mercredi 24 septembre 2014

Zion Ghost Tours Southern Utah For Vacation

By Karina Frost


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.

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.

Many stories are told of beginning of the town. In 1859, Grafton begun, located along the banks of the Virgin River in the southern side. The original settlers called the Mormon pioneers according to history developed a cotton industry in the area as their Prophet had directed them. The Virgin River was essential for their survival but it also brought upon them calamities.

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.

All that remains of Grafton is a church, a few houses and cemetery but it still is one of the most popular and photographed ghost town. The flood in 1862 and subsequent Indian attacks in 1866 led to the abandonment of this town. The cemetery is probably the point of interest for most people as it tells a sad tale of the harsh times that were 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.

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.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire