We’ve handpicked for you 10 of these ghost towns in the Beehive State, each with a past that will captivate you. So grab your map, and let’s discover the secrets buried in these forgotten places.

Once a booming hub for silver mining, this legendary Utah ghost town was established in 1875. Frisco thrived around the Horn Silver Mine, one of the richest silver mines in the US. The town had around 6,000 residents at its peak, and it quickly became known as the “wildest mining town in the West.” This is because it was notorious for lawlessness, daily brawls, and saloons lining its streets. It was all chaos that a sheriff was eventually appointed to maintain order.

The success of Frisco declined after a disastrous mine collapse in 1885. This marked the beginning of the abandonment of the town. If you’re planning to visit Frisco today (which you should), you’ll have the chance to explore remnants of its historic charcoal kilns. These were essential for Frisco’s metal smelting processes. They are listed today on the National Register of Historic Places.

On top of that, the Frisco Cemetery and scattered mining equipment are a must-see. They’re an illustration of the ghostly past of the once-thriving Utah town.

2. Thistle

Thistle was made a ghost town not a long time ago. It wasn’t until 1983 that all the drama unfolded with a devastating landslide that hit the town. Before that, it was a thriving railroad in Spanish Fork Canyon that was established in the late 1880s. Thistle was essential for refueling and supplying trains on the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad.

Over the years, the town grew to include a schoolhouse, homes, saloons, and even a small rail yard. However, the importance of Thistle declined as steam engines gave way to diesel trains. By 1982, only a few families remained.

Circling back to the most devastating event that hit Thistle, it was in the spring of 1983 when unusually heavy rain and melting snow caused a massive landslide that dammed the Spanish Fork River. It led to a flood that submerged the whole town. While the area was evacuated, the town was underwater within days. This resulted in one of the most expensive natural disasters in US history.

Today, you’ll have the chance to view the eerie, half-submerged remains from US Route 6, with foundations and the schoolhouse barely visible above the murky water.

Grafton is a picturesque ghost town located near the famous Zion National Park. It has a history marked by resilience and hardship. The town was originally a farming community established by Mormon settlers in 1859. It was plagued by frequent flooding from the Virgin River, which led to a complete relocation in 1862. Despite efforts to establish orchards and support the community, Grafton struggled with isolation, limited arable land, and tensions during the Black Hawk War in 1866, which led to a temporary evacuation. Many families eventually moved to nearby Rockville, where conditions were more favorable.

Grafton’s population had dwindled by the early 1900s. In 1944, its last residents departed. Today, the town is famous for its well-preserved structures, including a schoolhouse, cemetery, and chapel. Grafton is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The fact that it was the filming location for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and other movies makes it the perfect destination if you’re drawn to cinematic history.

The memory of Grafton is kept alive thanks to restoration efforts by the Grafton Heritage Partnership.

4. Silver Reef

When prospector John Kemple discovered silver embedded in sandstone around the late 1800s, it was a highly unusual ecological find in Utah’s Silver Reef. This has definitely turned the area into a unique mining town. Silver Reef was officially established in 1875. The town quickly expanded as miners and entrepreneurs arrived. This transformed it into a bustling boomtown.

Home to around 2,500 residents at its peak, Silver Reef boasted a mile-long main street with multiple businesses, including a Wells Fargo office, which still stands today and now houses a museum. The town continued thriving up until the 1880s. This was when a global decline in silver prices and challenges with flooding mines led to Silver Reef’s decline. Most operations ceased by 1891, and the town was gradually abandoned.

You’ll be able to witness remnants of Silver Reef’s storied past today, including the Wells Fargo building, the jail, and the stone kilns that were once used for ore processing. As for the museum, it provides you with a glimpse into the rich history of this Utah town, preserving the legacy of this rare silver-in-sandstone discovery.

Due to its mining history, Mercur saw multiple boom-and-bust cycles. The town was originally established in the 1870s as Lewiston and was later renamed Mercur after a vein of cinnabar (mercury ore) was discovered in the area. It truly prospered in the 1890s when a gold ledge was discovered, and Mercur became famous for pioneering the cyanide process for gold extraction. This in itself revolutionized mining in the United States.

During its heyday, Mercur housed a thriving community of around 5,000 people and became known for its bustling main street and a tight-knit Italian immigrant population who introduced local traditions, like Columbus Day celebrations.

