Old Paria Townsite
Explore the remnants of a frontier settlement and filming location amidst stunning, colorful desert landscapes. A unique historical stop with challeng...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Old Paria Townsite
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remnants of a frontier settlement and filming location amidst stunning, colorful desert landscapes. A unique historical stop with challenging access.
"A neat ghost town with beautiful scenery, but be careful with your vehicle and the weather!"
🚗 4x4 Recommended
A 4x4 or AWD vehicle is highly recommended, especially for reaching the cemetery. Flash floods are a serious risk!
💧 River Crossing
Be prepared to cross the Paria River. It's usually shallow, but check conditions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historical Marker
Intersection of Route 89 and Paria Movie Road
Learn about the area's first settlement established in 1865 by Peter Shirts. A quick stop to stretch your legs and soak in history.
Paria River Crossing
Access to the old stone buildings
Cross the shallow Paria River to reach remnants of the town, once inhabited from 1870 to 1929 and a filming location.
Unique Scenery
Throughout the site
Admire the stunning 360° views and gypsum-coated riverbanks that create an otherworldly, colorful landscape.
Paria Cemetery
Further into the site
A restored graveyard offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers. Requires careful navigation of creek beds and inclines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle Choice is Key
Embrace the Ghost Town Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 Recommended
A 4x4 or AWD vehicle is highly recommended, especially for reaching the cemetery. Flash floods are a serious risk!
💧 River Crossing
Be prepared to cross the Paria River. It's usually shallow, but check conditions.
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant colors of the landscape are stunning. Bring your camera!
🗺️ Use GPS
Google Maps can help navigate the site, especially when finding the cemetery.
Kanab sightseeing advice
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended
A 4x4 or AWD vehicle is highly recommended, especially for reaching the cemetery. Flash floods are a serious risk!
💧 River Crossing
Be prepared to cross the Paria River. It's usually shallow, but check conditions.
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant colors of the landscape are stunning. Bring your camera!
🗺️ Use GPS
Google Maps can help navigate the site, especially when finding the cemetery.
☀️ Avoid Flash Floods
Always check the weather and avoid visiting during or after heavy rain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Old Paria Townsite to be a unique historical site with stunning, otherworldly scenery, particularly the colorful gypsum-coated riverbanks. While not a traditional ghost town, its history as a settlement and filming location, along with the cemetery, offers intrigue. However, access can be challenging, with a strong recommendation for 4x4 vehicles and caution advised due to flash flood risks.
"Found this historical marker off Route 89 dedicated to the first settlement in this area by Peter Shirts in 1865. Located at the intersection of Route 89 and Paria Movie Road. This plague was erected in 1997 by the Kane Company by the “Daughters of Utah Pioneers.” It’s an interesting stop along the way and a good place to get out and stretch your legs and for Geocachers, there are two geocaches close by."
Thomas B
"This was a nice place to go to. The scenery was beautiful all 360° You have a small hike, cross a river(only 6 inches deep right now.). Worth the hike, and have a picnic or so. The road out is maintained well, until you get closer to the cemetery, then use caution you run into creek beds to cross.( Not that i would do it but i did see a RV in there). So take your time and enjoy the family trail."
Roland Brown
"I had a fun time exploring this beautiful unique area.
You will need to cross the Pariah River to get to the old stone buildings.
It was inhabited from 1870 to 1929 and later used as a filming location. One film being The Outlaw Josey Wales in 1975.
The riverbanks are coated with soluble white gypsum."
Stewart Carnes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Paria Townsite is located off Highway 89, near the intersection with Paria Movie Road. The road to the site is unpaved and can be rough, especially closer to the cemetery. A 4x4 or AWD vehicle is strongly recommended.
No, the road is primarily a maintained dirt road. While some sections are good, it can become challenging, particularly when approaching the cemetery area with its creek beds and inclines.
It's generally advised against visiting in a standard car, especially if you plan to explore further into the site or reach the cemetery. A higher clearance and 4WD/AWD vehicle is best.
Using GPS, like Google Maps, can be helpful for navigating the site and finding specific points of interest like the cemetery.
Old Paria Townsite is located near Kanab, Utah, which offers access to attractions like Zion National Park, Toadstool Hoodoos, and Belly of the Dragon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit the Old Paria Townsite. It is a historical area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is open to the public.
The Old Paria Townsite is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours, but it's advisable to visit during safe daylight conditions, especially considering potential flash floods.
No, tickets are not required, and advance booking is not necessary for Old Paria Townsite as it is an open historical site.
Visitors should be mindful of the environment, avoid disturbing historical remnants, and be aware of flash flood risks. Proper vehicle choice is also a key consideration.
Camping is not typically permitted within the immediate Old Paria Townsite area. However, there are BLM campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities in the surrounding Kanab area. Always check BLM regulations for specific areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a historical marker, remnants of old stone buildings, the Paria River, unique colorful landscapes with gypsum deposits, and the restored Paria Cemetery. It was also a filming location for movies like 'The Outlaw Josey Wales'.
It's more of a historical site and former filming location than a traditional ghost town with many standing structures. The main remnants are the cemetery and some stone foundations.
There are opportunities for short walks and exploration around the site, including crossing the Paria River. The terrain can be uneven, especially near the cemetery.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain and potentially crossing a shallow river. Comfortable clothing for outdoor exploration is recommended.
There are no developed facilities such as restrooms or visitor centers at the Old Paria Townsite. Plan accordingly and pack out everything you pack in.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique geological formations, colorful gypsum-coated riverbanks, the historical cemetery, and the vast desert landscapes offer fantastic photography opportunities. The light can be particularly beautiful in the morning and late afternoon.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the vibrant colors of the landscape.
Drone usage is subject to BLM regulations. It's essential to check the latest rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area. Generally, flying over sensitive historical sites or in areas with wildlife may be restricted.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details in the cemetery or distant formations. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of the river.
The entire area offers scenic views. Exploring around the river crossing and the cemetery will provide diverse photographic subjects. The historical marker itself is also a good photo op.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain and Safety
When exploring on foot, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven ground and potential river crossings. The Paria River is typically shallow, but its depth can vary. Remember that there are no developed facilities like restrooms at the site, so plan accordingly and carry out all trash. The historical nature of the site means you should tread lightly and respect the remnants of the past.
Historical Significance and Filming Location
The landscape itself is remarkable, characterized by colorful, gypsum-coated riverbanks and unique geological formations. The stark beauty of the desert environment, combined with the historical context, makes Old Paria a compelling stop for those interested in the American West's frontier history and its portrayal in film.
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