Old Pahreah, Utah

Old Pahreah may not have very extensive ruins, but the site is one of the most beautiful I have found. Nestled among the cottonwoods along the Paria river (note the different spelling), with a backdrop of dramatic redrock cliffs, are the remains of this Mormon ranching and farming community founded in the late 1800's.

The turnoff to Old Pahreah is on Highway 89, about halfway between Kanab and Page. A dirt road goes about 5 miles north (passing through a phony "ghost town" movie set), to where it ends on the west side of the Paria River. The site of Old Pahreah is on the east bank of the river and is accessed by wading across the river. At the time of my visit (1988), the site was open to the public. I have not returned since then, so I cannot vouch for the current condition or accessibility of the site.