Mercur faced devastating fires in 1896 and 1902, yet it was rebuilt each time, though it finally succumbed to economic pressures in 1913 when gold production became unprofitable. Today, Mercur has been almost completely erased by modern strip mining operations, with only the Mercur Cemetery remaining as a haunting reminder of the town’s past. The cemetery is accessible to visitors and offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who endured Mercur’s boom-and-bust cycles in pursuit of fortune in the rugged Utah landscape.

6. Alta

This one began as a bustling silver mining town in the 1860s. It was known for its rich silver deposits in Little Cottonwood Canyon, where it quickly grew to house thousands of miners and developed a lively main street with saloons and hotels. However, Alta faced several setbacks, including an economic downturn, wildfires, and a devastating avalanche in 1885. All of these collectively led to its decline. By 1895, the town was nearly abandoned, and it experienced only brief mining resurgences in the early 20th century before becoming a ghost town by the 1930s.

In 1938, the Utah town found new life. This was when the area’s deep snow and mountainous terrain attracted attention for ski resort development. With assistance from Norwegian ski legend Alf Engen and the U.S. Forest Service, the first ski lift opened in 1939, and Boom, Alta is turned into a premier ski destination.

The Alta Ski Area is still even popular today, where it offers world-class powder skiing, lodging, and recreational activities year-round.

Whether you want to explore the remnants of Alta’s mining past or you’d like to enjoy the modern ski facilities in town, both of these options are within your reach if you visit this historic ghost town in Utah.

In the 1880s, Cisco began as a railroad town. It served as a vital water and supply station for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. Thanks to the fact that it was located along key rail lines, the town also supported the region’s cattle and sheep industries. How did it exactly do that? By simply acting as a hub for livestock operations.

With the discovery of oil and natural gas in the 1920s, Cisco saw a surge in development, including a post office, general store, and schoolhouse. All of this sustained the town well into the mid-20th century.

However, the rise of diesel engines and the construction of Interstate 70 in the 1970s diverted traffic away from Cisco. And then, the decline began. It was the unavoidable eventual abandonment. Today, you can still see Cisco’s haunting, sun-bleached remnants, including the empty buildings, a general store, and the original post office. They’re still standing, and the atmosphere they create draws both artists and film crews alike. Recently, an artist residency and a small store have brought life back to town, where a few residents now continue its story as a re-emerging artistic enclave.

Visitors today can view these remnants of a once-thriving town along Interstate 70 but should respect the private properties within Cisco’s limits.

8. Modena

Supporting the steam engines on the Utah and Nevada Railway: this was the main objective of establishing Modena in 1899. Located in Iron County, near the Nevada border, this Utah town grew so fast as a key stop for freight and water supplies. The economic activity in town expanded through the early 20th century, serving local ranchers, miners, and travelers moving between Utah and Nevada.

It developed a vibrant main street with hotels, saloons, and the notable B.J. Lund General Store, which you can still see today.

With the advent of diesel engines and the bypassing of Modena by major highways, the importance of the town dwindled. This led to its near abandonment. Though it has faded significantly, Modena still attracts visitors with its preserved historic buildings, such as the ruins of the Last Chance Saloon and its small cemetery.

Ophir is named after the biblical land rich in precious metals. It was founded in the 1860s after soldiers stationed at nearby Camp Douglas discovered silver deposits in the area. By the 1870s, the town boasted a population of around 6,000 people and was known for its lively atmosphere, with saloons, brothels, and dance halls lining its streets. Ophir thrived on mining silver, lead, zinc, and copper, though its prosperity began to wane as ore quality declined and easier opportunities lured miners elsewhere.

Today, Ophir has transformed into a well-preserved “living ghost town” with a handful of residents and carefully restored historic buildings, including an original town hall and a cluster of old structures with mining artifacts on display. The town attracts history enthusiasts, who can explore its mining-era streets while respecting private properties.

10. Sego

This unique Utah town is known for its coal mining past rather than the gold and silver rushes typical of the region. In the early 1890s, rancher Harry Ballard discovered coal seams in the area and began small-scale operations. By 1911, he sold the mine to investors. This was when the town grew with the establishment of a company store, boarding houses, and infrastructure to support a thriving coal industry. However, water shortages, labor disputes, and economic challenges consistently hampered Sego’s growth. In 1947, the mine closed, and decline began.

If you visit the town nestled in the scenic Sego Canyon, you’ll be able to explore the town’s remnants. This includes the stone company store, collapsed boarding houses, and an old cemetery. You’ll also witness in the area ancient rock art from Native American tribes. This would be interesting if you love to explore the cultural depth of the regions you’re visiting.