Just north of Highway 89 sits Paria Townsite, a quiet ghost town tucked beneath surreal, rainbow-striped hills made of bentonite clay. Once a small Mormon settlement and later a filming location for classic Westerns, Paria now feels more like an open-air time capsule than a traditional ghost town.

At the end of the dirt road you’ll find a peaceful picnic area along the Paria River with a basic vault toilet. From here, you can relax by the water or cross the shallow river to explore scattered foundations and remnants of the old townsite and movie sets.

Good to know:
• River levels vary — crossings may not always be safe
• Bentonite turns slick and impassable when wet
• Pack it in, pack it out, and leave structures untouched

Although the drive from Highway 89 is dirt, its passable to most vehicles if no recent rain. I would avoid if recent rain because sections of the road are clay and they can be impassable.

If you ahve a drone, bring it to capture the rainbow hills. You can still enjoy the drive alone, even if you don't have a drone. You will still be able to see the rainbow hills.