Grafton | Rockville

Roadside Attraction Grafton - Rockville Roadside Attraction Grafton

Rockville

Overview

RATING: Roadside Attraction
LENGTH: 1 hour
MAPS: Springdale West, UT;

Fri

Partly sunny, with a high near 92. South southwest wind 3 to 15 mph.

92 | 63

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 7 to 10 mph.

89 | 61

Sun

Sunny, with a high near 88.

88 | 58

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 86.

86 | 58

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 84.

84 | 55

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Any

Fri

Partly sunny, with a high near 92. South southwest wind 3 to 15 mph.

92 | 63

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 7 to 10 mph.

89 | 61

Sun

Sunny, with a high near 88.

88 | 58

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 86.

86 | 58

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 84.

84 | 55

View Full Weather Details
Old house in Grafton

Old house in Grafton

Grafton was first settled in 1859 by Mormon settlers. The townsite offered amazing views of what would become Zion National Park and easy access to water from the Virgin River. Unfortunately, in 1862, the Virgin River flooded and destroyed the town. The town was rebuilt at its current location, about a mile upriver from its initial location.

The new location grew and flourished briefly, though the challenges seem daunting including floods, the risk of attacks by Native Americans, and water so full of silt that irrigation ditches had to be frequently dug out. By 1890, only 4 families were still sticking it out. Others had left the region entirely or moved across the river where Rockville, Springdale, and Virgin were established. The final residents left in 1944.

With its fascinating history and interesting old buildings, Grafton is a highly recommended side trip when visiting Zion. The town is less than 30 minutes from the east entrance to Zion and accessible to all vehicles when dry.

Diane taking in the sights of Grafton

Diane taking in the sights of Grafton

Getting There

To get to Grafton, turn south on Bridge Road in Rockville. This is on the east side of Rockville, which is about 4 miles west of Springdale on UT-9.

Bridge Road crosses an iconic old bridge, then the road divides at 0.3 miles. Go right here. At 1.3 miles another junction is reached, go right again and 2.9 miles from the old bridge, Grafton is reached.

Log Cabin

Log Cabin

Route

Once at Grafton, be sure to visit the buildings. They are generally open so you can poke your head it. The cemetery is also fascinating and worth stopping at on your way out. It is sad to note the number of residents that died at young ages.

Note: This is a fascinating place to visit. Please visit it with respect and tread lightly.

Maps

Printable Maps:

Grafton

12S 315138mE 4115473mN

N37° 10' 03" W113° 04' 56"

Grafton Cemetary

12S 315217mE 4114993mN

N37° 09' 47" W113° 04' 52"

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