Silver Reef Ghost Town
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Explore Silver Reef Ghost Town near Leeds, Utah, a once-thriving mining town uniquely built on silver-bearing sandstone. Founded in 1875 and abandoned by 1891, this historical gem offers a fascinating glimpse into the Wild West's mining past, scenic views, and family-friendly activities.
Camping: Dispersed camping is available in nearby Dixie National Forest. Leeds and St. George also offer RV parks and campgrounds with amenities like drinking water and restrooms.
Fees: Entry to the museum requires a nominal fee, but walking around the town site is free.
Elevation: 3400 ft
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Historical
Exploring
Have you been here?
Nestled in the red rock landscape of southern Utah, Silver Reef Ghost Town in Leeds stands as a testament to one of the most unusual mining booms in American history. Unlike other mining towns, Silver Reef prospered from silver deposits found in sandstone — an anomaly that puzzled experts of the time.
Founded in 1875 during a rush for its silver-bearing rock, Silver Reef grew rapidly, boasting a Main Street lined with saloons, general stores, and a Wells Fargo office. By 1891, the town faced decline due to depleted mines and plummeting silver prices.
Today, visitors can explore remnants of this historic town, including restored buildings and mining ruins. The Silver Reef Museum, housed in the old Wells Fargo building, provides educational exhibits and guided tours. Walking paths around the town site reveal breathtaking views of red sandstone formations and native desert flora like sagebrush and juniper trees.
Wildlife enthusiasts may spot desert lizards, jackrabbits, and hawks circling overhead. Photography buffs will appreciate the stunning contrast of vivid red rock against Utah’s expansive skies.
Website: www.SilverReefUtah.org | wikipedia.org
Silver Reef Ghost Town
Utah
Washington County
37°15′10″N 113°22′4″W
1903 Wells Fargo Rd, Leeds, UT 84746
Directions: From the north (Cedar City/Salt Lake City) traveling south on I-15: Take I-15 south to Exit 23 for Leeds/Silver Reef, which exits at a "T" on Silver Reef Road. Turn right and travel west up Silver Reef Road toward the red cliffs area, about 1-1/2 miles. From the south (St. George/Las Vegas) traveling north on I-15: Take I-15 north to Exit 22 for Leeds/Silver Reef, about 15 miles north of St. George. Drive north on Main Street through the Town of Leeds for about 1.3 miles. Turn left at the sign for I-15 north on Silver Reef Road. Stay on Silver Reef Road, do not get back on I-15, and continue under I-15 west toward the red cliffs area, about 1-1/2 miles. You will see signs for the Silver Reef Museum and the Cosmopolitan Restaurant. From Silver Reef Road turn left at the “y” in the road. That becomes Silver Reef Drive and continue for about ¼ mile to the Museum on the right at the corner of Silver Reef Drive and Wells Fargo Drive.
Silver Reef Ghost Town - Leeds, Utah