Thursday, September 25, 2014

All About Zion Ghost Tours Southern Utah

By Karina Frost


When thinking of taking a vacation the most difficult part is choosing the where. For some people the beach is overrated and probably nature is more enticing. If this is you, Zion ghost tours southern Utah is the best option. The beautiful weather and canyons gracing the Zion National Park and the ghost towns of the 1800s will surely be more than an experience.

One of the two ghost towns in Southern Utah is the Silver Reef. It was originally a mining town blessed with abundant deposits of silver. A fire in 1879 brought down many buildings which were rebuilt later. The town however did not survive the drop in the world market prices for silver which led to closing down of the mines and an eventual relocation of this town.

Grafton is another town in southern Utah located just at the southern entrance of Zion Park. It offers a glimpse into the life of the ancient settlers of the town. It boasts of historic homes coupled with green pastures and a beautiful view of these banks of Virgin River. The town has been used as a setting of several Hollywood movies.

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.

According to history, there was massive downpour for forty days continuously in 1862. The river flooded massively sweeping away their homes and farms. As a result, Grafton had to be relocated northwards about a mile. Much later, industries for cotton and silk spinning were built which continued to sustain the lives of residents until 1920s when it was abandoned.

The flood of 1862 and consequent attacks by the Indians in 1866 contributed to the eventual abandonment of this town. All that remains now is an old church house, a number of houses and a cemetery. The cemetery is one of the most inspiring places in this town as it tells a story of sorry state of life in the 1800s.

Tours of ghost town is suitable for the whole family including the young ones. There are abundant strolling areas and photography fans are not left out. It is also a chance to learn the life that people lived in the last few centuries as well as educate on strives of humanity through out history. The roads are in a bad state however and a four wheel drive is necessary. A tour guide is advisable when taking the trip.

You will find your visit enjoyable with a guide as they entertain and show you around. There is so much to learn from them in terms of history, ecology and geology of this area. There are plenty of tour guide companies and one has to choose the best. Customer reviews are available from their websites is a good place to start. Remember to call in and book in advance.




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